JOB DESCRIPTION: Principal. GRADE: The salary for the post is 100k. RESPONSIBLE TO: Chief Executive Suffolk Academies Trust

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "JOB DESCRIPTION: Principal. GRADE: The salary for the post is 100k. RESPONSIBLE TO: Chief Executive Suffolk Academies Trust"

Transcription

1 JOB DESCRIPTION: Principal GRADE: The salary for the post is 100k RESPONSIBLE TO: Chief Executive Suffolk Academies Trust JOB PURPOSE: To lead and manage Suffolk One to achieve the objectives set by the Trust Chief Executive in accordance with the Eastern Colleges Group mission, the Instrument and Articles of Governance and the regulatory framework. MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES: Suffolk One To lead Suffolk One in order to create a centre of educational excellence for the region. To develop, communicate and promote the Eastern Colleges Group vision, objectives and priorities effectively to staff, partners and the public and lead by example by promoting its values at all times. Embed the Eastern Colleges Group three pillars of Connections, Qualifications and Character Strengths and place the students and their success at the heart of Suffolk One and the Eastern Colleges Group o Instil in students and staff the importance of the eight Character Strengths of resilience, optimism, curiosity, confidence, ownership, self-control, ambition and respect so that they deliver their highest levels of performance in an environment in which they will develop and grow. o Ensure paths for students that are inspiring and as direct as possible to enable them to attain the highest possible levels of achievement and best outcome from their experience at Suffolk One. o Strategically lead, manage and develop the wider networks and partnerships needed to enhance Suffolk One and its sister Colleges in order to meet the needs of the local community. To ensure that the Local Governing Body and Suffolk Academies Trust (SAT) Board receive information in the way it needs to function effectively and to properly discharge its responsibilities. Eastern Colleges Group Development (ECG) Act as a key strategic lead through all phases of the formation of ECG and the development of the Trust.

2 Ensure the cultural transformation of post-16 provision for all young people across Suffolk. Operate within the budget set by the SAT board. MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: LEAD THE COLLEGE IN ORDER TO CREATE A CENTRE OF EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE FOR THE REGION: Promote the vision, values and ethos of the College and ECG to key stakeholders and the wider community Support the work of ECG including making proposals about the continuous development of the educational character, mission and strategic direction of all the Colleges within ECG Ensure the successful implementation of the ECG Strategic Plan and ensure that the strategic direction of all sister Colleges is communicated and understood and supported by staff through individual, departmental and team objectives Together with the Chief Financial Officer for Suffolk Academies Trust, ensure compliance with relevant accounting and audit requirements and the effective and proper operation of the College s financial and management controls Ensure robust financial planning and the efficient and effective management of the College s budget and resources - advise SAT on a timely basis of risks to the College s financial or reputational status Develop and implement the College s Estates and IT strategies consistent with the strategic direction of the agreed strategic direction of the College Provide motivational leadership to staff and students leading by example through high standards of behaviour, integrity, commitment and compassion Respond to actual and potential changes in the external environment in order to maintain the College s viability and its local, regional and national reputation for excellence in post-16 education Maintain and develop mutually supportive partnerships and connections, to represent the College and to foster links that will promote the College and ECG interests and position the College and ECG successfully in a changing environment Ensure effective arrangements for quality assurance including through the annual Self-assessment Report, preparation for Ofsted inspection and the monitoring of key performance data to generate year on year improvement in results. Determine the College s academic and other activities, including maintaining and developing an effective learning environment, responsive arrangements for the support and guidance of students, and an effective framework for the management, organisation and development of staff Ensure that effective procedures are in place to monitor the College s performance in respect of health and safety, staff and student well-being, safeguarding (including the Prevent strategy), equality and diversity and environmental responsibilities Assess and manage risks against a shifting background, using a significant degree of evaluative judgement and innovative thinking to analyse,

3 evaluate and arrive at conclusions. Maintain an up to date risk register, advising the SAT Board and ECG colleagues of emerging risks and the actions being taken to mitigate the effects of such risks Ensure that the College s activities are compliant with the statutory and regulatory framework and with the provisions set down by Suffolk Academies Trust and Eastern Colleges Group Ensure paths for students that are inspiring and as direct as possible to enable them to attain the highest possible levels of achievement and best outcome from their experience at Suffolk One: Provide an enjoyable, challenging and stimulating environment where students take individual ownership of their learning, realise their potential and progress successfully to the next stage Ensure that the College maintains and develops an inspiring curriculum responsive to the needs of the local and wider community while reflecting national needs and priorities Ensure that there are effective systems to monitor and record the progress of students and to give appropriate feedback Ensure that the College has effective arrangements for the welfare of students and that students feel safe and supported Ensure the learning, pastoral and social environment for all students is of the highest standard. Instil in students and staff the importance of the eight Character Strengths of resilience, optimism, curiosity, confidence, ownership, selfcontrol, ambition and respect so that they deliver their highest levels of performance in an environment in which they will develop and grow: Foster a climate of mutual respect and honesty where staff feel valued and encouraged to engage, develop and achieve Inspire staff to perform to the highest levels of their ability; ensure they are appropriately qualified, motivated and demonstrate high ambitions for their students Ensure that demanding targets are set and achieved throughout the organisation, where quality and performance are monitored rigorously Monitor and review the organisational structure to ensure that the level of staffing, skills and knowledge matches current and future need To strategically develop and manage resources allowing for flexible deployment across the organisation and partnerships. Responsible for the appointment, grading, appraisal, professional development, suspension and dismissal of staff, within the framework set by SAT Determine, within the framework set by ECG, the pay and conditions of service of staff Ensure that the College s employment practices and Health And Safety procedures comply with legislation and reflect best practice Ensure that communication with, and between, staff is clear and effective STRATEGICALLY LEAD, MANAGE AND DEVELOP THE WIDER NETWORKS AND PARTNERSHIPS NEEDED TO ENHANCE SUFFOLK ONE AND MEET THE NEEDS OF THE SUFFOLK COMMUNITIES:

4 Be an outstanding ambassador for Suffolk One and ECG. Ensure that Suffolk One and ECG is appropriately represented at local, regional and national level and safeguard its interests and reputation and influence Encourage the development and sustainability of mutually supportive partnerships and alliances with the local community, other education providers, professional bodies and government departments. Develop and sustain close working relationships with appropriate employers and other partners, to understand and meet their needs in terms of curriculum delivery and development and to ensure that student opportunities are maximised Widen participation and access to learning from disadvantaged groups In addition to this Job Description, annual objectives are agreed with the Chief Executive to provide focus and assist prioritisation.

5 Person Specification: Essential Desirable Commitment To Eastern Colleges Group vision, aims and objectives To develop innovative practice and transform learning experiences To work with partnerships and the wider community including other educational establishments, Governors and other partners/agencies. To promote social cohesion and remove barriers to progress. Qualifications Qualified Teacher Status or equivalent, Degree, further relevant professional studies. Evidence of continuing professional development Experience Substantial management and leadership experience gained as a Deputy Head or Vice Principal in an FE or sixth form college. Leading post-16 learning. Recognised as an inspirational and visionary leader. A proven track record of raising standards for students of all abilities in a challenging environment. Evidence of an innovative approach to development of teaching and learning. Experience of leading curriculum development and in monitoring and evaluation strategies - successfully implementing initiatives across a range of disciplines Significant experience in leading a wide range of staff and pastoral development. Evidence of working in partnership and relationship management with Governors, other educational agencies, and stakeholders. Knowledge / Skills / Abilities Extensive knowledge and understanding of curriculum developments and pupils learning styles Qualifications Relevant Further Degree Experience Evidence of excellent strategic budget management. Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

6 Understanding of issues related to A levels, vocational and special educational needs. Understanding of principles and demonstrable application of college improvement and college effectiveness. Demonstrate ability to plan strategically and creatively, to assess the feasibility of new ideas, resolve problems and to exercise sound judgement Recruit, lead, inspire, develop and support staff Knowledge and understanding of principles and practices of appraisal and effective performance management for all staff within an educational setting. Ability to: o Respond flexibly and positively to new and changing contexts and to drive through transformational change o Analyse and interpret student performance data and set challenging but realistic targets. o Ensure an ethos and structure for managing behaviour which enables all students to achieve. o Guide and deliver on action planning, observation and evaluation. o Work effectively as part of a team with governors, students and parents. o Represent and promote the College, its values, performance and objectives locally and nationally to a wide range of audiences, including potential students and their parents thereby developing the school as a community resource. Evidence of successful management of safeguarding. Communication and interpersonal skills Outstanding written and verbal communication skills at all levels. Excellent presentation skills. Evidence of negotiation and persuasion skills. Excellent knowledge and understanding of public relations and marketing. Excellent interpersonal and management skills, with evidence of success. Ability to analyse, synthesize, evaluate and communicate complex data. Evidence of leadership through a period of significant change Understanding of the concepts of project management.

7 Effective team player. Equality Issues Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of equality legislation and issues. Ability to incorporate equality policies into service delivery and employment practices. Other Requirements Ability to work under pressure. Well organised, able to prioritise and delegate effectively and to develop contingencies to cope with the unforeseen Emotionally resilient with drive and determination Reflective and self-aware Demonstrates professional and personal integrity Committed to the ethos and values of the College Ability to work strategically across Eastern Colleges Group

8