Neil Cufley is the director of operations and finance at Royal Russell School in Croydon, South London, UK and is the chair of the Independent Schools’ Bursars Association. The Royal Russell School educates 1200 pupils, including boarders, and they also operate schools in China, Lithuania and soon in South Korea.
Neil suggests that “a positive culture” is the magic ingredient which makes a school thrive. And he believes his role is to create an atmosphere in which every member of the support staff team “feels valued, trusted and heard”. So how does he bring that about?
Departments, such as the commercial enterprise team, have been restructured to create clear pathways for career progression. People are thanked and their success, loyalty and commitment are celebrated at every opportunity. The chefs are encouraged to visit top hotels, street markets and local butchers to keep abreast of new developments and innovations in hospitality and catering. Staff compete in sports teams and take part in fun games at an annual gathering of the 250+ support staff.
Listen to this podcast and find out more about these and other strategies which combine to create a positive working culture at The Royal Russell School.