CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER APPLICATION PACK

Transcription

1 CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER APPLICATION PACK Abington Vale Primary School Ecton Brook Primary School Headlands Primary School Lings Primary School Rectory Farm Primary School Simon De Senlis Primary School Weston Favell Primary School

2 Contents Introduction to Northampton Primary Academy Trust Partnership NPAT Chief Operating Officer Job description and role summary Key leadership skills knowledge and experience required Terms of appointment How to apply

3 Introduction to the Northampton Primary Academy Trust Partnership The Northampton Primary Academy Trust Partnership (NPAT) is a collaboration of the following schools: Abington Vale Primary School Ecton Brook Primary School Headlands Primary School Lings Primary School Rectory Farm Primary School Simon de Senlis Primary School Weston Favell Primary School With responsibility for approximately 2700 children across Northampton, NPAT is driven by a vision of innovation, high aspiration and achievement, and a commitment to sport and the arts. This approach is encapsulated in our motto: Extraordinary Children Doing Extraordinary Things NPAT schools all share this common vision and are committed to these principles, whilst retaining the freedom to innovate and develop their own identity and character. The Partnership is built on the principle of synergy; that a collaboration of vibrant and successful schools ensures that we can achieve collectively what a single school couldn t achieve alone. NPAT improves our schools using collaboration and innovation through partnership working that brings together children, parents, teachers and school leaders; My school is your school; your children are our children. Within the partnership, schools will have differing strengths and needs at different times and all schools are committed to an ethos of mutual support and sharing of practice.

4 NPAT Chief Operating Officer Northampton Primary Academy Trust Partnership is a multi-academy trust responsible for a number of schools within Northamptonshire. The schools are united by their commitment to the principles of the trust and a common belief in the benefits of working collaboratively. We have a strong focus on extraordinary children doing extraordinary things and are committed to the development of every individual that works within our Trust. We are entering an exciting phase in our development as a MAT, and part of our growth plan involves the development of the operational, non-educational aspects of the Trust. The role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) will be crucial to the Trust s evolution and offers considerable scope for the post holder to play a key role in developing and delivering the Trust s strategy, driving performance improvement and contributing to the successful implementation of our planned growth. The opportunity The Board is seeking to recruit an outstanding Chief Operating Officer who will provide the leadership and management on all non-educational aspects of the group 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 NPAT 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 Strategic Director. The post holder will lead on all matters relating to finance and operations at all levels, working with those in the Head Office and existing and future schools to deliver successful outcomes. They will work closely with the Strategic Director to support the NPAT growth ambitions, and to support NPAT schools to achieve the strategic aim to become a benchmark of excellence for primary education in Northampton and the surrounding area.

5 Job description and Role Summary Key responsibilities and accountabilities To provide high quality strategic financial planning to ensure the MAT makes best possible use of its resources and is able to provide the best outcomes for its pupils. To work closely with an excellent finance team to provide support, guidance and challenge. To lead on all matters relating to Finance, Personnel, Estates and Facilities Management over all schools in the MAT. To lead in the design and implementation of systems, policies and procedures to ensure compliance in all legislation relating to the MAT. To provide effective and efficient financial, personnel and facilities management at NPAT. To provide administration assistance to the Strategic Director and their team. To look for opportunities for the trust to bid for funds, contributing to and leading bids as required by the Head Teachers. Strategic Role To provide strategic vision and leadership across all non-educational functions of the MAT. Undertaking the role of Chief Financial Officer for NPAT. To develop a MAT Business Plan. Contribute to the overall marketing strategy for the MAT. Leading with the development and maintenance of all MAT policies ensuring compliance with all relevant statutory requirements. Leading on the development and operation of Finance Policies and Procedures. Leading on the development and operation of Human Resources Policies and Procedures. Ensuring compliance with all relevant employment law. Providing appropriate advice to allow the Trust to understand and enter into contracts for services. Overseeing all contracts for the MAT to include Cleaning, Catering, Grounds maintenance etc. Advising the Multi Academy Trust Directors on Insurance requirements and produce such response and information as required. To ensure all statutory reporting on behalf of the MAT is accurate and timely.

6 To ensure the MAT complies with statutory requirements such as Data Protection and the Freedom of Information Act. To be the lead for the MAT in all matters relating to Health and Safety and ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation. To identify potential sources of Income and maximise income generation. Finance Role To develop and oversee all financial policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the Academies Financial Handbook and Statement of Recommended Practices (SORP) of the Charities Commission. To work closely with the School Business Managers within NPAT to ensure Finance Policies and Procedures are complied with. To prepare school budgets working with SLT, bursars and governors in line with the School Development Plans. To prepare and submit all financial returns e.g. AAR, Budgets etc. To ensure appropriate audit and responsible officer reports are carried out for the MAT and all academies within the MAT. To ensure follow up on any recommendations from Internal or External Audit Reports. To ensure any tax obligations are discharged correctly and effectively. To ensure that the academies are fully prepared to meet OFSTED financial criteria. To liaise with relevant government agencies as required. To monitor all costs of each school to ensure schools are on budget, making any recommendations to the Directors as required. To oversee the financial resources, including budgeting, budget modelling and maintenance of financial probity. To ensure that Best Value principles are applied to all appropriate purchasing decisions. To ensure the trust complies with all financial standards, regulation and procedures, liaising with the LA or other institutions as required. To prepare and present all financial and development plans for the trust to the trustees. To liaise with contractors / consultants to enable the development of future asset strategy and development and ensure completion of contract to the standards and specifications required by the trust. To be responsible for the financial returns to the EFA and other regulatory bodies To be responsible for benchmarking against similar family trusts and make recommendations for improvement.

7 To lead the work of the finance and administration staff so that an administrative and financial service is provided for the trust. To ensure that there is scrupulous financial probity, and that audit recommendations and the financial requirements of the EFA s delegation of powers are implemented. Look for opportunities for the trust to bid for funds, contributing to and leading bids as required by the Head Teachers. HR Management To act as liaison relating to the Human Resource for the trust staff. Be responsible for personnel matters relating to all staff. Maintain confidential staff records. To advise staff regarding salaries, expenses, sickness and maternity / paternity procedures. To be responsible for the management of the Attendance Policy within the trust. To be responsible for the management of the recruitment of Trust staff including advertising, recruitment, selection and interviewing. Be familiar with support staff conditions of service, and be responsible for their development. General To work closely with the Multi Academy Trust Directors, Strategic Leads and Head Teachers. To develop effective relationships with staff, pupils, parents, governors, local businesses and other stakeholders. To work closely with the School Business Managers at NPAT. To work closely with the administrative teams, premises teams and the wider school staff of both schools. Any other duties required that are commensurate with the grading of the post. To develop effective relationships with staff, pupils, parents, governors, local businesses, stakeholders Support to Academy (this list is not exhaustive and should reflect the ethos of the trust) Promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young persons you are responsible for or come into contact with.

8 Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person. Be aware of, support and ensure equal opportunities for all. Contribute to the overall ethos/work/aims of the trust. Appreciate and support the role of other professionals. Attend and participate in relevant meetings as required. Participate in training and other learning activities and performance development as required. Safeguarding Northampton Primary Academy Trust Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and preventing extremism. In order to meet this responsibility, our schools follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. Disclosure: NPAT requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order Nondisclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred. Shortlisting: Only those candidates meeting the right criteria will be taken forward from application. Reference checking: As appropriate, references from your previous and current employer will be taken up prior to appointment. Where necessary other previous employers may be contacted to gather further information. Probation: All new staff will be subject to a probation period of six months (which may, in certain circumstances, be extended by up to 10 weeks). The probation period is a trial period, to enable the assessment of an employee s suitability for the job for which they have been employed. It provides the academy with the opportunity to monitor and review the performance of new staff in relation to various areas, but also in terms of their commitment to safeguarding and relationships with pupils.

9 Encouraging Diversity NPAT is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity amongst our employees. Our aim is that our workforce will be truly representative of all sections of society and that each employee feels respected and able to give their best. To that end we are committed to provide equality and fairness for all in our recruitment and employment practices and not to discriminate on grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination. The content of this job description will be reviewed with the post holder on an annual basis in line with the Trust s performance and development review policy. Any significant change in level of accountability that could result in a change to the grade must be discussed with the post holder and the relevant trade union before submitting for re-evaluation. Key Leadership Skills/Knowledge and Experiences Required Business A track record of creating a healthy and sustainable business model, wherein income is generated and value for money achieved. Experience of effective business management in times of austerity would be valuable, as would experience in the education or not-for-profit sector. Financial A track record of finance leadership supporting organisational success. Educated to degree level with an associated relevant professional finance related qualification. Governance Significant experience working at Board level. An understanding of how effective governance can support the organisation and lead to positive change. To be able to think strategically and to articulate a clear vision A track record of creating and implementing an organisation wide vision and experience of delivering strategic leadership, leading to demonstrable organizational improvement.

10 An understanding of the principles of effective change management and knowledge of what that means in practice Experience of leading change, achieving improvement and demonstrable positive impact on organisation performance. An appetite to seek out and develop innovative practices, including implementation of new technologies. Experience of leading innovation, achieving system and process improvements. Excellent communication skills Experience of presenting and communicating information and ideas using all forms of communication. Effective networking skills Experience of working with multi agencies to develop new approaches and accelerating improvement Understanding of the principles and practice of effective self evaluation and preparation for inspection Experience of supporting organisations through inspections or other external scrutiny processes. Entrepreneurial Experience of seeking income generating opportunities; marketing products and services, and achieving profitable outcomes.

11 Terms of appointment The role will be based at the NPAT Head Office at Headlands Primary School in Northampton. The Chief Operating Officer will report to the Strategic Director and have significant interaction with the Chair of the Board of Directors and Head Teacher Operational Board. This is a senior appointment in the organisation, salary 60,000-65,000. How to apply Applications should be sent by to Julia.kedwards@npatschools.org Alternatively, they may be sent by post to: Julia Kedwards Northampton Primary Academy Trust c/o Headlands Primary School Bushland Road Northampton NN3 2NS The closing date for applications is 5.00 p.m. on Friday 11 th November Please enclose with your application: The NPAT application form and equal opportunities monitoring sheet. Applications from all groups are warmly welcomed; A full CV; A letter of application of not more than 2 pages (total) summarising your proven ability relating to the person and job specifications. The letter should be addressed to Julia Kedwards.