Caxton College: Practising Humanistic Management

This organisation, which has been educating students for four decades, has developed a special programme for staff wellbeing and professional development

Aware that today’s society requires a transformation of the traditional styles of organisation, Caxton College has begun a leadership development programme, led by the top level of management, in which middle leadership teams have had the support of a professional executive coach.

For several months, all of the middle leaders had the opportunity to reflect on what the corporate mission, vision and values were. The result of this group work was the decision to strengthen a culture based on four values: integrity, commitment, respect and enthusiasm, which would be the basis for decision-making at all levels.

‘We want to promote a humanistic management ethos where we all feel that we are a part of a motivated community that works together to achieve common aims’, said Marta Gil, educationalist and vice principal of the school. ‘We would love for this business culture, which has always been part of our identity, to be what distinguishes us in our search for professional excellence’.

This commitment to improvement has produced several different initiatives stemming from the teaching and non-teaching staff. There is a Happiness Committee, made up of seven staff members who work hard to organise leisure and sport activities, as well as competitions in order to strengthen friendships and good relations among colleagues.

‘We like for our teams to work in a space where they can contribute the very best of themselves and where we can all grow through our shared values. At school all staff may make use of the gym and pool, as well as weekly medical services. Additionally, the school nurse is available to provide nutritional advice to anyone requesting it, and implementing good eating habits on a daily basis is possible in the school dining room due to the excellent job our staff does in preparing varied and balanced meals’, said Marta Gil.

Along the same lines, members of staff have also created a Sustainable Development Committee in order to promote initiatives that will help the school to become more responsible in this area, such as ongoing campaigns for recycling, reduction of energy consumption and awareness of Sustainable Development Goals.

This values-based ethos, which recognises and promotes a job well done, also depends on training and continuous improvement. ‘We aim to create a common style, method and essence that will help our staff to feel better prepared, more motivated and fully part of the company’, said Agustín Rubio, Financial Director of Caxton College.

Through this process of managerial development, this British school has resolved to achieve excellence in its educational endeavours through these fundamental values that will allow pupils to overcome personal and professional challenges, develop solid morals and be prepared for life as responsible citizens.