Nick Hope

I’m responsible for the delivery of the products and services in our data portfolio, including our two flagship data services, RAISEonline and the National Pupil Database. The data is very high stakes as OFSTED and governors use it to evaluate school performance. It’s also behind the national league tables and has a direct bearing on policy decisions in government.

RAISEonline is a key online tool in our data business. The Department for Education and Ofsted jointly sponsor it so that schools in England can analyse performance data as part of the self-evaluation process. Most schools use it regularly - just ask a head teacher when you next meet one. This year we’ve had lots of new requirements and very tight deadlines to work to. While it’s been challenging, they’ll stand us in good stead to deliver what we said we would.

There’s no doubt that support is very important on projects like this. RM is a very people-orientated business, underpinned by a programme of personal development and appraisal. I get on well with my line manager who’s a supportive guy. So I can focus on doing my job, knowing I have help from the people around me if I need it.

RM Results is like a small business within the RM Group. That brings with it a number of challenges but also advantages. For example, the management hierarchy is reasonably flat so there’s a lot of opportunity for people to input into strategy and planning. It has a small company feel which gives more people a voice.

The RM brand counts for a lot, too - everyone in the industry has heard of RM. Being involved in really exciting projects that have a meaningful impact on so many people gives us all a sense of pride and responsibility.