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initiative supported by:

Cantilever: social change through partnerships

Events Management at Tottington

High School

Group of students standing outside

 It all started with a desire to run the school's end of year ball and now Tottington High School in Lancashire run their own enterprise to manage events in the school and in the local community.  An enterprise company was working with the school to set up activities that would both motivate students and help staff see how they could deliver enterprise learning within the curriculum. 

Motivation wasn't an issue - the end of year school ball just HAD to be a success!

The students were keen to run the school's end of year ball and so it was decided to form an enterprise to do it.  The students involved were all motivated - the event had to be successful!  Once they started planning, they found that there were opportunities for organising other events in the school and the local area.

Through talking to people and auditing what was going on locally, they found a lot of potential for managing, or helping out with the management of, events such as summer fairs, craft exhibitions, drama performances, and also for creating new local events. There was a particular need for activities for young people in the evenings.

Close up of five students

There is a strong tradition of trading locally in their village.  People in the community use local shops and businesses because they know this is the way to keep the small village community economically viable.  They were therefore confident of getting support for their enterprise. 

Three students form the management committee of the Enterprise and each leads a team of 6-7 staff covering the areas of Marketing, Production and Finance.  These three group leaders report to and are members of the enterprise steering group that also includes local businesses, parents and staff representatives. Students are responsible for recruiting and supervising staff.  Each post has a job description and specification.  Students applied for the posts that best matched their skills but have also been helped to develop new skills by business mentors and parents.

Group of students sitting around a table
The student teams hold regular meetings. They are supported by enterprise mentors, to plan activities related to running the enterprise itself as well as the specific events being managed.  The enterprise staff, particularly the Marketing Team, are responsible for identifying new opportunities and managing existing events. 

 

The Marketing Team approaches potential clients to propose that the enterprise take on the work.  Once they have in-principle agreement, the three teams - Marketing, Production and Finance - produce an action plan which is negotiated with the client.  Once agreed, the plan is implemented.   Progress on implementation is monitored at the enterprise's weekly meetings and any additional action needed is agreed and responsibilities assigned.  Once the event has taken place, a review of the outcomes and actions takes place. 

Students involved can gain a level 2 qualification in Events Planning

As well as developing enterprise related skills and helping out with events in their local community a big incentive for students involved has been the chance to gain a Level 2 qualification in Events Planning accredited by ASET. 

Click here to learn more about the business model for this social enterprise.