BOLTON and Bury Chamber is inviting senior business managers to go back to school to drive forward the Business in the Community's Partners in Leadership programme.

The national scheme pairs headteachers with senior business managers to translate best business practice to the running of a school and vice versa.

The initiative, which is already operating in more than 200 North West schools, helps improve the management and leadership skills of both the headteacher and business partner.

Business partners are required to commit approximately two hours per half term for at least one year.

To take part in the scheme, they should be in a senior management position comparable with a headteacher and, above all, open minded and positive.

At the outset, a briefing session outlining the process and skills involved is provided by Business in the Community and all costs of the scheme are met by the Teacher Training Agency and various national business sponsors.

John Steele, the chamber's education business co-ordinator, said: "Working with headteachers on management issues will help local business people to develop their understanding of modern education while making a vital contribution to the local community."

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