Buddy Trusts

[Tombo]

Hi,

 

Is anyone interested in this idea? Ive struggled for years to get through to other IT managers at other Trusts.

 

Sometimes its great but most of the time they don't want to know.

 

So im pitching for buddy trusts. Is there a Trust in the West Midlands, Derby, Nottingham, Coventry, Tamworth interested in this?

 

We would ideally like a couple of trusts we could talk with about IT and what they are using and what problems they face.

 

We would like to visit the site, see things in action and vice versa have them visit us.

 

Our Trust is quite small but is mixed primary, secondary and a sixth form centre so it wouldn't matter if you were a trust of just primary or just secondary.

 

Moving forward i think it would be great to get other departments involved like finance and see how they can share ideas.

 

If anyone is interested please let me know, i'll even provide biscuits when you visit us.

 

Thanks

[Andrew_C]

departments involved like finance and see how they can share ideas.

Be VERY careful here... Years ago our Bursar with other bean counters from similar schools had regular meetings/emails etc. in an attempt to keep fees DOWN. Despite this, the Monopolies Commission took a dim view...

[Tombo]

I was thinking more of what systems they use and any issues with them. I don't think we would be looking to purchase across multiple trusts or schools. If we were planning a system change it would be nice to speak with other trusts to help us reduce the number of potential options. I'll keep your'e thoughts in mind though.

[kglwolves]

I would be happy to have discussions and are open to sharing ideas. Always good to see how other Trusts do things and agree there is a benefit to this.

[TechMonkey]

Could you not start discussions and raise issues here? Wider audience, greater wealth of experience and more chance of responses?

[DavR]

Have you considered joining your local ANME group? They have regional face-to-face meetings once a term, which are good for the sort of conversations you're considering.

 

Disclaimer - yes, I am a member

 

Between them and good old EduGeek, the networking and discussion opportunities have been invaluable for me.

[Tombo]

Yeah i can and i will continue to do so. I just feel it misses out on that personal touch. If im walking through another school and see something or a question just pops up i can ask, on here i have to sign in check the board etc. I just think it will enhance the experience for both parties.

[Tombo]

I'll look into i didnt see why i wouldnt.