Working in a school

[Dave OCD]

I haven't said anything wrong, only that I've heard stories which is truth. I haven't mentioned any stories directly, and I haven't said that any of these stories ate factual only that I could believe them which is nothing more than a statement of opinion

Well I worked for a Council for a long time and can certainly confirm that 'handshakes' can have a profound effect on an individuals career progression and therefore pay - regardless of how good, or more commonly useless the person is.
Needless to say I remained close to the bottom of the 'food chain' as my wonderful boss used to like saying. :leaving::smiley2:

 

[not clever]

Schools (well, councils too) are places that seek 'best value' - everything we order (over a certain value) has to be subject to procurement procedures

Hightower is spot on & other local government authorities also have to do this, hence the "framework system" where authorities were forced to use approved companies (think large facilities type comps & contractors) to do work has been side lined because of "best practice & procurement", now authorities have the freedom to use local trades at a fraction of the cost or indeed use in house qualified persons.

So instead of paying £1527 for a ring main extension in a small office to include 4x double sockets in dado, it was done in house for £300ish