Chief Executive Officer Recruitment Pack October 2014

Transcription

1 Chief xecutive Officer Recruitment Pack October 2014 First Step Supporting children and families every step of the way Tangmere Crescent, Hornchurch RM12 5PP Telephone: Follow us on Registered Charity Number Registered Company No Incorporated in ngland & Wales

2 Introduction First Step provides opportunities for individual development and learning through play and therapeutic experiences for babies and pre-school children with special needs or disabilities. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and successful senior manager to lead First Step in its five-year strategic plan, working together with the Board of Trustees for the Charity s sustainable development. You will actively lead, motivate and manage the First Step multidisciplinary team of staff and volunteers to develop and maintain high-quality preschool provision for babies and young children with special needs or disabilities, and provide support for their families. You will need significant management and business strategy experience for this demanding role, which will also encompass governance, finance, income generation and the promotion of the Charity to our major stakeholders and key funders. You must believe in our mission and values and share our commitment to supporting children with special needs or disabilities and their families. History First Step began in October 1988 in response to a plea from some parents of young children with special needs or disabilities. They felt they, and others in similar situations, could benefit from a group where they would be able to talk, share experiences, and provide support for each other in a non judgmental environment. Since that time, the Charity has evolved to provide a range of sessions and services. First Step currently works with over 100 pre-school children, and their families, offering education services, support, information and encouragement. 1

3 Our Vision To provide the best possible environment to support each family and to enable their very young children with special needs and/or disabilities to maximise their individual potential. Our Mission To provide: Babies and pre-school children with special needs or disabilities in Havering with opportunities for individual development and learning through play and therapeutic experiences. Families of children with special needs and/or disabilities with support and information which meets their individual needs in a caring environment. Dedicated, specialist staff to achieve the best possible outcomes for the children and their families. Our Values We seek to be an open and inclusive organisation, promoting diversity and equality. We support and welcome families from all communities and believe they should be accorded equal worth regardless of disability, gender, ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation and social class. We believe parents and families should be consulted by service providers and actively involved in participation so that they can help develop local services. They should be listened to and treated as equal partners by professionals and policy makers. We recognise that many parents and families are excluded from participating in society at both economic and social level. We believe that parents and families should be provided with a full range of relevant, up to date information and have access to high quality services. We support parents and families in making choices that are appropriate to their child s needs. We believe that services should be inclusive and designed to maximise independence and the full potential of disabled children. 2

4 Job Description Job Title: Responsible to: Responsible for: Location: Salary: Hours of Work: Chief xecutive Officer (full time) Board of Trustees Senior Management Team Hornchurch, ssex with some travel in London, ssex and the surrounding area 40,000-45,000 depending on experience 36 hours per week with some evening and weekend working Overall objective of the role Actively lead, motivate and manage the First Step team of staff and volunteers to develop and maintain high-quality preschool provision for babies and young children with special needs or disabilities, and provide support for their families. Main responsibilities Strategy Provide strategic direction to First Step, ensuring services are developed and managed to take account of the changing needs and aspirations of children and their families. Support the Board of Trustees in the development of the long term strategic plan for the development of the Charity s objectives. Develop and deliver the operational business plan to deliver the services in a sustainable manner. Governance Develop and maintain a positive and constructive relationship with the Board of Trustees and provide accurate and transparent reporting to ensure good governance. Support the Board of Trustees and attend Board and sub-committee meetings as required and ensure that the Board is kept up to date with legal and regulatory issue. Keep up-to-date with all relevant legislation and external requirements including OFSTD and best practice guidance, especially those relating to early years, safeguarding and disability issues; ensuring these are appropriately documented, communicated an integrated successfully. 3

5 Service Delivery Working with the management team, provide clear and consistent leadership of First Step to deliver the services as identified in the strategic plan. nsure the effective development monitoring of each child attending First Step and that families and carers have the opportunity to participate in identifying new areas of service provision. Seek out new opportunities for developing First Step s service delivery and ensure any resultant change management is dealt with in an open consultative manner. nsure all aspects of facilities management are robustly documented, and take responsibility for managing the maintenance and security of the building, surrounding land and minibus and ensuring the use of the building is maximised.. nsure evaluation and compliance measures are implemented for commissioned and externally funded services. xternal Communications Represent First Step and promote its work in all arenas where decisions regarding service provision for babies and preschool children with special needs and disabilities are taken. Act as an ambassador for First Step in raising awareness of its work and initiating and supporting fundraising activities. Sustainability Working with the Finance Manager, develop and deliver a robust financial framework for the effective management and financial sustainability of the Charity. Working with the Fundraising Manager, ensure a robust and effective fundraising strategy to support the Charity s overall strategic plan. Research, identify and secure funding streams from external bodies including the statutory sector to consolidate develop and continue the work faster. People Management Provide a positive environment for staff and volunteers to fill supported in their roles. Lead and motivate staff to provide a good service and support individuals to reach their full potential; encourage ideas and innovation to be explored and work practices challenged. nsure all policies and procedures relating to staff recruitment, retention, development, appraisal, discipline, welfare and performance are implemented, reviewed and remain current. 4

6 Undertake performance appraisal monitoring and evaluation of senior management team and ensure that they in turn have similar processes in place for their staff. General nsure that respect for diversity is a constant in both service delivery and staffing matters including ensuring mechanisms are in place to deal with any incidents or complaints which are reported. nsure that appropriate policies and procedures are in place and regularly reviewed to ensure that First Step complies with regulatory and statutory requirements and is operating to best practice. nsure health and safety practices meet the needs of vulnerable children, families, visitors and the facility; and that all staff are appropriately informed of their personal responsibilities. Undertake any other reasonable responsibility as directed by the Board of Trustees. 5

7 Person Specification xperience Creating and developing a strategic plan Ability to recognise and manage the need to change Successful management and development of multidisciplinary teams Developing a robust culture of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults within an organisation Developing and managing a financial framework for sustainability and growth xperience or thorough understanding of the structure of voluntary organisations Development of new business opportunities with public, private and voluntary sector partners. Previous experience of leadership within the voluntary sector Management of volunteers ssential () Desirable (D) D D D Communication xcellent written, numeracy and verbal communication skills xcellent presentation skills Ability and confidence to liaise effectively at all levels within the community Ability to communicate our vision, mission and values to internal and external stakeholders ssential () Desirable (D) Skills and competencies ducated to degree level or equivalent Ability to think creatively and develop new ideas from inception Ability to manage demanding and emotional situations Ability to lead and inspire with empathy, passion and commitment. Strong negotiations skills Ability to prioritise and manage competing tasks often during periods of high pressure. Awareness of and commitment to the needs of children with disabilities and their families. ssential () Desirable (D) 6

8 Personal Qualities Highly motivated with an optimistic and positive can do attitude Calm, caring and sensitive approach Ability to take difficult decisions in a fair and proportionate manner Committed to equal opportunities and valuing diversity in every part of the organisation ssential () Desirable (D) This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check A full clean driving licence and regular access to a reliable car would be advantageous as you will be expected to attend meetings and functions at locations throughout the community, including evenings and weekends. How to apply To apply for this rewarding role, please your CV and completed application form, along with a supporting statement which details why you wish to be considered for this role and how you meet the person specification. Applications should be sent by to: Gill Webb, Interim CO gill.webb@firststep.org.uk The closing date for applications is 1pm on Friday 14 th November 2014 Interviews will held on Tuesday 2 nd and Thursday 4 th December. If you would like an informal and confidential discussion prior to making your application please contact Gill Webb, Interim CO on or gill.webb@firststep.org.uk This information is intended as a useful guide to applicants considering the role of Chief xecutive Officer at First Step. Full details will be supplied with an offer of appointment. October