Loughborough Schools Foundation

Overview

Nick was appointed in April 2021 to manage the selection, procurement and implementation of a single MIS System to replace 4 separate SIMS Solutions across a multi-school Foundation. The implementation reduced the number of ancillary systems whilst improving functionality and integration, making financial savings, and improving accuracy, efficiency and parental engagement.  The procurement phase was completed in July 2022 and iSAMS was selected following a thorough and detailed selection process. The project successfully went live in April 2023 following the successful merging of eight source databases and 14 smaller data sources. The Schools are already recognising the benefits of the new system and Loughborough Schools Foundation is now an iSAMS Reference Site.  

By allowing for a large number of ancillary systems to be decommissioned, the iSAMS project will reduce costs sufficiently to more than pay for itself over the next 5 years. 

Procurement Process

• Identify Loughborough Schools Foundation’s Requirements

• Approach MIS Suppliers likely to meet the requirements

• Run Tender process

• Shortlist Suppliers for Demonstrations based on Tender Responses

• Manage the Demonstration Process in COVID secure way without compromise, including interactive discussion with each supplier

• Select a preferred partner

• Agree on Contract terms

Implementation Process

• Identified MIS Project Team 

• Managed the initial Data Transfer process 

• Scheduled, Managed and Contributed to the process using product knowledge and experience to guide the Team to achieve the requirements, and remain flexible to opportunities that may arise

• Developed a WIKI knowledge base to capture information and training materials generated by the project to inform the business long into the future

• Deliver exceptional value.

• Manage and refine the main Data Transfer process, pulling data from the eight databases and multiple other sources into a cohesive and accurate dataset - tailored to ensuring that Loughborough Schools Foundation's Data Analytics goals could be reached using Power BI 

• Identified Testing Requirements

• Managed the Testing Process

• Planned Training 

• Managed the Training Process

• Managed risks 

• Liaised with the stakeholders and executive team

• Ensured the successful delivery of the project - with a view to all areas of the Foundation

Next Steps

Following the success of the iSAMS MIS project, Nick was retained to procure and deliver a replacement Payroll and HR System. During the Procurement Phase, LSF Selected MHR iTrent, and Nick has been working with the LSF HR and Payroll Teams to transition from entirely separate HR and Payroll Systems to a fully integrated HR and Payroll solution. This system successfully went live in May 2024. 

Nick continues to be retained by the Loughborough Schools Foundation and is currently working on implementing a reporting solution that will continue the digital transformation of the schools and maximise the benefits that the schools obtain from the new systems. 

Examples

Please see these examples where Nick has helped other Schools achieve their goals

• Testimonials

• Case Study: Eastbourne College & St Andrews Prep 

• Case Study: Loughborough Schools Foundation

• Case Study: Lord Wandsworth College 

Contact

If you are looking to change your organisation's MIS or HR and Payroll Solution, please contact me here or on LinkedIn.