Business Support Services

High Performing Team Statement

What is a High Performing Team Statement?
A High Performing Team Statement is a short, shared description of the behaviours and ways of working that define how a team operates effectively together. It sets out the standards the team holds itself to in areas such as communication, collaboration, accountability, and decision-making.


Unlike a vision or mission, it focuses specifically on how the team works together day-to-day, helping to create clarity, alignment, and mutual expectations among team members.


Question 1. How will we work together as a team?
Question 2. What behaviours will support our work as a team?

We operate as one cohesive team with clear shared goals and accountability. We communicate openly and proactively, building trust and creating inclusive working environments. We assume positive intent, learn from our experiences, and maintain strong connections with our schools, bringing professionalism, positivity, and clarity to everything we do.

Ways of Working

1. Communicate Clearly and Proactively

  • We communicate openly, positively, and in a way that supports understanding
  • We avoid unnecessary technical language and explain systems and processes clearly, including the purpose behind them
  • We share information early and regularly, using short, targeted updates (“micro-comms”) where appropriate
  • We ensure key information reaches school leaders in a timely and usable way

Supporting Practices

  • Use micro-communications to share concise, relevant updates
  • Provide clear explanations of systems/processes (including “why this matters”)
  • Send key messages/nudges to Heads for inclusion in school briefings

 

2. Build Trust and Work with Positive Intent

  • We assume good intent in all interactions
  • We are open about challenges and mistakes, focusing on learning and improvement
  • We create respectful, inclusive environments where colleagues feel able to contribute
  • We prioritise trust and shared outcomes over individual or team silos

Supporting Practices

  • Encourage open information sharing across teams
  • Use learning-focused discussions following issues or mistakes
  • Model respectful, inclusive behaviours in meetings and communications

 

3. Align Around Shared Goals and Accountability

  • We work to clear, shared goals, expectations, and responsibilities
  • We prioritise Trust-wide objectives over individual team priorities
  • We take ownership of outcomes, not just tasks
  • We collaborate across HR, Finance, IT, and Communications to deliver joined-up support

Supporting Practices

  • Set and review shared team objectives regularly
  • Clarify roles, responsibilities, and ownership for key workstreams
  • Use cross-team working groups for joined-up delivery

 

4. Stay Connected to Schools

  • We maintain regular, purposeful contact with schools
  • We check in proactively rather than waiting for issues to arise
  • We ensure schools understand what we do and how to access support
  • We tailor communication and support to meet school needs

Supporting Practices

  • Schedule regular school check-ins
  • Develop and share “Meet the Team” profiles for each school
  • Use consistent communication channels for accessibility and clarity

 

5. Work Together Effectively

  • We use in-person meetings where needed to ensure clarity and avoid misunderstandings
  • We collaborate to solve problems rather than passing them between teams
  • We share knowledge and expertise to strengthen collective capability

Supporting Practices

  • Hold in-person or live discussions for complex or sensitive issues
  • Encourage cross-team problem-solving sessions
  • Share updates and insights across teams to avoid duplication

 

6. Continuously Improve Services

  • We actively seek feedback and use it to improve services, systems, and processes
  • We use both structured and quick, informal feedback methods
  • We focus on both feedback (what has happened) and feedforward (what can improve next)
  • We build feedback loops into new systems and processes from the outset

Supporting Practices

  • Run service surveys at appropriate intervals
  • Use short-form feedback tools for quick insights on services and systems
  • Embed feedback loops into new initiatives and processes

 

7. Foster a Positive and Sustainable Working Environment

  • We bring professionalism, positivity, and good humour to our work
  • We support work-life balance and wellbeing across the team
  • We create opportunities for connection through team and Trust-wide activities
  • We celebrate diversity and inclusion through shared experiences

Supporting Practices

  • Organise team socials and events (e.g. Christmas Get Together, Eid Lunch, etc.)
  • Promote wellbeing initiatives (e.g. wellbeing week)
  • Encourage informal opportunities for connection and team cohesion
     

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