CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Application Pack

Enabling all to flourish: Rooted in God’s love

1 Welcome From the Chair of the Trust Board

Dear Applicant

Thank you for your interest in the role of Chief Executive Officer at the Diocese of St Albans Multi-Academy Trust. The post, as advertised, is a significant one in the life of the Trust, which admitted its first school as recently as 1st March 2017. This is an exciting opportunity to play a significant role in the early development of the Trust, and to influence the lives and future prospects of thousands of youngsters in the Diocese.

The Trust’s vision, Enabling all to flourish: Rooted in God’s Love, emphasises its commitment to establishing Academies which educate the whole child and are at the heart of their community. The Trust is looking to recruit a CEO who understands that the educational landscape is uncertain, and that decisions are often based on complex and rapidly changing information. Our new CEO will have complete integrity in all they do, an ability to articulate clearly their strategic recommendations and the rationale behind them, an ability to manage volatility in the field of education and a strong commitment to ensuring the best possible outcomes for all children, regardless of ability. The successful candidate will drive the growth and development of the Trust over the next five years.

Should you require any further information or clarification of anything within this pack, please do not hesitate to contact Charlotte Johnson, [email protected], who will be pleased to talk to you.

Paul Dickens Chair of the Trust Board

Enabling all to flourish: Rooted in God’s love The Diocese of St Albans Multi-Academy Trust

History The Diocese of St Albans Multi-Academy Trust (DSAMAT) was established in October 2016 at a time when there was a clear agenda for all schools to become academies. The Trust was established to provide for:

• Good or Outstanding church schools within the Diocese of St Albans • Community Schools • Schools requiring rapid improvement having been placed in Special Measures and subject to a directive Academy Order • New schools within new housing provision where the Diocese of St Albans is the identified sponsor

Whilst DSAMAT is a diocesan multi-academy trust it will also admit non-church schools from across the Diocese. DSAMAT is an independent organisation, yet retains close working relationships with the Diocesan Board of Education and its academies remain an integral part of the Diocese of St Albans network of 136 Church of England schools. The Trust admitted its first school on 1st March 2017 and has grown quickly, now educating over 2400 pupils and employing over 350 staff.

Current Membership The Trust currently consists of one secondary school, Manshead CE Academy, and 5 primary/lower schools, Caldecote CE Academy, Churchfield CE Academy, Kensworth CE Academy, Thomas Whitehead CE Academy, and Totternhoe Academy. There are currently 2 more schools scheduled to join the Trust.

Vision and Values DSAMAT is a Church of England Trust that is passionate about creating Academies which serve their local communities through the provision of a rich and diverse curriculum. In our Church of England Academies this richness is underpinned through a clear link to Christian values and by our academies being distinctively Christian.

The Trust has a clear vision which shapes its work: Enabling all to flourish: Rooted in God’s Love

And together our academies work to be places of: Hope; Nurture; Hospitality; Equality; Respect; Collaboration

The Trust's vision will draw on, and be informed by, the National Church of England Vision for Education and the Diocesan Board of Education Vision. The Diocesan Board of Education vision is currently being revised and as a result the Trust Head teachers would welcome the opportunity to work with the new CEO to review the Trust Values .

Underpinning all of the Trust’s work is a belief in educational excellence. The Trust believes it is called to serve all stakeholders by providing academies with the highest levels of academic rigour and pastoral care. The Trust’s academies will be places where children and young people develop and thrive intellectually, socially, culturally and spiritually. All of the Trust's academies embrace the opportunity to deliver a curriculum which is rich and diverse and designed to ensure that all pupils reach their full potential. Pupils will be empowered to succeed in an atmosphere of high expectation, aspiring to educational excellence and enriched through our distinctively Christian ethos.

Enabling all to flourish: Rooted in God’s love The Diocese of St Albans Multi-Academy Trust

Organisation and Management The Diocese of St Albans Multi-Academy Trust is governed by 5 Members appointed by the Diocese of St Albans Educational Trust. Those Members appoint the Directors who lead the strategic work of the Trust. Current Directors have a range of educational, financial, legal and business expertise. Local governance of Academies is currently undertaken through regional hub boards entitled Regional Academy Executive Boards; this system is currently under review.

The Trust is currently staffed as follows: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) (Interim 3 days per week) Chief Operations Officer (COO) (Full time) Chief Education Officer (CEdO) (2 days per week)

Primary Education Lead (Part time, fixed term till August 2019) Cross Phase Lead (Part time, fixed term till August 2019)

Senior Administrative and Operations Officer (full time) Senior Administrative and Finance Officer (full time) Minutes Secretary (Part time)

The Trust also employs the services of a Trusted Advisor who supports all aspects of governance.

Partnerships DSAMAT retains a close working relationship with the Diocesan Board of Education and would expect that to continue in the coming years. The Trust works closely with both the Regional Schools Commissioner’s Office and the Department for Education. Through the work of the Trust’s CEdO and COO, DSAMAT has developed links with local Academy Trusts with whom the Trust shares information, policies and good practice.

Our new Chief Executive Officer The Trust’s new CEO will have a key role to play in embedding and developing key systems, structures and processes whilst actively promoting the Trust as a leading, regional provider of high quality education that is delivered within a framework of Christian values.

Enabling all to flourish: Rooted in God’s love The Diocese of St Albans Multi-Academy Trust

Chief Executive Officer Outline Terms and Conditions

Term: The appointment will be based upon a probationary period of six months during which it may be terminated by either party by one week’s notice, and thereafter by three months’ notice on either side.

Salary: £95,000—£100,000 full time

Pension: Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme

Hours: This is a full time position and given the nature of the role hours worked may include evenings.

Holidays: Annual leave entitlement is dependent on contractual arrangements.

Expenses: Approved expenses are paid in full through the DSAMAT budget at agreed rates.

Office facilities: The person appointed will be required to work in the Diocese of St Albans Multi-Academy Trust Central Office located within Manshead CE Academy, Luton Road, Caddington, LU1 1BB.

Right to work: The successful applicant will need to provide proof of right to work in the UK before taking up the post.

Additional Employment: Prior written agreement is required for any interest, directorship or employment to be held in addition to this employment.

Continuous Service: With the exception of the Redundancy Payments Modification Order which applies, for the purposes of occupational entitlements, for example to sick pay or maternity pay, the Trust does not recognise continuous or aggregated service with other academy trusts or with local authorities.

Enabling all to flourish: Rooted in God’s love The Diocese of St Albans Multi-Academy Trust

The Application Process

Submitting an application Applications will only be accepted from candidates completing the Trust’s Application Form. Please complete ALL sections of the Application Form which are relevant to you as clearly and fully as possible. CVs will not be accepted in place of a completed Application Form.

We will seek references on shortlisted candidates and may approach previous employers for information to verify particular experience or qualifications before interview. Any relevant issues arising from references will be taken up at interview.

If you are currently working with children, on either a paid or voluntary basis, your current employer will be asked about disciplinary offences, including those related to children or young people (where disciplinary sanction is current or time-expired), and whether you have been the subject of any child protection allegations or concerns and, if so, the outcome of any investigation or disciplinary proceedings. If you are not currently working with children but have done in the past, that previous employer will be asked about these issues.

Where neither your current or previous employment has involved working with children, your current employer will be asked about your suitability to work with children, although that question may, where appropriate, be answered ‘not applicable’ if duties have not brought you into contact with children or young people.

You should be aware that the provision of false information is an offence and could result in your application being rejected or summary dismissal if you have been appointed, as well as possible referral to the police and/or DBS and/or other relevant investigating bodies.

Interview Process After the closing date, short listing will be conducted by a Panel who will match your skills/experience against the criteria in the Person Specification. You will be selected for interview entirely on the contents of your Application Form, so please read the Job Description and Person Specification carefully when you complete your form.

In addition to a candidate’s ability to perform the duties of the post, any interview will also explore issues relating to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, including:

• Motivation to work with children and young people • Ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with children and young people • Emotional resilience when working with challenging behaviours • Attitudes to use of authority and maintaining discipline

Where the successful candidate has worked or been resident overseas in the previous five years, such checks and confirmations as may be required in accordance with statutory guidance will be carried out.

Enabling all to flourish: Rooted in God’s love The Diocese of St Albans Multi-Academy Trust Interview and pre-employment checks (continued)

Pre-Employment Checks Any offer to a successful candidate will be conditional upon:

Verification of right to work in the UK Receipt of at least two satisfactory references (if these have not already been received) Verification of identity checks and qualifications Satisfactory DBS Disclosure including Children’s Barred List check (formerly List 99) Verification of professional status such as QTS, NPQH (where required) Satisfactory completion of a Medical Questionnaire Satisfactory completion of the probationary period Where the successful candidate has worked or been resident overseas in the previous five years, such checks and confirmations as may be required in accordance with statutory guidance.

Safeguarding Children & Young People The Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

We will seek references on shortlisted candidates for this position and may approach previous employers not listed specifically for reverence requests. Relevant issues arising from references will be taken up at interviews.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to undergo appropriate checks, including enhanced DBS checks.

Accordingly, this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions and bind-overs, including those regarded as “spent”, must be declared.

Enabling all to flourish: Rooted in God’s love Job Description (1/2)

The Chief Executive Officer will be an outstanding strategic leader who is able to articulate the Christian vision, values and ethos of the Diocese of St Albans Multi-Academy Trust (DSAMAT) and will inspire and empower others to join the Trust Position: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Accountable to: The Academy Trust Board

Reporting to: The Chair of the Board of Directors

In addition, the CEO will be required to report to the Members and other key stakeholders, including the DfE and the Regional Schools Commissioner. RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Overall • Provide strategic leadership and direction to the Trust and its academies within the vision and strategy agreed by the Trust Board and ensure that children and young people consistently achieve their full potential and are enabled to flourish. • Working closely with the senior staff and trustees, lead the development and growth of the Trust enabling it to realise its 3-5 year strategic aspirations. • Be the lead ambassador for the Trust contributing to both the recruitment of new schools into the trust and sharing nationally with fellow CE Academy Trusts and non Church Trusts our vision, impact and commitment to educational excellence.

2. Strategic • Provide overall leadership and direction to the Trust and its academies within the Christian vision and strategy agreed by the Trust Board • Support the Trust Board in the formulation and development of strategy and ensure that all decisions made by the Board are recorded and implemented • Work with Stakeholders to develop and implement a framework for accountability ensuring that the Christian distinctiveness of all CE Academies is not only maintained but also enhanced. • In conjunction with the Chief Operating Officer, take responsibility for the annual business plan and key documents such as the Trust’s long term strategic plan, self-evaluation and improvement plans of the academies • Lead the growth and development of the Trust, including due diligence and recruiting/preparing schools for conversion • Together with the Trust Board and Chief Operating Officer, ensure proactive, robust and appropriate risk mitigation and management for the Trust and ensure that the risk strategy is aligned to local academy risk strategies

3. Leadership and Management • Be an inspirational leader, committed to the highest achievement in all areas of the Trust’s work, and develop an ethos of continuous improvement • Utilise skills and experience to drive the improvement and expansion of the Trust both as a business and an educational organisation • Actively drive the strategy of the Trust, ensure that its management and organisational structures are fit for purpose and support its strategic goals.

Enabling all to flourish: Rooted in God’s love Job Description (2/2)

4. Resources/Change Management • Be accountable for large scale asset management across the estates of schools, including overseeing major capital projects • Work closely with the Diocesan Director of Education and Local Authorities in relation to school creation and expansion • Be responsible for meeting the demands of changing legislation and practice and new initiatives • Lead, oversee and advise on the allocation of resources across the Trust

5. Teaching and Learning/School Improvement Through the line management of the Chief Education Officer: • Use a framework for accountability to challenge and support all leaders and stakeholders to ensure that academic standards are raised and underperformance is swiftly addressed.

6. Finance and Procurement Through the line management of the Chief Operations Officer: • Develop and implement a framework for accountability to ensure that fiscal and operational performance is enhanced • As Accounting Officer for the Trust, ensure that it works to the standards set out in the Academies Financial Handbook • Work closely with the COO to ensure long-term financial sustainability, by establishing and confirming the effective monitoring of proper financial systems, ensuring that appropriate action is recommended to address problems identified, and that the Directors receive accurate and timely financial reports

7. Compliance Through the line management of the Chief Operations Officer: • Ensure that the Trust meets all legislative and statutory requirements, including Health and Safety and those required by Companies House, the Charity Commission, Data Protection, and the master and supplementary Funding Agreements • Ensure the effective capture of all data to meet statutory and legislative requirements • Embed across the Trust clear quality assurance systems that drive consistency and improvement in performance

8. Safeguarding • Ensure that the Trust and all schools within the Trust meet their safeguarding responsibilities in line with current legislation • Be the Designated Safeguarding Lead for the Trust (if appropriate)

9. Relationship Management With the CEdO and COO develop and maintain effective relationships with key partners/stakeholders: the Regional School Commissioner (RSC), Department for Education (DfE), Education, Skills and Funding Agency (ESFA), Local Authorities, Trade Unions, The Diocese of St Albans, Diocese of St Albans Education team, local teaching schools, Trust Members and Directors, school leaders and Local Academy Boards.

Diocese of St Albans Multi-Academy Trust June 2018

Enabling all to flourish: Rooted in God’s love Person Specification 1/2

Key Criteria Essential Desirable Professional Degree and/or recognised professional qualification relevant to the Leadership or management Qualifications role. qualification.

Experience Significant leadership experience within a Multi-Academy Trust, charity, Senior leadership experience NGO or commercial business. in an organisation with a Christian ethos. Demonstrable success in achieving sustained improvement in a rapidly changing environment. Experience of successful working with Trustees/Governing Bodies (or equivalent). Evidence of strategic planning and budgetary management. Successful track record of human and financial resource management. Successful leadership of significant organisational change.

Skills, Understanding of the statutory educational framework. Understanding of business Knowledge and issues specifically relating to A clear understanding that this Trust has a deeply embedded foundation Understanding academies. in the values of the Church of England and a commitment to working

within those values. Understanding and Knowledge of the role of governance in an Academy and Trust. knowledge of SIAMS framework. Experience of strategic planning, monitoring and review of progress

against plans in terms of, performance and finances, taking decisive action Ability to write bids for as necessary. funding An understanding of financial project costing and budgetary management. Ability to plan strategically based on use of data, targets and bench- Ability to advise on funding marking. and grant opportunities for the Academy Trust

Enabling all to flourish: Rooted in God’s love Person Specification 2/2

Key Criteria Essential Desirable Personal A commitment to the overarching Christian values of the Trust and an A practising Christian. Qualities ability to articulate a vision to a wide range of audiences. A highly effective and credible leader. One who inspires the respect and support of others, who makes decisions with integrity, communicates effectively and works collaboratively. A leader who shows commitment to ensuring the highest of standards in all areas of the Trust; a flexible thinker with the ability to build a positive organisational culture which is truly inclusive. The “grit” and determination to ensure that the Trust enables all to flourish and remains rooted in God’s love. Commitment to the highest of standards in all areas of school life. Strong leadership skills including adaptable communication skills. The ability to build a positive organisational culture, encourage reflection, delegate responsibility, build teams, strive for continuous improvements and inspire staff. Excellent relationship management, able to build effective working relationships at all levels, reinforcing partnerships. The ability and commitment to working collaboratively as part of a team, whilst taking a leading role when required. A strategic thinker who can establish and develop systems and processes to grow and mature the Trust. Other Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends when necessary. Current driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Enabling all to flourish: Rooted in God’s love APPLICATION PROCESS THE POSITION The post is for a Chief Executive Officer for the Trust. The Trust central team is based within Manshead CE Academy in Dunstable.

CONTRACT 5 days per week 52 weeks per year

SALARY £95,000—£100,000pa

START DATE 1st January 2019 or later by negotiation

TIMELINE Closing date: Mid-day Monday 1st October 2018 Interviews: Thursday 11th October 2018

The candidates selected for interview will be informed after shortlisting. Full details of the Interview programme will also be provided.

APPLICATION You are invited to submit an application that aligns to the requirements set out in the person specification. Please download a non- teaching application form from the Trust website www.stalbansdmat.co.uk

Completed application forms should be sent to [email protected]

The Trust has an Equal Opportunities Policy for selection and recruitment. In accordance with our Child Protection Policy, the successful candidate will be required to have an enhanced DBS check along with a check against the DBS Children’s Barred List, formerly known as a List 99 check. LOCATION

Diocese of St Albans Multi-Academy Trust c/o Manshead CE Academy, Dunstable Road, Caddington, Luton, LU1 4BB

Travel to individual academies is a require- ment of the post .

Website: www.stalbansdmat.co.uk

Enabling all to flourish: Rooted in God’s love