Making Efficiency Gains – Some Ideas for Schools to Consider

Schools have historically had in place systems to ensure that ‘best value’ is routinely obtained, for example, seeking comparative quotes when procuring items of high value or the use of central purchasing (ESPO / ESPO Contracts). Schools more than ever, are aware of the ‘3 E’s’ that are economy, efficiency and effectiveness.

Below is a list that we have brainstormed of areas where schools may be able to make efficiency gains, be they cash-savings or non-cash savings (e.g. savings in staff time). This list is not exhaustive – we’d certainly be pleased to hear of other areas that you may have considered. We can be contacted by e-mail at SavingsSuggestions@leics.gov.uk

The purpose of this is not necessarily to justify to you that these suggestions will improve practices in your particular case, but simply to put ideas into your head of potential for streamlining practices. Suggestions may work in some cases, but not in others. It may be that you have already taken on board several of these suggestions.

Of course, some suggestions would require the school to incur additional costs (e.g. acquisition of a safe) and, in such cases, schools need to appraise whether this extra monetary cost will lead to worthwhile savings in staff time (e.g. less frequent bankings).

In theory, non-cash savings (e.g. savings in staff time) become cash savings in time as staff can be more effectively employed on other duties that would otherwise need to be undertaken through alternative resources

View the Efficiency gains ideas in more detail in this word document.