DfE / ISBL SBM Training on ICFP

Aims

This training will reference and help to meet the following knowledge descriptors from the ISBL Professional Standards across the Lead Practitioner Level:

[1.23] Can draw on relevant school or trust management information data to contribute to school or trust improvement, monitor performance and manage risk.

[2.43] Can lead on the implementation of DfE and sector-endorsed tools (e.g. VmFI, Benchmarking, SRMSAC, SFVS and ICFP).

[2.47] Can analyse data to identify trends.

Summary

The DfE’s Stakeholder and Engagement team have reached out to a group of local council SBM Networks, including our Southwark SBM Network, to offer fully-funded training in partnership with the ISBL. The training focuses on 12 core areas of the School Business Leader role. Currently we are only able to request training in one of these areas, and this area will be Integrated Curriculum Financial Planning (ICFP).

About this session

The session will focus on:

• What is ICFP and what is its purpose.
• The benefits of utilising ICFP and its impact in ensuring efficient resource use in schools and trusts.
• How to accurately calculate and analyse key metrics.
• The importance of benchmarking and utilising threshold data.
• How to identify efficiencies and potential issues in the school’s resource use.
• The importance of context to ICFP interpretation and how this influences choices and decisions.
• How to use ICFP data to make recommendations to assist strategic decision-making.
• How to ensure senior leaders, governors and trustees can effectively interpret and utilise ICFP data to ensure the efficient use of school resources.

How to book onto this training

The session will be taking place on Wednesday 10^th September 2025 at Southwark Council (Tooley Street) and the time is to be confirmed. Booking is limited to 30 places and they will be offered on a first come first served basis.

To book onto the training, please follow these steps:

1. Complete this registration form, provided by the DfE: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=7bwH6zoQtUy9MMupcD7yoJ47PP4PsbNHuya5CNonwnVUOFBGWEcySUxPTjVRNUU0Q1k4QjJJT0xXTS4u
2. Book a place on the course via this course page.

If you have any questions regarding the training, please contact Fiona Brown (fiona.brown@southwark.gov.uk).