SHINE Academies has used S4S HR consultancy since it’s inception in 2015 (and before as a standalone school). The consistent support from a named HR Rep is invaluable, and acts as an extended part of the MAT central team.

During the last 7 years, the MAT has completed several TUPE consultations, restructures and complex HR case work. The Senior HR Consultant has worked hard to understand the requirements of the Trust and work with senior leaders to understand the intricacies of individual schools, as well as the ethos that underpins the MAT. The relationship that I, and other Senior Leaders within the MAT, have with the HR consultant, is one of openness and transparency, allowing for a relationship built on shared values and mutual respect.

Working with an external company for HR rather than employing someone directly, means that the knowledge extends beyond one individual, providing confidence that we receive the best advice regardless of the uniqueness of the case. The MAT is continuously updated with legislative and policy changes to aid day-to-day running of the schools. This has been evermore critical during the pandemic.

The support that we receive from the HR Consultancy service has been invaluable to SHINE Academies.

Acocks Green Primary has always placed the greatest importance on the sound functioning of its finance team. With the recent departure of our Strategic Business Manager, we decided to outsource this service to S4S, and it has proved to have been an excellent decision. S4S offers clients the highest quality personnel to cover all aspects of school financial management, and our weekly visits onsite have kept all the cogs running efficiently. Relationships are integral to this service and I would fully recommend S4S to other schools looking for the highest quality service, catering for the individual needs of the school.

Manor MAT is a Trust of 9 primary schools.

Services4schools have provided us with outstanding financial support. They have done so much for us! They have: ensured we have met all Trust Handbook regulations; transformed our management accounts making then accessible and useful for all stakeholders; supported the completion of all ESFA returns; provided Individual budget support to all our heads and leadership teams; supported end of year audit and much more. Their service has been exceptional in every respect and I would highly recommend them to any academy

“The specialised, bespoke services that S4S provide to St Martin’s Multi Academy Trust is excellent. Their professional, knowledgeable approach enables our Trust to manage all resources efficiently and effectively. Their professional advice is invaluable to our Central team. They understand the need for tight deadlines and will produce reports and benchmarking data to complement our monitoring processes. They are a very proficient and professional Company.”

The service provided by the Clerk from S4S is second-to-none. She is always well prepared with a raft of informed advice. As a new Headteacher I have found her support invaluable in weaving my way through the world of Governance. She is knowledgeable and is always there at the end of an email! The Clerk offers advice about other services our Governing Board can benefit from and is highly efficient as a Clerk. We know we have a great deal!