Director of Human Resources

Candidate Information Pack

Inclusion Progression Excellence Contents

Page Welcome from the Vice Chair of the Trust 3

Vision and Ethos 4

Contextual information and background 5 • Academy 6 • 7

About the role • Advertisement and How to Apply 8 • Job Description 9-11 • Person Specification 12-13 Living and working in the North East 14

2 2 Welcome from the Vice Chair of the Academy Trust Board

Dear Applicant

Thank you for your interest in the role of Director of Human Resources at Academies Trust.

As Vice Chair, I am immensely proud of the Trust and of the service we provide to our children and the wider community. The Trust currently consists of two Secondary Academies located in Stanley and Consett. Both Academies have fantastic purpose-built modern facilities that inspire students and colleagues to achieve all that they can.

The successful candidate will have proven leadership skills in several roles and your colleagues will value your strong sense of duty, your empathy and your ability to build relationships at all levels. You will have worked hard to build a climate of openness, respect and trust in your present role so that staff at all levels feel comfortable raising issues knowing they will get a fair hearing and be heard and valued.

Equality and diversity are part of your core values based on your respect for people.

You will always drive for high standards in all areas and have the experience, skills, drive and energy to enable others to have the same ambition.

The successful applicant will be an integral part of the Senior Leadership Team within a Trust which is financially very strong.

You will be a great ambassador and have the capacity to be seen as an expert by leaders and at ease in promoting the Trust.

We are keen to grow the Trust and this role is seen as essential to helping us achieve this.

I very much look forward to hearing from you and to receiving your application.

Yours faithfully

Vice Chair of New College Durham Academies Trust

3 3 Vision and Ethos

Our Academies are at the heart of their local communities and strive to deliver on our founding principles of Inclusion, Progression and Excellence which supports a central vision of ‘Students First’.

The principle of Inclusion provides opportunities for students of all abilities, aspirations and backgrounds and involving staff, governors, students and the wider community in determining the direction of our Trust. Our curriculums are broad and challenging, with the academic success of students at the heart of what we do.

To encourage Progression, each Academy provides effective advice and guidance. This enables 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 underpins all we do whether in learning areas, working in the community, or governing and leading the Academies.

Our Aims are:

• to ensure our Academies are centres of excellence with a focus on the nurture and achievement of all their members;

• to promote mutual support, encouragement and benefit between our academies;

• to develop, as the core foundation of academic achievement, a strong culture of professional development amongst our staff;

• to celebrate and maintain the unique identity of communities we serve with each Academy/School at the heart of its community;

• to recognise and enable all those who often remain invisible, through ethnic or cultural disadvantage, or through disability or poverty to achieve their full potential.

4 4 Contextual information and background

New College Durham Academies Trust was established in 2011 as a multi-academy trust with New College Durham as the lead sponsor and co-sponsor Durham County Council. The Trust currently operates two academies in North West Durham:

• North Durham Academy in Stanley opened in September 2011 and two years later moved into a new, purpose built £30 million campus.

• Consett Academy opened in January 2012 and in September 2015 moved into a new £45 million shared use campus with Consett Leisure Centre.

The Trust is in a strong financial position and benefits significantly from the support of a central Corporate Services Team of highly qualified staff established by the Trust to support our academies. The central teams work closely with external partners and advisers to provide services which then enable our academic staff to focus on improving the life chances of our students, irrespective of their starting points when they join us. Finance, HR, IT, Estates and Data processes and procedures are embedded and policies set out clear direction to help facilitate school improvement.

The Trust currently employs circa 270 staff across the two Academies. Please see fig 1 below for Trust structure and fig 2 for central Corporate Services team

Members Fig 1

Academy Trust Board

Chief Executive Officer

(Executive) Principal Principal Chief Operating Officer Consett Academy North Durham Academy

Corporate Services Consett Academy North Durham Academy Finance, HR, IT, Data, Estates

Fig 2

5 5 Consett Academy

“It was a pleasure to visit Consett Academy! The visit was well organised, the staff were all excellent and the students were brilliant.” Mr P Wilson (prospective parent))

Consett Academy is an over-subscribed larger than average 11-18 Academy with over 1400 on roll in years 7-11 (PAN 1500) and a sixth form of over 100. The Academy draws students from Consett town centre and the surrounding area. It successfully works with 11 partner primary schools but takes students from at least another 10 faith/non-faith primary schools in the area.

The proportion of disadvantaged students who attend Consett Academy and are supported by the pupil premium funding is above the national average. The proportion of students who have an EHCP is below the national average. The attainment on entry is generally above average in most year groups.

Visit us at: http://www.consett-academy.org.uk

6 6 North Durham Academy

North Durham Academy is a broadly average-sized 11-16 Academy with approximately 1000 students on roll but with the capacity to grow to 1500. The Academy is served by a range of both high performing and improving primary schools and student admissions are healthy, increasing year on year.

The Academy is situated on the main High Street in Stanley, a former mining town which is continuously developing. The catchment area encompasses students from a wide range of backgrounds, some of which present a number of social challenges. The proportion of disadvantaged students who attend North Durham Academy and are supported by the pupil premium funding is well above the national average. The proportion of students who have an EHCP is also above average. Levels on entry range from the most able students to those where everyday school life presents regular challenges.

“I have worked at the academy for 6 years now in various roles, starting as an Associate Teacher of Music, then trainee teacher, NQT and working my way up to head of department. NDA has given me plenty of opportunities to develop my teaching practice, from personalised CPD sessions to my current role of 'aspiring leader' where I have been encouraged to gain leadership and management experience by creating and leading on my own whole school project. The staff at NDA are incredibly supportive and there's a real sense of 'teamwork' across the directorates. Working at NDA is a challenging but rewarding experience where you can certainly make a difference to the lives of the young people in our care”. Bethany Robson – Sport and Performing Arts Visit us at: https://www.northdurhamacademy.co.uk

7 7 Advertisement and How to Apply

Director of Human Resources £56k - £61k pa (starting salary negotiable) Full time – 37hpw – whole time (term time plus contract can be considered) New College Durham Academies Trust (NCDAT) is seeking to appoint an exceptional, highly aspirational, dynamic leader with a strong, proven track record of Human Resource Management to join us as our Director of HR. We currently have two secondary Academies housed in state-of-the-art facilities in our Trust, where everyone matters equally. We are keen to grow the Trust and the Director of Human Resources will be integral in our expansion plans and the successful candidate will be supported by a dedicated Executive Leadership Team and Trust Board in these efforts.

Our Trust is defined by our core values of Inclusion, Progression and Excellence in all that we do. This is a rare leadership opportunity for someone to make their mark and contribute to securing NCDAT as an Employer of Choice both regionally and nationally.

As an experienced CIPD professional, you will be able to demonstrate strategic leadership and excellent people management skills, together with a proven track record of positive impact. Your personality and gravitas will be such that it gains the immediate respect of staff and leaders currently within the Trust, who will then see you as an ‘expert’ in leading and promoting the Trust and a driving force for our People Strategy. You will be able to demonstrate extensive staff development experience and expertise. Most importantly, you will have a passion for employee welfare and wellbeing, with a determination to make a positive difference and commitment to continuous improvement across the Trust.

As an exceptional leader, you will be able to develop and lead on the Trust’s HR strategy with implementation support from a committed Executive Leadership Team comprising of Trust Board, CEO and Principals to ensure New College Durham Academies Trust is an ‘Employer of Choice’ and that we attract and retain great staff to secure the best outcomes for our students.

You will be an excellent ambassador for the Trust with a proven ability to form productive partnerships that support the long-term future of our highly ambitious MAT.

This is a newly established role and an exciting time to join us, after recently appointing our first Chief Executive Officer. We want staff wellbeing to be integral in our culture and are looking for an outstanding individual to lead us into the next phase of our development.

If you would like to arrange an informal and confidential conversation / virtual meeting or visit to discuss the post in more detail with Andy Collishaw, Chief Operating Officer – please email [email protected] and this can be arranged at a mutually convenient time.

Interested? Application forms and further details can be accessed at VACANCIES | NCDAT Completed application forms should be emailed to [email protected]

Closing date for applications is: Midday, Tuesday 6th July 2021 Shortlisting will take place on: Thursday 8th July 2021 Interviews will be held week commencing: 12th July 2021

New College Durham Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). 8 8

Job Description

Job title: Director of Human Resources Salary: ATB Grade Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer

Core purpose of this role is to:

• To support the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Leadership Team in the effective delivery of the Trust’s Business Plan, having overall responsibility for and leading on all people development and driving key projects and priorities. • To act as a source of trusted professional advice to senior leaders and managers on all HR matters, ensuring that you are kept up to date with all relevant educational legislation and policy developments. • To be responsible for the effective delivery of a comprehensive HR service, including the continuous improvement of HR operations through service re-design and new technology. • To ensure that all aspects of the HR service meet best practice standards and are legally compliant.

Main Duties of the Jobholder

Leadership and Management

• Develop and implement an annual Human Resources Strategy, which supports and integrates with the Trust’s strategic plan. • Ensure the effective and efficient deployment of Human Resources to support the needs of the business, which are flexible enough to cope with changes in the organisation, as and when they occur. • Provide strategic leadership and development of the Human Resources team, including providing coaching, mentoring, support and advice on all aspects of the service delivery ensuring the highest standards are consistently delivered. • Responsible for strategic establishment control measures and risk management in line with the requirements of the business. • Maintain a culture of professional responsibility in HR within a collaborative and mutually supportive team environment. • Promote, implement and personally comply with the Trust’s Equality and Diversity Policy.

Professional Activities

• Take ownership of the HR service and ensure the service meets its performance targets, delivering high quality, compliant and timely outputs and outcomes in respect of: ➢ safer recruitment and selection, inclusive of single central record ➢ employment legislation ➢ employee relations ➢ performance management/appraisal ➢ equality and diversity ➢ reward and recognition ➢ training and development ➢ wellbeing ➢ terms and conditions of service 9 9

• Maintain knowledge of developments in Human Resources/Educational policy, including learning and development, reward strategies, legislative changes and case law. • Ensure that comprehensive, professional and up to date Human Resource advice and support is provided to managers and staff across the Trust • investigate and advise on complex employment issues. • Maintain and analyse high quality management information and present HR trends, HR Key Performance Indicators and workforce information to governors, leaders and managers to inform business decisions and influence change. • Take the lead role to our approach to performance management and appraisal to help meet business objectives in conjunction with Trust Leaders. • Manage an effective recruitment/on-boarding service including advertisement, selection, induction and retention. • Deal with any performance or grievance issues in a legally compliant way. • Research the latest educational policy and HR developments to introduce, develop and update HR Policies and Procedures, for consideration of the Trust, which are reflective of best practice and compliant with prevailing legislation. • Manage and develop the Trust’s Job Evaluation system to ensure accurate provision of staffing information and grades is appropriately evaluated. • Manage employee relations through effective employee communication and consultation • Lead the HR Information System development, seeking improvements in efficient and automated HR processes/workflows and improved visibility of HR data. • Oversee the Trust pay structure and conditions of service and reward and recognition schemes. • Promote and operate a collaborative approach to the delivery of the Trust’s Corporate Services Function. • Lead the provision of HR advice to local partner educational establishments on a Service Level Agreement basis. • Take the lead role on the delivery of contracts which support the HR service, including legal support, employee welfare, recruitment contracts and occupational health. • Lead the completion of statutory HR returns on behalf of the Trust including, School Workforce Cen.sus, Equality Returns and Gender Pay Gap. • Develop and implement an effective mechanism for workforce planning to ensure that the Trust’s recruitment and retention needs are addressed proactively. • Participate in the Corporate Directorate planning process, providing leadership and effective operational management in areas relevant to the key focus of the role. • Undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade and status of the post including representing and acting on behalf of Chief Operating Officer as directed.

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Working Relationships & Contacts • Chief Executive Officer • Chief Operating Officer • Executive Leadership Team • Academy Trust Board, Local Governing Bodies, Corporate Services Group and other groups/ boards/bodies as appropriate • Members of the Senior Leadership Team • Trade Union representatives • All staff • Wider Trust stakeholders

External Relationship and Contacts Includes • Providers of information on all HR functions • Job Evaluation Consultants • Recruitment Consultants • Regional networks • Occupational Health provider • Governmental Bodies (DfE) • Legal Advisors

Dimensions • Line management of the HR team • Responsibility for HR budget

Variation in the Role Given the dynamic nature of the role and structure of it must be accepted that, as the Trust’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 is committed to equality and diversity for all members of society. The Trust will act to discharge this responsibility but many of the actions will rely on individual staff members at New College Durham Academies Trust embracing their responsibilities with such a commitment and ensuring a positive and collaborative approach to Equality and Diversity. Failure to embrace these commitments may lead to formal action.

Commitment to Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups New College Durham Academies Trust 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.

This job description is subject to annual review.

Postholder’s signature: ______Date: ______

Chief Operating Officer’s signature: ______Date: ______

11 11 Person Specification

Where CRITERIA Essential Desirable assessed A Education and Qualifications 1 CIPD Level 7 Diploma √ A 2 Professional management/qualification relevant to the role √ A B Knowledge and Experience

3 Substantial experience in a similar or relevant HR leadership/managerial role √ A, I, R

4 Detailed and recent working knowledge of School Teachers Pay and Conditions (STPCD) √ A, I

Experience of operational HR management including: - • Recruitment & Retention 5 • Staff Well-being √ A, I, R • Absence Management • Performance Management • Employee Relations Excellent knowledge of employment law and best practice in relation to HR 6 √ A, I, R management, strategy, policies and procedures. 7 Excellent knowledge of National Educational policy. √ A Experience of working closely with senior managers and dealing with sensitive and 8 √ A, I, R confidential areas of work. Extensive HR management experience of working within Education, preferably 9 √ A, I secondary schools or associated academies. 10 Experience of managing HR service level agreements to external partners. √ A 11 Experience of identifying learning and development needs and providing solutions. √ A, I 12 Participation in Regional Networks √ A 13 Experience of job evaluation / harmonisation of terms and conditions of employment √ A, I

E Skills and Attributes Approachable and confident communicator with the ability to relate to a wide range of 14 √ A, I, R people. Ability to develop and maintain confidential and professional relationships with all Trust 15 √ A, I, R stakeholders. 16 Proven negotiation skills, with the ability to compromise and exercise resilience. √ A, I, R

17 Good judgement and discretion when dealing with complex and/or confidential issues. √ A, I, R

Excellent planning skills with the ability to meet targets, identify organisational priorities, 18 √ A, I, R delegate duties appropriately and balance competing demands. Excellent writing and analytical skills in order to write policies and procedures, reports 19 √ A, I, R and analyse statistics 20 Demonstrable professionalism and gravitas. √ I, R

21 Ability to use standard office software. √ A, R

22 Financially literate with good numeracy skills. √ A, I, R 23 Suitable to work with young people and vulnerable adults. √ A, I, R

12 12 E Personal Qualities Positive attitude, with the ability to manage staff, motivate others and achieve successful 24 √ I, R outcomes. Pragmatic and solutions-focused, with the ability to analyse situations and tackle 25 √ A, I, R problems successfully. 26 Commitment to continuous professional development. √ A, I

27 Commitment to equal opportunities and diversity. √ I

A Application form I Interview and assessment tasks R References

13 13 Living and working in the North East We have some of the most stunning landscape in the country on our doorstep. From the Northumberland Coast to the North Pennines, Kielder Forest and Park, to Durham Heritage Coast and Hadrian’s Wall, to Whitley Bay, there are some beautiful places to spend your leisure time. Travel south and within an hour you can be in the North Yorkshire Moors or due North are the wilds of Northumberland – now officially a ‘dark sky’ national park. There are plenty of places to explore. If you enjoy a stroll on the beach with the dogs; a hike with the camera, or even something a bit more adventurous, you can find it all in the North East. When people think of the North East, most picture mining, steel and football. But there are plenty of museums and galleries here to rival those in other areas.

There’s the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, the Sage, Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (mima), Beamish Museum, The National Glass Centre, and many, many more. Plus, there are hundreds of historical sites and museums to visit, from Hadrian’s Wall to Alnwick Castle and Gardens.

If food and drink is your thing, the region has a diverse and vibrant nightlife and you are spoilt for choice for places to eat from quality street food to Michelin star restaurants.

Our rugged coastline has idyllic beaches and quaint seaside towns. You can travel out by boat to the Farne Islands to see the wildlife, or drive over the causeway to Lindisfarne when the tide is out. To the East you have the beaches of Roker, Seaburn and Tynemouth as well as the beautiful Northumberland coast line.

One of the best things about living in the North East is how easy it is to access other places. You can travel anywhere in the region in less than two hours, plus we have Yorkshire, the Lake District and Scotland on our doorstep. The excellent rail and air links are in close proximity and provide a platform from where you can travel further afield.

The North East of has housing that caters to all budgets, whether you prefer the urban bright lights of city living or a slower pace within a rural village and everything in between; it has some of the cheapest property to be found anywhere in the UK. Whilst often overlooked by people in other parts of the country, the North East of England is a brilliant, welcoming and diverse place to work, rest and play.

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