BIRMINGHAM DIOCESAN ACADEMIES TRUST. Educating for Life in its fullness for all Success for all Positive well-being for all

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1 BIRMINGHAM DIOCESAN ACADEMIES TRUST Educating for Life in its fullness for all Success for all Positive well-being for all Chief Finance and Operations Officer APPLICATION PACK November 2018

2 WELCOME From the Chief Executive of the Academy Trust: Christopher Mansell Thank you very much for requesting the details of the post of Chief Finance and Operations Officer for Birmingham Diocesan Academies Trust. We are at an exciting stage - having launched our Multi-Academy Trust on 1 st September 2017, following agreement from the Regional Schools Commissioner and subsequent approval to become a sponsor, we are now at a point of growing further. I hope the following pages will give insight into our vision and ambition for the work of the Trust as well as practical details about the post itself. The Birmingham Diocesan Academies Trust recognises that the future for schools lies in formal collaborations: schools working together, in partnership, to offer life in all its fullness for the young people who attend them. Church schools have a very distinctive purpose: Education is taught in an environment where there is a set of values and ways of behaving that stem from and express the Christian foundation of the school. The church is seeking to be a provider of education as a common good, open to all and of benefit to all. Our schools are about providing an education within a Christian framework for children of the local community of any faith. Our Trust seeks to provide a place where Church schools can continue to provide high quality education, knowing that their distinctive ethos will be protected into the future. The underpinning vision and values may be ones that community schools share too; we welcome any school that feels able to commit to the same purpose to consider joining our Trust. If you wish to have an informal conversation, please do contact me at the Birmingham Diocesan Academies Trust on We look forward to receiving your application.

3 The Vision and Values of our Trust The underpinning vision of the Birmingham Diocesan Academies Trust (BDMAT) is based on the following values: We are made in the image of God. All people are of equal worth, to be treated with dignity, given hope and aspirations and to live in community. We believe Jesus came to give life in all its fullness. We aim to deliver excellence in education and want the very best outcomes for children and young people so that they can achieve their fullest potential - both in terms of academic rigour and the wellbeing of their pupils. A good education must promote life in all its fullness. It is about educating the whole person. We are therefore committed to our schools: Educating for Dignity and Respect including vigilant safeguarding. It is especially important that the equal worth of those with and without special educational needs and disabilities is recognised in practice. Educating for Wisdom, Knowledge and Skills nurturing academic habits and skills, emotional intelligence and creativity across the whole range of school subjects, and also what one needs to understand and practise in order to be a good person, citizen, parent, employee, team or group member, or leader. Educating for Hope and Aspiration opening up horizons of hope and aspiration, and guiding pupils into ways of fulfilling them, including coping wisely with things and people going wrong. Educating for Community and Living Well Together the conviction that we are created and sustained by God for living together in families and communities is the root of our dedication to educating for life together. Given these basics, focusing on the pursuit of wisdom, knowledge and skills, on trust and hope in the good as more fundamental than the bad, on the centrality of relationships and community and on the dignity of each person, there is endless scope for deeper thinking and further applications, improvisations and creativity. This is what we mean by life in all its fullness. Christian distinctiveness underpins the principles about how we work When decisions are made at any level in the Trust, they are to be made with our values, as described above. Our values will be reflected in the way people are treated, whether children, families or employees of the trust. Jesus came to give fullness of life to all. There will be an expectation that all endeavour to live by the values, whether students or employees. We share responsibility for all of the children in all of the schools. Our Trust is one with a generous heart. All are givers and receivers.

4 The uniqueness of the individual schools The schools in the Trust will work collaboratively together on aspects of teaching and learning as appropriate and needed but will still retain their individual characters. Individual schools are responsible for deciding on and developing their own unique character/ethos, the way the teaching and learning is delivered and the curriculum through which it is delivered, within the overarching value of providing Life in all its fullness. The Post Salary: Competitive Hours: 37 hours per week (permanent) Probationary period: 6 months Pension: Local Government Pension Scheme Base: 1, Colmore Row, Birmingham although some of the time is spent out visiting schools Start date: 1 st January 2019 or as soon as possible after that date Do you want to be our Chief Finance and Operations Officer? We are looking for a Chief Finance and Operations Officer who is able to combine humility with determination. A nurturing leader who does not seek credit but wants success to be sustained over a longer period of time, long after they are gone. We are looking to appoint someone who will identify and include people who share the vision and can contribute to the direction of the Trust, as well as having the skills and knowledge needed to meet our objectives. We need our Chief Finance and Operations Officer to ensure our finances are optimised to deliver high standards for our pupils and achieve our vision and ensure we meet our regulatory duties in a number of key areas, such as health and safety and data protection. We recognise that you may come from a different faith background or have no faith yourself. Our priority is to employ leaders that share the same values regarding education provision, as set out above. Whatever your personal belief, we would be seeking to appoint a Chief Finance and Operations Officer who is able to hold the ethos and values of the Trust and speak passionately and with conviction about them.

5 About the Role The role of the Chief Finance and Operations Officer will evolve as the Trust grows. We are still at the beginning of our journey, with six schools joining our Trust at the beginning of the autumn of 2017, followed by an additional two schools in September 2018; a further eight schools currently plan to join the trust in We initially see the Trust growing to about 20 schools. You will initially be responsible for an annual budget of c 11m, growing to c 30m plus. The role combines vision and delivery, shared responsibility alongside accountability and communication, engaging with as wide a stakeholder group as you are likely to meet. It will suit a leader who likes to be hands on, shaping and setting the direction but also working with colleagues in our schools to ensure our vision is delivered. We are looking to appoint someone with leadership experience in finance and someone who is a strategic thinker. The Chief Finance and Operations Officer balances their time between central activity and close working with the school leaders and their finance staff. You ll work centrally to lead the central team, managing risk, monitoring finances across all our schools and helping the Trust to save money in addition to supporting finance teams in our schools. In addition, you will support and ensure that the CEO and Board has the information that they need to make judgements about how best they can carry out their roles and responsibilities. You will initially have a School Finance Partner and an apprentice within your team, but this is likely to grow to at least two school finance partners in the next 12 months. In addition, you will co-ordinate the work of the School Business Managers within our schools. We hope this is an exciting proposition for a passionate leader committed to making a difference. The Job Description and Person Specification are attached. How to Apply Applications should be made to Paul Robinson at SF Group. Please note that candidates short listed for interview will be required to complete a BDMAT application form prior to the interview. Closing date for applications: 9.00am Monday 3 rd December Interviews: Interviews will take place in central Birmingham and provisionally timetabled for Friday 14 th December 2018.

6 Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement should be no more than 3 sides of A4. It should include reasons for your interest in the post, how you meet the Person Specification criteria and verifiable impact from your career track record. Please also include your thoughts on the main challenges and opportunities of leading finance in the Birmingham Diocesan Academies Trust. References and eligibility: All appointments are subject to satisfactory references and eligibility to work in the UK. The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS will be required.

7 Chief Finance and Operations Officer Job description The Chief Finance and Operations Officer will be a strategic leader who is able to manage the Trust s financial affairs in a way that optimises performance and ensures probity. As a member of the Executive team, the Chief Finance and Operations Officer has executive responsibility for the general operations of the Trust and for leading, managing and co-ordinating specified central services functions. Accountable to: Reporting to: The Board of Directors The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) 1.0 Key Responsibilities 1.1 Ensure the financial sustainability of the Trust. 1.2 Ensure that the Trust and each individual school meet all financial, health & safety, data protection and HR requirements. 1.3 Monitor the financial performance of each individual school and the Trust as a whole and report to the Executive team and Directors on this performance in regard to finance, health and safety, data protection and HR requirements. 1.4 Represent and promote the Trust s purposes and values both internally and externally. 1.5 Provide a link between BDMAT Central Team and the schools by working with each school s business / finance managers. 1.6 Support the development stage of the formation of BDMAT by undertaking a strategic role in order that we grow and are successful. 2.0 General Responsibilities 2.1 Strategy Ensure that the Trust and each individual school meets all their financial legal requirements and that internal processes and procedures are in place across the Trust to deliver this Keep up to date with legislation in performing this accountability and for ensuring that the Directors and Executive are advised in a timely manner of changes to any legislation, financial regulations, instruments, statutory

8 guidance or any other relevant external financial matters that may impact on their executive responsibilities or the financial health of the Trust, especially updates to the Academies Financial Handbook Contribute to the effective management of the Trust, including strategy implementation, cross-organisational issues, integrated business and resource planning, risk management and performance management Ensure that a risk register is effectively maintained that covers all key risks associated with the trust; update the register when changes are made and present the register to directors at every finance and resources committee and full board meeting for the attention of directors Engage with external financial bodies and institutions to ensure the Trust gets the best results from funding bids and grant opportunities and meets legal obligations such as with HMRC and Auditors Liaise with the chair of the Trust s Finance and Resources Committee to set the agenda for each meeting and circulate draft papers to the chair of the committee and the CEO to examine ahead of the papers being distributed to directors Liaise with the chair of the Trust to set financial aspects to be discussed at the full board meeting. The CFOO will circulate draft papers to the chair of the Trust and the CEO to examine ahead of the papers being distributed to directors 2.2 Leadership and Management Lead the development and operation of appropriate reporting and control information that allows the Directors, Executive Team and other staff to make effective decisions on all financial matters Develop and operate robust Trust-wide policies in order to reduce or eliminate the risk of theft or fraud Monitoring Trust and individual schools financial performance and report as required to the Directors and Executive Board, identifying any corrective measures that may be required Taking the lead in researching and advising the Directors, CEO and Heads on additional funding and opportunities for enhanced business Motivate and manage the performance of finance staff at both central and school level so that the Trust benefits from high achieving and motivated employees who value working at the Trust Monitor and develop the Trust s structure to meet the changing needs of a growing Trust, taking a longer-term perspective in developing and recruiting talent to the function.

9 2.2.7 Advise the Directors and CEO on appropriate measures to ensure proper Risk Management Take a lead, together with the CEO, on researching, installing and operating appropriate information systems and technologies across the Trust, ensuring that the architecture of the system is fit for purpose and that hardware and software are updated at planned appropriate intervals within the financial constraints of the Trust Ensure data security and integrity across the Trust, complying with data legislation including the Data Protection Act and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Provide appropriate user support Lead and manage the upkeep and development of the Trust s property assets including major building work, planned up-grading of facilities and routine maintenance and cleaning Oversee the provision of catering and cleaning at all locations so that the Trust provides the required standards of nourishment and hygiene to students and staff in the most cost-effective way. Monitor contractual performance and lead any tendering processes and contract catering /cleaning negotiations Make regular visits to BDMAT schools and have regular contact with the school finance teams, helping to create and maintain strong working relationships As the Trust develops, to become direct line manager to finance staff in our schools, in liaison with the school s headteacher. 3.0 Specific Responsibilities 3.1 Budgets and budgetary control Oversee the preparation of an annual draft budget plan for each school for consideration by the Directors Monitor expenditure and report to the CEO, Executive team and Directors regarding progress against the approved budget, submitting reports on each school s position to the Finance and Resources Committee Approve payments within the delegated financial limits for core operations across the Trust Operate the Trust s Hoge100 accounting system and HCSS budgeting software, maintaining the chart of accounts and system parameters. Control access rights, run regular and ad hoc reports as necessary and ensure appropriate back-ups are created.

10 3.1.5 Ensure appropriate insurance cover is in place at both central trust and individual school level and arrangements are regularly reviewed and monitored. 3.2 Audit Make appropriate arrangements for annual external and internal audit Report to Headteachers, Local Academy Boards, Executive and Directors on the results of external and internal audit procedures Act upon the results of external and internal audits and report to the Executive and Directors on progress towards meeting these aspects. 3.3 Purchasing Lead, manage and coordinate all the Trust s procurement activities so that it benefits from the enhanced purchasing power derived from a larger organisation Develop and implement effective procurement processes and procedures which meet all legal requirements and prevent individual schools or departments diluting this buying power, where appropriate. 3.4 Payroll and Personnel Lead on all payroll activities within the Trust, ensuring correct and timely salary payments are made, the required records are kept and that effective measures are in place to prevent fraud or theft Liaise with our HR advisor (currently an outsourced provider) to ensure that all HR legislation is correctly met 4 Other Ensure business continuity plans are established and regularly reviewed by schools and central teams Lead on developing strategies for IT, Health and Safety, Estates and HR which will underpin the future growth of BDMAT Work with the CEO on growth of BDMAT including due diligence and the management of change.

11 4.4.4 Participate in the life of the BDMAT network; e.g. attendance at events, assistance with financial advice on specific projects and proposals, attendance at school governing body meetings. The Chief Finance and Operations Officer may also be required to carry out other duties as reasonably instructed by the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Finance and Operations Officer will not be a Director on the Board of Directors, whether ex-officio or otherwise, but will be invited to attend Trustee Board meetings (without voting rights).

12 Person specification Key Criteria Essential Desirable Professional qualifications Degree and recognised accounting qualification (ACA or ACCA) A record of recent and relevant continuing professional development Experience Significant experience as a senior finance manager Evidence of strategic planning and budgetary management Clear understanding and working knowledge of current UK accounting standards and practices Significant experience of using relevant financial software Knowledge of payroll systems (including HMRC requirements) Knowledge of the requirements of procurement, IT function and managing capital projects Successful track record of financial resource management Experience of applying for grants and other funds to enhance school budgets Experience of risk management Evidence of: Experience in leadership in a multisite organisation. Work across a range of school types and sizes Successful management of organisational change Significant experience of managing public service finance and its regulatory environment Involvement in human resources Experience of using relevant software including school-based finance packages and Information Management Systems Knowledge of the requirements of schools procurement, IT function and managing school-based capital projects Skills, knowledge and understanding Clear understanding and knowledge of the role of governance in a school and / or Trust Proven track record of establishing partnerships Understanding of equality and diversity in employment and service delivery Personal qualities Belief in and commitment to the over-arching values of the Trust

13 Operate with integrity and maintain the highest professional standards Ability to work flexibly and collaboratively as part of a team Ability to build a positive organisational culture A strategic and analytical thinker Resilience Self-awareness Ability to influence others Excellent communication skills, both written and oral and be able to undertake presentations to large groups of people Other An acceptable Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check Committed to the Trust s safeguarding policy and procedures Sympathetic to the ethos of the Church of England and won t bring the Trust or Church of England into disrepute through their actions either within BDMAT or out of work Current driving license and access to vehicle