
Operational Excellence for Education
How Operational Excellence (OpEx) for Education can help solve your schools’ funding and resource issues
This session by ISBL explores Operational Excellence (OpEx), a proven methodology for improving efficiency and delivering high-quality services across all non-teaching processes. The session will provide the key findings from the innovative ISBL Operational Excellence (OpEx) research and insights into how OpEx in Education can be delivered within any school, trust or group of schools.
It will cover the principles of OpEx, its application in schools and trusts, and practical steps to embed continuous improvement while enabling teaching excellence.
TAKE HOME POINTS
· Insight into the latest research
· Implementation framework for school leaders
· Information on training and development
THIS SESSION IS FOR SCHOOL BUSINESS LEADERS WHO:
SBLs whowant to have a strategic impact across the whole of their setting as well as increasing their influence and recognition as an expert practitioner.
IN THIS SEMINAR WE WILL EXPLORE:
Why OpEx is fundamental to addressing funding pressure and ensuring resource optimisation in schools, trusts and groups of schools.
How to use the ISBL OpEx for Education framework as a guide and starting point for incremental improvements and capacity gains.
How OpEx can help school business professionals gain more recognition as critical leaders in our school system.

Emma Gray
About the speaker
Emma Gray is the founder of 1st Pillar Limited, a consultancy dedicated to empowering school business leaders to drive operational excellence and strategic growth. With 20+ years of experience in education business leadership, Emma’s expertise spans finance, risk management, project delivery and school operational effectiveness. As a school resource management advisor (SRMA) and lead practitioner in ISBL's Operational Excellence, she has worked with a wide range of schools and trusts, helping them navigate the complexities of school business management while supporting their school business leaders. Emma is an advocate for practical solutions that enhance both organisational performance and pupil outcomes. A passionate speaker and consultant, Emma is known for her engaging, insightful approach to leadership in education.