SEAX Trust. Chief Executive Officer. Candidate Information Pack

Transcription

1 SEAX Trust Chief Executive Officer Candidate Information Pack SEAX Trust, Office at Thriftwood College, Fox Crescent, Chelmsford CM1 2BN Tel:

2 Letter from the Chair of Trustees Dear Candidate Thank you for your interest in this key role. The SEAX Trust carries the hopes and aspirations of thousands of students, both current and future, and we seek a strong and visionary leader to sustain our work. I hope this pack paints a rich and informative picture which will inspire you to apply. The SEAX Trust is a thriving group of four special schools which share a common vision of excellence in their provision of education for pupils with special and additional needs. The Trust is also working to open a free school with residential provision for students with complex autism, which is due to open in 2020/21. We want to appoint an experienced and inspirational professional who will drive improvement and lead the next phase of the Trust s development. We have achieved a great deal in the first three years of the Trust s existence and want to consolidate and build on that achievement. We are proud to have, Good and Outstanding schools in our Trust and are currently working with a new Headteacher to move one academy from, Requires Improvement to Good or better. Our focus is improvement achieving more together for better pupil outcomes. We can offer the right person a stimulating and rewarding opportunity to work with highly professional colleagues to develop new goals and strategies and to lead the delivery of exceptional educational outcomes. To this end, we seek an individual who shares our ethos and will be committed to the Trust s vision and values which are to: Provide outstanding educational experiences for children and young people with special educational needs Put the well-being and achievement of pupils at the heart of all decision making If you feel that your experience, skills, commitment and enthusiasm can help us drive forward, then we look forward to meeting you and exploring what you can offer. Yours sincerely A Hunter Andrew Hunter Chair of Trustees If you would like further information about this vacancy, please contact: Mrs Kate Stannard, Assoc CIPD, Director of HR, SEAX Trust, Office at Thriftwood College, Fox Crescent, Chelmsford CM1 2BN Tel: jobs@seaxtrust.com

3 About SEAX Trust The SEAX Multi-Academy Trust was established in 2015 in partnership with: Langham Oaks School, Langham, SEMH, residential, boys, provision Thriftwood School, Chelmsford, MLD 5-13 provision Thriftwood College, Chelmsford, MLD, provision Since that date, it has grown to include: Grove House School in Brentwood, SLCN, 8-19 provision Kingswode Hoe School, Colchester, MLD, 6-16 provision And in 2020/21 will include: The Hawthorns, Chelmsford, ASC, 7-16, with residential provision. The Trust has a Board of Trustees and each academy currently has its own Local Academy Committee (LAC). The Board of Trustees has overall responsibility for the Trust and its constituent academies. Some of these accountabilities are delegated to the LAC through the Scheme of Delegation. The Trust has a Central Team of staff who actively support each Headteacher and Academy and manage the affairs of the Trust: Director of Academy Improvement Director of Business and Finance Director of HR Director of Governance & Compliance IT Communications Manager LOOP Outreach Service CPD Co-ordinator (to June 2018) The Trust arranges regular group meetings, including those of all Business and HR Managers and all Headteachers. The Headteacher Group is a strategic group which meets regularly with the current CEO to provide support and challenge to: Work collaboratively to improve outcomes for children and young people within the Trust academies Drive Trust and academy improvement, resulting in all academies being judged at least, Good Provide a programme of high quality professional development, ensuring continued success and achievement of pupils and staff Provide dedicated Headship time; mutual professional and emotional support To celebrate the achievements of each academy and the Trust and actively contribute to the development of future provision Support the work of the Trustees.

4 Job Description CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER SEAX TRUST Part-Time Permanent Post Responsible to: The Chair of the Board of Trustees Responsible for: All Schools within the SEAX Multi-Academy Trust Full-time equivalent salary: 70,370 to 75,734 per annum (pro-rata) Actual salary based on three days per week: 42,222 to 45,440 per annum Hours of Work: Three days per week/52.14 weeks per annum This role is based at the SEAX Trust Central Office in Chelmsford, but with a requirement to travel regularly to all Trust academies The post-holder will be working with the SEAX Trust Chair and the Board of Trustees, the Central Team, Local Academy/Executive Committees, Headteachers and Leadership Teams JOB PURPOSE The Chief Executive Officer will be responsible for the development of Trust-wide strategies and action plans for the improvement of educational standards and governance across the Trust: To embody the visions and values of SEAX and to ensure the communication of these, both externally and to Trust staff To secure outstanding educational success, through effective strategic planning and execution. Through inspirational leadership and rigorous policy development, the Chief Executive Officer will create a culture of constant improvement, implementing effective systems of organisation and control and high levels of professional standards to secure the highest possible achievement for all, in every aspect of the Trust s provision.

5 Principal Accountabilities The Chief Executive Officer will, in executing all of the functions and responsibilities of the Chief Executive and Accounting Officer of the Trust; Secure the realisation of the Trust and vision and act as an ambassador, inspiring and empowering others, whilst maintaining a high standard of personal integrity and professional conduct Work with the Board of Trustees, Local Academy/Executive Committees and staff in member academies to define and deliver the Trust s vision, aims and objectives through inspirational and motivational leadership, clear strategic direction, and demanding and measurable targets Ensure the Trust is run efficiently, effectively and in compliance with statutory and regulatory frameworks; ensuring effective systems are in place for the management and monitoring of the Trust and the budgets of member academies; maximising financial resources, exploring opportunities for increasing levels of external funding and securing value for money in all operations Ensure the Strategic Development Plan is underpinned by sound financial advice and business planning in accordance with development priorities and targets to deliver well-resourced provision within the Trust and its member academies in order to facilitate constant improvement Enable all academies within the Trust to deliver and sustain educational excellence by managing and supporting the implementation of school improvement strategies and demanding outstanding academic progress, achievement and success through the development of confident learners, within a culture of inclusiveness Lead on developing and coordinating partnership work; developing opportunities through partnerships, maintaining open, transparent and constructive relationships between parents/ carers, the local community and other key stakeholders, including health and social care and with those local authorities who commission SEND placements from member academies Develop strong relationships with sponsors and educational partners to enhance educational provision to create the optimum educational opportunities for all students across the Trust In partnership with the Trust Director of Academy Improvement, support and secure delivery of excellent teaching and learning throughout all member academies through the promotion of high-level professional standards and rigorous monitoring and evaluation of teaching quality and pupil achievement; challenging educational under-achievement and inspiring children to reach their full potential Work with Members, Trustees and Local Academy/Executive Committees to ensure that robust governance structures are in place and actively adding value to the work of the Trust and member academies; working with all stakeholders to develop a vision and growth strategy for the Trust, building capacity for opportunities to widen the Trust s provision for the benefit of local communities and developing appropriate transitional arrangements for schools new to the Trust Work with Local Academy/Executive Committees and senior colleagues to build effective teams to support collaborative approaches to provision and foster respect and encourage openness and sharing of ideas; create a supportive learning culture across the Trust, promoting a culture of common accountability in all staff for pupil performance and attainment.

6 Principal Accountabilities Leadership and Strategy The Chief Executive Officer, in partnership with senior leadership, will: Line-manage the Headteachers/Principals and Central Team Work with academy leaders to create and implement a strategic plan, which identifies collective priorities and targets to enable each academy to achieve its agreed targets Provide dynamic, consistent and motivational leadership, recognising the structure of each academy Evaluate overall performance of the Trust critically Over-see performance management practices to ensure staff are motivated and enabled to carry out their respective roles to the highest standard Maintain an overview of staffing structures as agreed by Local Academy/Executive Committees to ensure the Trust s management and organisational structures are fit for purpose and facilitate continuous improvement Ensure that communication across the Trust is effective, so that all members of staff receive the relevant information to carry out their professional duties Ensure structures deliver pupil progression and raise attainment Ensure that the assessment and progress measures within each school are accurate and consistent Lead the creation of the annual Trust Development Plan Ensure that all schools are fully compliant with current safeguarding procedures and legislation. The Chief Executive Officer will: Performance and Human Resources Work within the Trust policy framework, supporting school leaders, to motivate staff in setting clear, aspirational goals in order to ensure the effective operation of the Trust and to achieve its objectives Secure robust self-evaluation and quality assurance procedures to ensure continuous self-evaluation of provision and performance and ensure effective communication of same through the Trust to facilitate improvement Establish mechanisms for reporting to all stakeholders within an agreed timetable Strengthen the Trust s position in the wider community and with all stakeholders and support School Leaders in developing a strong working relationship with their local community and across the Trust Maintain a flexible approach to work and location Act as main contact for all schools within the Trust in the event of a serious incident Ensure that schools promote effective partnerships with all parents and carers to support and improve pupil achievement and personal development Collaborate with other agencies to ensure pupil and community needs are met Develop an ethos which enables everyone to work collaboratively, share knowledge and understanding, celebrate success and accept responsibility for outcomes Reflect on personal contribution to Trust achievements, taking into account feedback from others Develop and implement Trust strategies and policies in line with statutory requirements and models of best practice

7 Principal Accountabilities Accountability The Chief Executive Officer will: Continue to develop the organisation and ethos of the Trust, so that all staff individually and collectively recognise that they are accountable for its success Provide information, objective advice and support to the Trust Board to enable it to meet its responsibilities for securing effective teaching and learning and improved standards of achievement and for achieving efficiency and value for money Present a coherent and accurate account of the Trust s performance to a range of audiences, including Local Academy/Executive Committees, the local community, OFSTED and others Serve as a key member of SEAX, representing the Trust to a variety of audiences and supporting all necessary functions for school management and success Carry out any such duties as may be reasonably required by the Trust Board Ensure all legislative and statutory requirements for academies are met and are compliant with the Academies Handbook and other Department for Education guidance Determine and implement demanding curriculum provision and related assessment that meets statutory requirements and the Trust s educational vision for the pupils within SEAX. Teaching and Learning The Chief Executive Officer will work directly with the Director of Academy Improvement and senior leadership teams to: Promote excellence in teaching and learning and ensure a continuous and consistent Trust-wide focus on pupil achievement using data and benchmarks to monitor progress, within a culture of challenge and support Maximise the performance of all students through high-quality teaching and learning which motivates, challenges and empowers Empower students to be active participants in their learning and take personal responsibility for improving their life-chances through their educational experience Have a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of all schools within the Trust in order to support them in raising standards Ensure that learning is at the centre of strategic planning and resource management across the Trust Develop high motivation and aspirations for all students, so that they attain the highest possible level of achievement; ensuring that each school promotes an inclusive and supportive approach, so that every pupil feels welcome, valued and secure Provide regular reports on each academy s educational performance to the Board of Trustees and/ or their representatives Ensure that the assessment and progress measures within each school are accurate and consistent.

8 Wider Accountabilities Safeguarding The Chief Executive Officer will: Promote the Trust s commitment to safeguarding and the welfare of children and young people Ensure that the policies and procedures relating to safeguarding and safer recruitment are adopted by the Trust Board and are fully implemented and followed by all staff Ensure that sufficient resources and time are allocated to enable the appropriate designated person and other staff to discharge their responsibilities in relation to safeguarding, including taking part in strategy discussions and other inter-agency meetings and contributing to the assessment of children Ensure all staff and volunteers feel able to raise concerns about poor or unsafe practices with regard to children and young people and that such concerns are addressed sensitively and effectively in a timely manner, in accordance with agreed whistle-blowing practices. The Chief Executive Officer will: Equality and Diversity Ensure compliance to the provisions of the Equality Act 2010 Ensure everyone employed across the Trust is treated fairly and equitably Build an excellent collaborative learning culture Support school leaders in developing staff by ensuring access to high quality continuing professional development for all Ensure and enhance effective working relationships across all schools in the Trust and other partners, sharing best practice Develop and maintain relationships with all stakeholders, optimising the contribution of others Demonstrate a personal commitment to keeping abreast of academy developments and best practice management, in order to maintain a culture of high expectations for self and others The Chief Executive Officer will: Strengthening Community Strengthen partnership and community working Promote positive relationships and work with colleagues in other schools and external agencies Serve as a key member of SEAX, representing the Trust to a variety of audiences and supporting all necessary functions for Trust management and success In fulfilling this role, the Chief Executive Officer will be responsible to, and attend all meetings of, the Board of Trustees and its Committees. This job description will be reviewed annually and may be subject to change or modification at any time, after consultation with the post-holder. It is not a comprehensive statement of procedures and tasks, but sets out the main expectations of the Trust in relation to the post-holder s professional responsibilities and duties. The SEAX Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to complete a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) application, medical checks, references and other pre-employment checks.

9 Person Specification Chief Executive Officer Person Specification Essential Desirable Qualifications Level 7 qualification, eg Masters-level qualification in a related academic area, with extensive experience in the relevant specialist areas of work, or a wider range of areas OR Evidence of the equivalent level of knowledge gained through work experience in complex organisations Experience Proven track record of successful business planning and financial management Proven track record of managing change within a large organisation Significant senior management experience of a successful commercial organisation or significant educational establishment at executive level Knowledge and understanding of current educational landscape, including issues relating to academies Experience of using assessment data to inform decision-making Experience of school improvement planning and evaluation Experience of statutory assessment and OFSTED inspections Experience of managing and motivating teams of people and building effective relationships at all levels within an organisation Experience of working with all stakeholders, including a Local Academy Committee (governing body) Experience of developing curriculum continuity and progression Thinking Ability A strategic thinker who can analyse and process complex information and data quickly and rigorously in order to make effective decisions Can think analytically to undertake complex tasks in a systematic way Thinks creatively and imaginatively to solve problems and identify opportunities Able to articulate and defend a clear vision for the future Able to demonstrate, having planned appropriately for future success

10 Person Specification Essential Desirable Personal Effectiveness Visible and approachable, empathetic and enjoys engaging with children, staff, parents and the wider community Able to be resilient and robust, whilst also showing compassion in dealing with issues and is calm under pressure Natural networker, able to engage effectively with the wider community Able to demonstrate sound judgement and prioritise issues/risks effectively Can negotiate and consult effectively, with the capacity to influence others Able to inspire high levels of performance in staff Interpersonal Relationships Demonstrates a variety of leadership styles and management approaches Ability to establish positive and productive working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders at all levels Effectively engages and communicates at all levels, including listening to and inspiring children, staff, parents and the wider community, as well as having personal presence Shows concerns for impact identifies the most important concerns and issues of others modifies own behaviour to achieve the required outcomes Goes out of the way to establish contacts and use the relationship to achieve business objectives Able to bring presence and gravitas to the role, whilst remaining approachable and professional at all times General Requirements Able to work flexibly, including any service-specific hours Able to travel to various locations within a reasonable timescale Demonstrates a firm commitment to the concept of the Multi-Academy Trust, with a desire to see the Trust flourish and expand in a sustainable manner Applicants must not be disqualified by law from holding directorships and must undergo a DBS check

11 Application and Recruitment Procedure Candidates should download and complete the SEAX Trust application form available from: or Required: April 2019 or September 2019 to be agreed Visits: Interested parties are welcome to arrange a visit to SEAX Trust or a telephone conversation with the current Chief Executive Officer. Please arrange a time by ing: katestannard@seaxtrust.com Closing Date: noon on Monday 21st January 2019 Shortlisting: Monday 21st January 2019 afternoon Interview: To be held at the SEAX Trust Office on Thursday 31st January 2019 Salary and benefits: 70,370 to 75,734 pro-rata per annum Actual salary for 3 days per week: 42,222 to 45,440 per annum It is intended that the salary for the post will be commensurate with the experience of the candidate and the responsibility of the post. References: Referees will be contacted prior to the interview date to request references on all shortlisted candidates. The Trust may review social media relating to shortlisted candidates as part of the screening process, to ascertain whether candidates demonstrate appropriate conduct, behaviour and suitability for employment in an educational environment. Applications should be addressed to - Mrs Kate Stannard Assoc CIPD Director of HR SEAX Trust Office at Thriftwood College Fox Crescent Chelmsford Essex CM2 1BN Extension 5 katestannard@seaxtrust.com

12 The SEAX Trust Work with us... The SEAX Trust is a small but growing partnership of Special Academies within the community of Essex, whose Vision is to: Provide outstanding educational experiences for children and young people with special educational needs and to Put the well-being and achievement of pupils at the heart of all decision making Our greatest asset towards achieving our Vision is our body of highly-valued staff and, in recognition, we implement a wide range of strategic and person-centred reward practices in all of our Trust Academies. Be rewarded by us... We offer a clear and competitive pay policy and progression route Holiday pay and salary which is paid evenly across the year for our support staff Teachers and Local Government Pension Scheme facilities Progress with us... A focus to provide high quality professional development opportunities for all staff An extensive range of in-house training opportunities Experienced and dedicated practitioners who are keen to help you learn A range of exciting internal career opportunities Be inspired by us... Challenging roles and recognition of achievement A motivational strategy towards both education and business Staff involvement in wider decision-making Be reassured by us... A strategic aim to ensure a fair work/life balance A highly supportive organisational culture A firm commitment to the strengths of equality and diversity A sense of cohesion and belonging A policy to raise matters of concern Ask us... If you would like the opportunity to progress your career within the SEAX Trust, we would be delighted to hear from you. You can register your details and area of interest by contacting: Mrs Kate Stannard Assoc CIPD, Director of HR for SEAX Trust jobs@seaxtrust.com Telephone: The SEAX Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts are subject to satisfactory medical checks, enhanced DBS clearance and references. We look forward to hearing from you soon