CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER (COO)

Fulham Primary School Queen s Manor Primary School Sulivan Primary School CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER (COO) 1

Welcome Message from the Chair of Trustees, Elizabeth Wolverson OBE Thank you for your interest in the role of Chief Operating Officer at Brightwells Academy Trust. We want to find an inspirational leader who shares our values and is committed to making Brightwells Academy Trust as effective as it can be for the children, families and staff we serve. Chief Operations Officer Post Title: Chief Operations Officer Salary: 60,000 FTE (negotiable according to skills and experience). Reporting to: Brightwells Senior Leadership Team, CEO and Trustees Contract: Initially 0.6 (with flexibility to increase hours, in line with Trust growth). Permanent, 52 weeks per annum Start date: July 2018 Application Process Application deadline: Midday, Friday 8 th June 2018 Shortlisting: Monday 11 th June 2018 Interviews: Friday 15 th June 2018 (candidates should keep this day free when applying for this position) Please complete the Brightwells Application form. In addition, we ask that you provide a written statement of no more than 2 x A4 sides detailing how you feel you meet the person specification (page 10). If you would like further information, or a chance speak to Sonja Harrison, Brightwells CEO, please contact Alda Mendes in the school office at Queen s Manor Primary School via admin@queensmanor.lbhf.sch.uk or by telephone: 020 7385 4343. Please address your applications to Elizabeth Wolverson and return them to Alda Mendes, School Business Manager, Queen s Manor Primary School. Email applications admin@queensmanor.lbhf.sch.uk Postal applications Queen s Manor Primary School Lysia Street Fulham London SW6 6ND 2

At Brightwells Academy Trust (BAT) we have a clear vision and a strong set of values, which we are determined to develop in all our children. We aim to become an outstanding multi-academy trust that: o Improves opportunities and outcomes for all our children o Nurtures self-motivated, successful and resilient learners o Drives ambition and aspiration in our children o Inspires learners with high expectations of themselves o Grows responsible, open-minded and caring citizens Brightwells believes in a strong partnership between schools that share a similar vision, ethos and values. That s why our three community primary schools Fulham, Queen s Manor and Sulivan came together to form Brightwells Academy Trust. We were officially founded in October 2016. All three schools retain their separate identities, but by working together we believe we can raise standards across Brightwells. Our vision includes: o Extending learning opportunities and activities for all pupils o Enriching the curriculum through partnership working and shared resources o Sharing excellent practice in teaching and learning o Enhancing the professional development of teaching and support staff o Building mutual support between the Headteachers, the Trust Directors and the Local Governing Bodies The opportunity The Board is seeking to recruit an outstanding Chief Operations Officer (COO) who will provide the leadership and management on all non-educational aspects of the Trust s operations. The COO will lead the group s financial planning, as well as ensuring an on-going focus on delivering robust and effective operations across BAT s non-academic functions. The COO will also provide strategic input into other key areas determined by the Board. S/he will report directly to the Brightwells Leadership Team (BLT), Local Governing Bodies (LGBs) and Trust Board. The post holder will lead on all matters relating to finance and operations at all levels, working with senior leaders, School Business Managers and site teams and those of future schools to deliver successful outcomes. They will work closely with the BLT, LGBs and Trust Board to support growth ambitions, and to support BAT schools to achieve the strategic aim to become a benchmark of excellence for primary education in the local area. 3

This job description is a general outline of the typical duties and responsibilities to be carried out, whilst accepting that these may change at the discretion of the Trust Board. It is vital that, as the Trust grows, you have the ability and willingness to be flexible and versatile within this role. Core Purpose The role of the COO is to provide strategic leadership on matters relating to finance, ICT, administration and facilities. The COO will be appointed as the Trust s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Company Secretary and Data Protection Officer (DPO): You will be responsible for: o Promoting the highest standards of business ethos within the administrative function of the school and strategically ensure the most effective use of resources in support of the schools objectives o Finance and accounting obligations, including compliance with statutory obligations relating to the Company, following all legal mandates from the DfE o All aspects of Company Secretarial obligations relating to the Company o Financial Resource Management, Facility & Property Management, Health & Safety Management and ICT across the Trust o Providing relevant information to fulfil the Trust s accountabilities to both internal and external audiences JOB DESCRIPTION Strategic Direction and Development o Contribute to and deliver the vision, strategic direction and objectives for the Trust o Attend Brightwells Leadership Team meetings; Local Governing Body (LGB), Full Trust Board and appropriate Trust sub-committee meetings as required (meetings start at 6pm) o Work with the Headteachers on the strategic development and implementation of the School Evaluation and Improvement Plan, ensuring it is financially viable and sustainable o Undertake delegated responsibility when necessary o Develop contacts with business and external partners to develop and generate sources of income which support the development objectives of the schools and Trust 4

Finance and Resource Management o Develop central services to meet the requirements of the Trust o Oversee the development and maintenance of financial systems and procedures o Ensure that the Trust follows best practice in terms of financial governance, and ensure the probity, and legislative compliance, of all financial transactions, including payroll and cash handling o Ensure that suitable and effective internal controls are in place to support robust financial management o Evaluate information and consult with the Senior Leadership Team and Trust Board to prepare a realistic and balanced budget for school and Trust activity o Submit the proposed budget to the Headteachers and Trust for approval and assist the overall financial planning process o Discuss, negotiate and agree final budgets o Use agreed budgets to actively monitor and control performance to achieve value for money and give early warning of difficulties o Identify and inform Headteachers and Trust of the causes of significant variance and take prompt corrective action o Propose revisions to the budget if necessary, in response to significant or unforeseen developments o Provide ongoing budgetary information to relevant people. Advise the Headteachers and Trust if fraudulent activities are suspected or uncovered o Maintain a strategic financial plan that will indicate the trends and requirements of the School Evaluation and Improvement Plan and will forecast future year budgets o Identify additional finance required to fund the schools proposed activities o Present timely and fully costed proposals, recommendations or bids (e.g. CIF bids) o Seek and make use of specialist financial expertise where required o Develop and implement strategies for maximising the Trust s current finances including income through lettings and other activities o Put formal finance agreements in place with suitable providers for agreed amounts, at agreed times and appropriate agreed costs and repayment schedules o Monitor the effectiveness and implementation of agreements o Manage the Trust s procurement processes 5

Trust Responsibilities o Act as the Trust s CFO o Act as the Trust s DPO o Maintain the Trust s Risk Register o Maintain the Trust s accounts in accordance with the Funding Agreement and Academies Financial Handbook and in accordance with financial regulations and the procedures of the Trust o Prepare the annual accounts to prescribed standards, taking responsibility for the completion and submission of all Trust returns and regulatory reporting o Ensure that the annual accounts are properly presented and adequately supported by the underlying records of the Trust o Ensure scrutiny of the Trust's financial systems, controls, transactions and risks in accordance with the requirements of the Academies Financial Handbook o Liaise with both internal and external auditors to enable them to operate effectively o Liaise, on behalf of the Headteachers and Trust Board, with the ESFA on financial matters Facilities Management To lead the Schools Facilities and Site Management, and act as the Trust s lead for Health and Safety, including: o Supporting the Site Managers to review the effectiveness of procedures for site management and maintenance. Ensure that the schools adhere to the expectations of the Trust in terms of estates management and the investment made in the building o Monitoring, assessing and reviewing outsourced or ancillary services, in conjunction with the Site Managers o Developing a systematic procedure for asset management, which will ensure an accurate and current asset register Ensuring the School arrangements for insurance are effective and in place o Supporting the Schools Site Managers and contractors in the successful conclusion of the Trust s capital programme o Ensuring that all services procured deliver value for money Human Resource Management o Oversee payroll services for all school staff including the management of pension schemes and associated services o Advise on financial implications of recruitment, appraisal, staff development and redundancy o Monitor the relevant legal, regulatory, ethical and social requirements and the effect they have on the schools and staff o Evaluate the schools strategic objectives and obtain information for workforce planning 6

ICT To manage the schools ICT contractors and work with them to: o Consider approaches for existing use and future plans to introduce or discard technology in the school o Consult with relevant people and other parties to introduce new technology or improve existing technology for different purposes o Ensure that the school has a strategy for using technology aligned to the overall vision and plans for the school, ensuring value for money o Communicate the strategy and relevant policies, including Data Protection for use of technology across the school o Establish systems to monitor and report on the performance of technology within the school o Ensure that Brightwells websites are compliant; liaise with senior leaders and admin staff in terms of updates and changes o Ensure data collection systems providing information to stakeholders are streamlined to maximise efficiency of the data supplied and are GDPR compliant Administration Management o Manage the Trust s administrative function and line manage office and site staff o Design and maintain administrative systems that deliver outcomes based on the school s aims and goals o Define responsibilities, information and support for staff and other stakeholders o Develop process measures that are affordable and that will enable value for money decisions for those managing resources o Establish and use effective methods to review and improve administrative systems 7

Communications and Liaison o Ensure effective communication and liaison with staff, Local Governing Bodies and Trustees Liaise with partner schools and other relevant external bodies and to ensure the school is up-to-date with best practice locally and nationally o Promote actively the development of effective links with external agencies. GENERIC LEADERSHIP ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES To play a major role, under the overall direction of the Headteachers and Trust Board, in: o Creating and implementing the vision, ethos and policies of the schools o Ensuring that the vision for the Trust is clearly articulated, shared, understood and acted upon effectively, and translates into plans which promote and sustain school improvement o Demonstrating the vision and values in everyday work and practice o Manage own workload and that of others to allow an appropriate work/home life balance o Carrying operational responsibility for the day-to-day management of the Schools o Undertaking any professional duties reasonably delegated by the Headteachers o Attending out of school hours events as required by the Headteachers o Having a high profile across the Trust o Carrying out responsibilities at all times with due regard to the organisation and arrangements for Health and Safety at Work (including the preparation of Risk Assessments) o Carrying out duties in line with the Schools Policy on Equality and Diversity and be sensitive and caring to the needs of others, promoting a positive approach to a harmonious working environment Safeguarding Brightwells Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check with barred list information is required for all successful applicants in addition to checking the individual is not subject to a prohibition order. Applicants are required, before appointment to disclose any conviction, caution or binding over including spent convictions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exemptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. 8

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER (COO) PERSON SPECIFICATION Selection criteria Essential Desirable Qualifications and Training Accountancy Qualification Educated to degree level or equivalent Advanced Diploma in School Business Management Evidence of further or continued professional development Professional qualification in business leadership and/or relevant discipline Knowledge and Experience Substantial post qualification professional experience (5 years plus) in senior management within a school business management context Significant experience beyond first degree level in business administration, accounting or related disciplines Experience of academy financial management, policy & practice Company and charity law especially: governance, accounting & reporting requirements Supervision of annual accounts, their presentation and submission as required. Experience of financial & budgetary risk management Experience of asset and facilities management Experience of personnel procedures and relevant employment legislation Successful track record of leading & managing complex projects from inception to completion Experience of procuring services and monitoring contracts to ensure best value Significant experience of successfully leading staff, developing administrative and financial systems and policies, including sound budget control and advice to senior leaders & trustees Ability to present ideas and strategies to a variety of audiences including pupils, staff, parents and external agencies Operational experience of supporting schools through to academy conversion Personal Qualities and Attributes Considerable personal enthusiasm with a high level of integrity, probity & professionalism Resilience - underpinned by good personal administrative & time management skills, the ability to work to deadlines and ensure completion Strong interpersonal, communication and team working skills ability to inspire, motivate, enable and get the best from people 9

Operate with a consistent & clear set of moral values that is compatible with the mission & values of the trust Flexible and able to respond to rapidly changing demands and environment Ability to make and justify difficult decisions Excellent literacy, numeracy, ICT & problem-solving skills Commitment to safeguarding and equal opportunities and to upholding trust policies Ability to travel to and work across multiple sites as required Shaping the Future Capacity to positively lead and skilfully manage change Proven experience of using organisation-wide self-evaluation and improvement strategies to drive improvement Experience in strategic business or service planning & the development of business opportunities and fund-raising Ability to take an entrepreneurial perspective in contributing to the development of the trust and maximising resources Use new and emerging technologies to support improvement and organisational effectiveness Understanding of current government educational policy & legislation and associated issues Thank you for your interest in this role. Please do not hesitate to contact the school if you would like to ask any questions. 10