New College Durham

Business & Human Resources Director

Academy Application Pack

INCLUSION PROGRESSION EXCELLENCE Contents

03 Welcome Letter

04 Copy of the Advertisement

05 The Academy Ethos and Vision

07 The Sponsors

08 Post and Person Specification

13 How to Apply

14 Living and Working in &

02 Welcome Letter

Dear applicant,

Thank you for interest in the position of Business and Human Resources Director at .

Consett Academy will open in January 2012, on the sites of the two former schools, Consett Community Sports College and Moorside Community Technology College. In the summer of 2014 the Academy will move onto a new purpose built Academy in the centre of Consett on the Belle Vue site.

The Academy Lead Sponsor is and we are co-sponsored by Durham County Council, both are award winning providers of outstanding education in our region.

The Academy will build on achievements of the predecessor schools to transform the educational landscape in the area. It will drive up standards, raise aspirations and achieve high levels of performance. It will set the standard for other schools to follow.

The Academy will develop the experience gained by the two predecessor schools in the specialisms of Sport and Technology.

The Academy will be based on the three core principles of Inclusion, Progression and Excellence:

• The principle of Inclusion will provide opportunities for students of all abilities, aspirations and backgrounds and involving staff, governors, students and the wider community in determining the future of the new academy. The curriculum will be broad and challenging, with the academic success of students at the heart of what we do.

• To encourage Progression, the academy will provide effective advice and guidance. This will enable learners to make informed and appropriate decisions for future study and employment, encouraging them to take on new challenges and reach higher levels of achievement.

• The focus on Excellence will underpin all our activities and expectations.

These ambitious objectives require an exceptional Business and Human Resources Director with a track record of success and proven leadership qualities. The agenda is challenging, but for the right individual this presents an unrivalled opportunity to make a real difference and a lasting contribution to the success of our academy.

This is an exciting and unique role and we look forward to receiving your application.

Please do not attach copies of CV’s/qualification certificates. Only the information presented on the application form will be used as part of the short-listing process.

Please note; when returning your completed application pack, can you please ensure you apply the correct postage.

Kevin Reynolds Principal Designate, Consett Academy 03 Advertisement

New College Durham

Principal Designate: Kevin Reynolds Outstanding opportunity to join Consett Academy, County Durham and lead the Corporate Service staff to deliver a challenging agenda whilst ensuring the highest standard of professional HR practice throughout all Academies of New College Durham Academies Trust BUSINESS & HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR Salary – Circa £61,000 plus performance increments

We are looking to appoint a strategic and innovative Business and Human Resources Director for Consett Academy. This role has a number of key dimensions, as the successful post holder will manage the Corporate Services staff at Consett Academy, whilst ensuring the highest standard of HR practice throughout all the academies of New College Durham Academies Trust.

This is a key senior appointment and you will have the opportunity to work with a dynamic and forward looking Executive Leadership Team and Governing Body. The successful candidate will be an inspirational leader who will play a major role in ensuring the Academy delivers the highest standards for its students and builds long-term success by establishing and developing the Academy’s Corporate Services functions to support the objectives of the Academy.

This outstanding opportunity requires a forward thinking leader who will be an excellent HR practitioner with considerable experience and expertise, possessing:-

• Fellowship of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development • Understanding of both the Corporate Services functions and HR demands/challenges of Secondary Education/Academies Sector • A minimum of five years’ experience working in a Senior Human Resources position • Experience of managing multidiscipline teams • A proven track record of management within a complex organisation • Exceptional leadership skills and ability to motivate and inspire the corporate services staff at Consett Academy • A commitment to excellence and right first time approach.

In addition to addressing the challenges at Consett Academy, the post will provide professional HR expertise to the Academies managers and staff within the New College Durham Academies Trust.

The post will provide a challenging and stimulating environment in which the Academy will transform the educational opportunities and experiences for the young people in the area.

Interviews will be held on Friday 11 November 2011

Application packs can be downloaded from http://www.consett-academy.org.uk/ or by contacting [email protected]

Closing date: 31 October 2011 – 12.00 noon

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from any individual who meets the criteria of the post. We welcome applications from all sections of the community. Job share applicants are welcome. Consett Academy is committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults and will undertake the appropriate employment checks to meet this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to apply for Disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau.. INCLUSION PROGRESSION EXCELLENCE 04 Ethos and Vision

1. The sponsors’ vision, values and priorities

The proposed New Academy will be inspirational and seek to transform the lives and aspirations of its students and play a full part in local regeneration. High academic standards will be at its forefront and go hand-in-hand with the sponsors’ commitment to considering young people ‘as a whole’, developing proactive learners and well-rounded citizens. The sponsors will build strong and effective partnerships with businesses, industry and local organisations, to engage and enthuse them, creating an outstanding Academy.

The Academy is being developed to speed the pace of educational improvement and transform educational standards in Consett. It aims to raise attainment at every level to produce students who are better qualified in the widest sense to make a positive contribution to the adult world. It will seek to work with its partner primary schools to help improve attainment across the board, especially in literacy, oracy and numeracy. Challenging targets will be a ‘given’, with a particular focus on increasing the number of students achieving 5+ A*-C GCSE (or equivalent), including English and Mathematics. It aims to be recognised as a High Performing School.

Specialism The Academy will build on the existing specialisms of its two predecessor schools in Sport and Technology to create a unique and inspiring curriculum for its students.

2. The Academy ethos

The Academy will be founded on three Core Principles:

Inclusion Progression Excellence

1. The principle of Inclusion will determine all activities, providing opportunities for learning for students of all abilities and backgrounds.

In fulfilling this principle, the academy will:

•involve staff, governors, students and the wider community in determining the future of the Academy; •welcome students of all abilities aspirations and talents, celebrating diversity and affording equality of opportunity to all by providing appropriate courses and support to aid their learning; •encourage students to make a positive contribution to the life of the community and understand their responsibilities as citizens of the world.

2. The principle of Progression will support all of the Academy’s students in making the most of their abilities and aspirations.

In fulfilling this principle the Academy will:

•provide effective independent information, advice and guidance to enable learners to make informed and appropriate decisions for future study and employment; •celebrate learning and achievement of all kinds and the diverse talents of students, recognising progress and other measures of success; •encourage students to move on to new challenges and higher levels of achievement in academic work, vocational studies, leisure and citizenship. 05 Ethos and Vision

2. The Academy ethos continued...

3. The principle of Excellence will underpin all actions and expectations whether in the learning areas, working in the community or governing and managing the academy.

In fulfilling this principle the Academy will:

•provide the highest quality learning and teaching in the highest quality surroundings; •ensure that students achieve to the maximum of their abilities in academic disciplines, vocational skills and extra-curricular activity; •make the Academy a place where teachers, support staff and all those involved with its management are given the best possible opportunities to develop their skills, knowledge and confidence; •provide leadership and example for our community and all those who work with us and share our values.

4. The distinctive features of the Academy

The distinctive features of the Academy in Consett will be:

•a strong ethos of individual development which will relate student learning to the outside world, providing real contexts for learning and making the curriculum relevant and inspirational to students; •an emphasis on the development of a wide range of learning and employability skills in the curriculum; •the excellent wrap-around student support for learning, where no student is allowed to be ‘left behind’; •the inspirational involvement of New College Durham in the life of the Academy, with College staff providing top quality professional development for Academy staff as appropriate, staff from both institutions teaching in the other where possible, shared professional development where it is valuable; •the introduction of New College Durham’s outstanding Quality Assurance and Performance Management systems to the Academy to ensure the highest quality provision and outcomes for students and their families; •the development of well rounded individuals; •the celebration of success and achievement in all its forms; •the impact of New College Durham as lead sponsor, inspiring and ensuring excellent progression opportunities, to Further and Higher Education.

06 The Sponsors

The lead sponsor for the proposed Academy is New College Durham. New College Durham is an established and very successful “Mixed Economy College”, providing further and higher education based near the city of Durham but attracting students from across the county and beyond. The latest Ofsted inspection (June 2009) found the college to be “Outstanding” across all key aspects of its provision, with success and achievement rates placing it in the top ten per cent of Colleges nationally.

The College has operated very successful partnerships with thirteen local secondary schools, including those covered by this proposal, to deliver vocational opportunities to students aged 14-16 as part of the “Increased Flexibility” and Young Apprenticeship programmes. In addition to providing full time Further Education for nearly 2,500 students, the College manages a successful apprenticeship programme and offers a range of community education courses. Alongside its Further Education provision the College is a significant provider of Higher Education being directly funded by HEFCE and the NHS to provide full and part time Higher Education up to Honours Degree in vocational and professional disciplines.

The College has recently been granted powers to award its own Foundation Degrees. The College works with employers across the region. The College’s understanding of education and the pathways to achieving economic well-being, coupled with the input and support of existing business partners will help to raise aspiration and provide a more relevant education to students in all three Key Stages in the academy. Their high levels of expectations will be shared with all current and future parents/carers, and their support actively fostered. New College Durham, as lead sponsor, will enable and ensure that the academy will develop a strong work/business related ethos, as well as achieving the highest academic standards. All students will have the opportunity to follow a range of courses in Key Stages 4 and 5.

Durham County Council (DCC), as co-sponsor, will provide expertise in commissioning a wide range of children’s services, through its membership of multi-agency partnerships; offer school improvement strategies; overcoming social and economic barriers to success; information and support to the academy to develop collaborative approaches to curriculum delivery with other local providers; provide good local and regional social trend data, which will support the identification of social and economic barriers to progress, and advice on how to overcome them. In this way DCC will support the Academy’s commitment to transforming learning, and developing exemplary practice, as envisaged by the Government in the Every Child Matters agenda.

07 Post and Person Specification

POST: Business and Human Resources Director RESPONSIBLE TO: Principal LEVEL: £61,000 + performance increments

OVERVIEW:

The role of the Business and Human Resources Director will be to provide:

1. Strategic Human Resources support to the Principals of the Academies of New College Durham Academies Trust.

2. Development and implementation of a Corporate Services Strategy, ensuring the effective management of the Corporate Services Directorate within Consett Academy.

3. Professional leadership to Human Resources staff with the Academies within the New College Durham Academies Trust.

4. Key contribution to the development of Academies Strategic Plans, direction and decision making and proactively work towards the achievement of shared organisational objectives.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Key Result Areas:

1. Develop and implement a Human Resources Strategy and ensure the effective and efficient deployment of Human Resources to support and integrate with the Sponsors, Governors and Principals key strategic aims.

2. To provide professional leadership to the Human Resources staff within the Academies providing coaching, mentoring, support and advice on all aspects of the Human Resources activity relating to service delivery, ensuring the highest standards are consistently monitored.

3. To provide leadership and direction to Consett Academy Corporate Services staff, ensuring they are effectively managed and supervised.

4. To ensure effective promotion and operation of a collaborative approach to the delivery of the Academies corporate services in order to enhance the programmes and services provided.

5. To support the Academies Management by ensuring effective staff performance management processes are in place and implemented. 08 Post and Person Specification

6. Provide comprehensive and professional Human Resources advice and support to managers and staff across the Academies, investigating and advising on very complex employment issues.

7. Develop and promote new ways of working, to support modernisation and effective utilisation of staffing.

8. Initiate and develop good industrial relations with nominated staff representatives to facilitate the best possible employment relationship.

9. Initiate and develop appropriate strategies for the effective training and development of staff in support of identified needs in order to maximise the effective utilisation of staffs’ abilities.

10.Develop and implement an effective mechanism for workforce planning to ensure that the Academies recruitment and retention needs are addressed proactively.

11.Manage the Human Resources database to ensure the accurate provision of staffing information to support the management of the Academies.

12.To provide Human Resources advice, information and analysis to the Academies Trust Board, Principals, ELT, Managers and External Partners/Stakeholders and to act as the leading interface between Management and the Board on Human Resources service matters for the Academies.

13.Ensure that effective public relations and communications are maintained with external organisations, as directed by the Principal

14.To work closely with the Principals and Senior Management, participating as an integral member of ELT, advising on likely Human Resources consequences of proposed courses of action.

15.Formulate appropriate strategies to ensure the Academies obligation in relation to equal opportunities are fully complied with.

16.Maintain high standards of quality by ensuring that the Academies Policy for Quality Management and control is employed effectively within the areas of responsibility.

17.To co-ordinate and support the Principal at Consett Academy, in the management of the Academies Risk Register and to per form data controller role on behalf of Consett Academy and ensure Compliance with Data Protection procedures.

18.Undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade and status of the post. 09 Post and Person Specification

Communications & Key working relationship

With the Principal(s) the post holder will:

• work with the Sponsors and Governors to implement the Consett Academy’s Vision and Values;

• work within the Academies community to translate the vision and ethos into agreed Objectives and Operational Plans that will promote and sustain Academies improvement;

• contribute to the strategic leadership of the Academies;

• take a leading role in promoting excellence, equality, high expectations and aspirations amongst all members of the Academies community;

• take a leading role in creating a safe learning environment which is engaging and fulfilling for all students;

• ensure both Academies achieve their Key HR Performance Targets, in relation to Academy;

• develop and lead on designated areas of the Academies Development Plan;

• be a member of the Executive Leadership Team within the Academies.

With Community and Partnership the post holder will:

• work with and advise the Academy Governing Body and Academies Trust Board on all aspects of HR Management issues;

• work with appointed external consultants as appropriate;

• liaise with Academy partners to promote and facilitate extended services;

• work with partners to promote the use of the Academy site in the evening and at weekends;

• work with corporate function colleagues at , notably Director of Business and Finance to ensure effective and seamless support services across all Academies.

10 Post and Person Specification

With Staff the post holder will:

• assist in the appointment of non-teaching staff following the Safer Recruitment Policy;

• recruit, retain and deploy non-teaching staff appropriately and assist in managing their workload to achieve the vision and goals of the Academies;

• prepare and regularly review the Academies HR Policy Manual;

• create and maintain good working and professional development of all staff, providing an example through their own development and practice;

Variation in Role

Given the dynamic nature of the role and structure of the New College Durham Academies, it must be accepted that, as the Academy’s work develops and changes, there will be a need for adjustments to the role and responsibilities of the post. The duties specified above are, therefore, not to be regarded as either exclusive or exhaustive. They may change from time to time commensurate with the grading level of the post and following consultation with the member of staff.

Equality and Diversity

New College Durham Academies Trust Board is committed to equality and diversity for all members of society. The Academies Trust Board will take action to discharge this responsibility but many of the actions will rely on individual staff members at our respective Academies embracing their responsibilities with such a commitment and ensuring a positive and collaborative approach to Equality and Diversity. This will require staff to support the Academies Trust Board’s initiatives on Equality and Diversity which will include embracing development and training designed to enhance practices and the experiences of staff, pupils and visitors to the Academies with an all-inclusive approach that celebrates differences. Failure to embrace these commitments may lead to formal action.

If you as a member of staff identify how you or the Academies Trust Board can improve its practice on Equality and Diversity please contact the Director of HR at New College Durham (Lead Sponsor HR advisor) Alternatively if you wish for any support or assistance with regards to Equality and Diversity please again contact the above individual.

Commitment to Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups

New College Durham is committed to safeguarding & promoting the welfare of children and young people, as well as vulnerable adults, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

11 Post and Person Specification

ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS • Chartered FCIPD • Evidence of continued Professional Development • Degree and/or Masters

KNOWLEDGE • Extensive knowledge of employment law • Understanding of the HR • Understanding of the HR demands/challenges demands/challenges of the of Secondary Education Sector Academies Sector

EXPERIENCE • A minimum of five year’s experience working in • Experience of managing and motivating a Senior Human Resources position staff from other Corporate Services • Experience of developing and producing workforce eg IT, Finance, Facilities etc. plans and strategies • Experience of Managing and motivating Human Resources staff • Experience of working in a complex unionised environment/organisation • Experience of introducing Human Resources software system • A successful track record of managing change and service reconfiguration at a senior level • Extensive experience of managing complex employment relations, including negotiation and consultation processes • Experience of Project Management • Proven track record of implementing and managing Job Evaluation Scheme

SKILLS & ABILITIES • Excellent interpersonal, persuasion and influencing skills. Able to establish collaborative working relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders • Able to think strategically and to analyse complex issues, including the ability to develop and implement appropriate strategies and policies • Proven Management skills, including the ability to lead, empower and motivate others • Project Management skills, including well developed planning and organisational skills and the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines • Decision-making skills, including the ability to delegate and make recommendations based on an analysis of options • Highly developed communications and presentation skills. Able to present ideas and proposals effectively, including the ability to communicate effectively in writing, and verbally, with individuals on a one-to-one basis and with groups • Able to deal with conflict proactively • Able to provide and receive highly complex, sensitive or contentious information • Tenacity, flexibility and the ability to work under pressure

OTHER • Able to work autonomously • Able to adapt of the needs of a changing diverse environment • Proactive rather than reactive approach • Team player • Car owner/driver 12 How to apply

CLOSING DATE: Monday 31 October 2011 at 12 noon

INTERVIEW DATE: Friday 11 November 2011

JOB DESCRIPTION This tells you the main responsibilities of the post and explains what we are looking for. It tells you about the personal and professional qualities you need for this post. These criteria will be used to make the appointment.

PERSON SPECIFICATION This specification sets out which criteria will be used to shortlist candidates for interview. Please ensure you demonstrate through evidence how you meet the criteria.

APPLYING If you decide to apply for this post would you please complete the attached application form. Your supporting statement should address the selection criteria detailed in the Person Specification.

Completed applications forms may be returned in an electronic format to:-

[email protected]

If you prefer to submit a completed paper application, please return to:

Human Resources Department New College Durham Framwellgate Moor Centre Durham DH1 5ES

13 Living and working in Consett and County Durham

Consett is a town with a strong and proud community. It is located ideally to explore the beautiful countryside of the west Durham moors and the historical city of Durham and the rest of County Durham.

Durham is a historic city with a population of around 89,000. It has its very own Cathedral thought by many to be the finest example of Norman church architecture in . The magnificent Cathedral is accompanied by an impressive castle, originally commissioned by William the Conqueror and now home to University College, the foundation college for . The Cathedral and Castle are sited on a peninsula bordered by the River Wear and described as “one of the finest architectural experiences of Europe” and together they have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The architecture in the City is protected by preservation orders helping to maintain its character.

Covering an area of 2,434 square kilometres, County Durham is characterised by moors and rivers, and is renowned for its charming heritage and wonderful scenery. Within minutes, many paths will take you to the river banks where you can hire a rowing boat, take the Prince Bishop River Cruise or enjoy the stunning views of Durham City by foot.

Those who crave culture will find many places of interest in the City including the Museum of Archaeology, Crook Hall Gardens, The Durham Light Infantry Museum and Art Gallery, The Oriental Museum, Botanic Gardens and much more! A few miles out of the City you can find Beamish Living History Museum, Bowes Museum and The National Railway Museum to name just a few. The centrepiece of Durham’s arts programme, the Gala Theatre is situated in a beautiful, purpose-built, £15m building on the banks of the River Wear in the heart of this historic city. The venue houses a state-of-the-art theatre, spacious and comfortable café-bar and two cinema screens offering a full programme for stage and screen.

Durham County offers a wide variety of restaurants specialising in European, Indian and Asian cuisine. The nightlife is varied and suited to all tastes, with an assortment of sophisticated wine bars and a host of traditional pubs offering a warm and friendly atmosphere. There is also a growing live music scene in the County. The vibrant cities of Newcastle and Sunderland are only a short train or bus journey away, offering an even wider choice of culture and leisure activities.

Those enjoying a more active lifestyle can make the most of the Durham County’s newest leisure centre, Freeman’s Quay, which has a 25 meter, 8 lane pool, dedicated dance studio and a 130 station Lifestyles Leisure Club. If you’re more of a spectator than a participator, then Durham County Cricket Club and Sedgefield Racecourse are both situated close by.

Living and working in Consett means you have the perfect base for exploring this fascinating and contrasting region. Be inspired by the region's rich history and experience the North East's rich industrial and technological heritage.

Experience "living" history, beautiful and varied landscapes and a treasure trove of hidden gems that will delight and inspire you to stay longer and explore further. This is the place for dazzling city life, vibrant culture and great shopping.

County Durham and its three neighbouring regions, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, and Teesside each have their own attractions, charm and characteristics uniting the North East with a passion for life!

For more information please visit:

www.thisisdurham.com www.durham.gov.uk www.consetthistory.org.uk www.visitoruk.com/consett 14