INVITATION TO BECOME AN ASSOCIATE OF THE EDUCATION AND TRAINING FOUNDATION

Transcription

1 INVITATION TO BECOME AN ASSOCIATE OF THE EDUCATION AND TRAINING FOUNDATION

2 Table of Contents 1. Introduction The Education and Training Foundation The Role of Associates in the Foundation Capability, Experience and Skills required of Associates Fees Legal Terms & Conditions Annex A Contract for Services Annex B - Application to become an Associate Annex C - Equality and Diversity Questionnaire...11

3 1. Introduction This document is designed to ensure that all potential associates are given equal and fair consideration. It is important that you provide all the information asked for. Applicants should ensure that they understand and are content with the terms and conditions including the Education and Training Foundation s Standard Contract for Consultancy Services attached as Annexe A. Applications are welcome from those working independently in the sector or those employed by providers, sector membership bodies, employers, academic or research organisations and HEIs prepared to release their staff to support the Foundation. Applications from recruitment agencies will not be considered. Applicants are to complete the application form attached as Annex B and an Equal Opportunities form attached as Annex C. Please ensure that applications are submitted in.pdf format and they should be ed to recruitment@etfoundation.co.uk. Applicants may be rejected if the information asked for is not given at the time of submission. Applications should be in font Arial size 12. Please also check for Word Limits on particular sections of the application Form as information in excess of the Word Limits will not be evaluated. Any queries or questions relating to this invitation should be submitted to recruitment@etfoundation.co.uk 1.1 Confidentiality Every application will be regarded as confidential and as such will not be shared with other organisations. 1.2 Costs and Expenses Applicants are not entitled to claim any costs or expenses that may be incurred in preparing their application whether or not it is successful. 1.3 Equality and Diversity The Foundation is committed to equality and diversity and ensuring that those who work with and for the Foundation reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We therefore welcome applications from the wider diverse community. 2. The Education and Training Foundation For a general overview of the work of the Foundation please visit our website at: Background and Context The Education and Training Foundation (the Foundation) was established on 1 August 2013 with an overarching remit to improve professionalism and standards in the Education and Training sector. The Foundation s central responsibility is to ensure learners benefit from

4 the development of a well-qualified, effective and up-to-date workforce supported by good leadership, management and governance. One of the outcomes of the national consultation on the development of the Foundation was that it should foster and promote professionalism to support the development of best practice through research, innovation and excellence in teaching, learning and assessment 1. The government White Paper, Rigour and Responsiveness in Skills, April , highlighted the important responsibility the Foundation has for professionalism of the sector in order to give the profession itself the power to raise teaching quality leading to the continuous improvement of standards, reputation and learner outcomes. 2.2 Foundation Principles The work of the Foundation is sector led and informed by a set of principles to ensure it meets the needs and priorities of the workforce through its delivery model and operations driven by the intended impact on the learner and learning outcomes likely to enhance the reputation of the sector and contribute to making it a more attractive place to work serves all parts of the sector and all types of provider widely available across the country (England) retains and builds on existing good practice and resources embodying equality and diversity considerations secures best value for money has evaluation and impact measures designed in from inception. 2.3 Strategic Goals The Education and Training Foundation aims to raise the quality and professionalism of the FE workforce in order to achieve consistently excellent outcomes for learners and employers. We will do this by getting behind colleges and training providers of all types and supporting them to achieve their own improvement objectives. We will also identify where the strategic challenges lie for sector improvement and lead action to address those challenges. Our top priorities in 2014 to 2016 are improving English and maths; leadership and governance; and creating a VET system based on collaboration between employers and providers. Our broader agenda is to promote the effectiveness of the FE and training system to employers and national influencers, and to ensure that high professional standards are set 1 FE Guild Development Project (2013), Summary of key messages for consultation on FE Guild February 2013, p.3, 2 Department Business Innovation and Skills and Department for Education, (2013), Rigour and Responsiveness in Skills,

5 and maintained, using a sound evidence base of what works best in vocational education for learners and employers. 2.4 Foundation values The Foundation is a positive and responsive force, shaping the future of the education and training sector We are professional, we value professionalism; we draw on the expertise of the professionals who work with us and for us. We are transparent, we value transparency; we share expertise, evidence and insights, amongst ourselves and with the sector. We are confident, we value confidence; we are confident in our ability, and have confidence in the abilities of the workforce in the education and training sector. We are connected, we value connectivity; we collaborate and communicate; we are at the heart of the education and training sector, using the most effective and innovative ways to deliver our services We are dynamic, we value dynamism; we make things happen; we commission programmes and research; we fund advice services; we promote expertise and effective practice; we celebrate success 2.5 Commitment to quality The Foundation aims that all programmes should be consistently delivered to the highest possible standard and should be continuously improved to meet the needs of practitioners, sector employers, other stakeholders and ultimately learners. The Foundation has a quality policy which outlines a commitment to ensure that ongoing quality improvement is an integral part of the organisation. The Foundation will aim for continuous improvement in all aspects of its work as part of its determination to help achieve the highest possible standards in the delivery. The Education and Training Foundation s vision and aspiration is for all learning to be of the highest quality, achieve the best outcomes and result in the greatest impact; and that is for all learners, providers and the wider communities they serve. 3. The Role of Associates in the Foundation 3.1 Purpose of this invitation The purpose of this invitation is to identify and contract with a pool of associates, which has a skill set that is complementary to the Foundation s staff and that is capable of supporting the Foundation with the design and implementation of education and training sector programmes. Individual associates will undertake tasks for one or more of the programmes as determined by the Foundation from time to time. The programmes may need to be supported during their creation, delivery and evaluation stages by associates.

6 3.2 Aims and objectives of selecting Associates The Foundation is a small organisation and the education and training sector is large and diverse. In order that programmes of work deliver the Foundation s objectives, additional specialist support will be required to complement the Foundation s own resources. The aim of the bank of associates is to enable the Foundation to identify and contract, on a call off basis (i.e. when needed), with individuals who have the specialist technical skills, knowledge and experience necessary in assist in the successfully delivery of the programme areas. The Foundation anticipates that between associates will be appointed with a substantial proportion appointed initially. Associates may be required to work individually or as part of a team, depending upon the size and nature of the programme they are to support. For smaller programmes, responsibility for the delivery may be undertaken by single associate, whereas for larger programmes, associates may work alongside the Foundation s staff and a delivery partner who has been appointed through an open and competitive tendering process. Associates will be asked to provide specific technical expertise to the Foundation, which may include but is not limited to the items set out in para. 4 below. 3.3 How being an Associate will work Successful applicants will contract with the Foundation through a contract for services. Associates must be the proprietor, a director or an employee of a business registered with HMRC, which may be a sole trader, a service company or a larger entity providing support through the secondment of its employees. Upon appointment as an associate, contracts will issued that require the associate to be on call off ; where no monies are payable except when a specific piece of work is undertaken by the associate. The Foundation will expect a reasonable level of availability from its associates. The Foundation is open fair and transparent in its dealings and will be so with its associates. Where a piece of work is identified as being suitable for an associate, a mini competition will be run between individual associates based on the skills declared by the associates, the match of those skills to the requirement of the Foundation and the availability of the individual associate. The competition could take the form of a formal presentation and interview process for larger pieces of work or a short series of telephone interview for smaller or discrete packages of work. The rates payable for each piece of work will be stated at the commencement of the mini competition. The Foundation will publish on its website the total number of days paid its associates and at what rate annually. Indicative rates are tabulated later in this invitation. 3.4 Line management of Associates Associates will be members of Foundation s operational teams, each of which is led by a director, supported by a programme manager, team leader and other members of staff. The

7 reporting line for associates will generally be to a director but could be to the programme manager or team leader for smaller or shorter pieces of work. The Foundation organisation chart can be found on the website at Conflicts of Interest Associates will have to agree to be bound by the code of conduct of the Foundation and required to declare any actual and potential conflicts of interest both upon appointment, and immediately where they arise subsequently. Failure to declare any conflict of interest may result in termination of associate status. This is particularly relevant for individuals who already support the Foundation either as programme assessors or as members of an Expert Panel or where their employer works with the Foundation. The Foundation reserves the right to be the ultimate arbiter where an actual or perceived conflict of interest will preclude an associate working on any particular programme. 3.6 Annual Refresh of Associates Appointment as an Associate of the Foundation will be for an initial period of 1 year, the Foundation will review the membership of its bank of associates annually and may choose to extend contracts without further process; equally it may choose to refresh some or all of its associates and issue a further invitation. The Foundation reserves the right to appoint associates from casual applications where it has been unable to fill a particular skills or experience need and there are unfilled spaces on the bank of associates. 3.7 Timelines The indicative timeline for recruitment of associates are set out in the table below. Activity Indicative date Invitation issued 09 /04/14 Application for Associate status closes at 5pm 02/06/14 Period for assessment and interviews (if required) 03-20/ 06/14 Notification of an award of Associate status 30/06/14 Expiry of appointment as an Associate unless renewed 31/07/16 4. Capability, Experience and Skills required of Associates 4.1 Purpose of an Associate The purpose of an associate is to support the Foundation by providing complementary and specialist knowledge and skills in the conduct and execution of its programmes.

8 4.2 In common with all who work with the Foundation: To champion and act as an ambassador for the work of the Education and Training Foundation and to support the aims of the Foundation to support Colleges, Providers and Employers to; Ensure the best possible learner experience and outcomes Enhance the reputation of the sector Share rapidly best practice in relation to workforce and workforce development Make the Education and Training sector an attractive place to work so that it can recruit and retain the best staff Promote and champion equality and diversity across the sector 4.3 Skills specific to Associates It is expected that individual associates will be able to competently carry out a significant proportion of the work listed below. The list is not exhaustive and associates will be required to carry out such other duties, commensurate with the role, which may be required from time to time. Lead, manage, support and/or co-ordinate the design and implementation of education and training delivery programmes following the Foundations programme, project management and procurement process Develop and maintain effective stakeholder engagement arrangements with strategic and delivery partners in the education and training sector; Deliver education and training specific consultancy, advice and support to the Foundation including contributing to the events of others Editorial support and the provision of reports, presentations, training materials and other documentation in an education and training context where relevant ; Technical solutions expertise to the Foundation including ICT, the use of digital technologies, web development and social media in the work of the Foundation; Provide effective liaison across teams to ensure a consistent approach to meeting the aims of the Foundation s Strategic Plan, with particular reference to our online services; Research consultancy, and research fieldwork, analysis and report writing and disseminate findings of research evidence to internal staff and external stakeholders as appropriate; Provision of specialist expertise around teacher education, workforce qualifications including data and evidence collection; Ensure adherence to, and improvement of, the Foundation s quality assurance and improvement framework Draft education and training sector specific articles for external and internal newsletters and digital media etc. and ensure quality control of all communications

9 for the relevant team, in consultation with the Communications and Sector Engagement Team; Deputise for the area Director/Programme Manager/Team Leader as required and represent The Foundation on external committees, steering and advisory groups where appropriate; Maintain up-to-date knowledge of all relevant developments both inside and outside the education and training sector and broader public services. 4.4 Professional and Personal Qualities of an Associate Qualifications Educated to degree level or equivalent vocational standing; A teaching or post graduate qualification or equivalent suitable qualification in the wider FE sector and evidence of continued professional development is desirable Essential Experience Associates will be required to demonstrate their abilities by providing evidence to support how and where they have gained experience that matches the requirements below. Substantial knowledge and understanding of the Education and Training sector and work of the Foundation Excellent proven record of designing and co-ordinating complex projects from end to end, managing budgets and effectively building and maintaining complex partnerships within an education or training environment Procurement and project/contract management skills with significant understanding and experience of national or regional delivery programmes within the education and training sector Ability to work confidently and productively on own initiative, and to manage a diverse and demanding workload to set timescales and deadlines. Understanding, supporting and implementing the principles of equality and diversity Other Desirable and Relevant Experience Associates may choose to further demonstrate their abilities by providing evidence to support how and where they have gained experience that matches other desirable and relevant experience set out below: Communicating and organising effectively with internal and external stakeholders with good IT skills including Microsoft Office and SharePoint application suites Excellent personal organisational and administrative skills

10 High level of written and oral communication skills, with professional presentational style, and ability to produce clear, concise and accurate written material for a range of readers Excellent analytical and research skills and experience of applied research and the relevant data sources relating to the education and training sector, and especially sector workforce and qualifications. Highly effective networking, interpersonal and collaboration skills and the ability to establish working relationships such as stakeholder and employer engagement and management; strong interpersonal skills to liaise directly with senior representatives of employing organisations; government departments, trades unions, academia and the wider research community Proven ability to build reputation and work across different dimensions of the further education and training sector and with wider stakeholders including employers Evidence of occupational expertise in particular vocational areas or designing and delivering learning and training in the workplace. Experience in, or knowledge of, the education and training sector in across Europe and beyond, other UK nations, as well as England Expertise in PR, communication, engagement and digital media with the sector and beyond Expertise in strategic decision making and management of ICT infrastructure and the application and management of digital technologies in business and the education sector, including where this is to support learning Personal Qualities Associates are expected to be: Self-confident and capable managers; able to effectively gain credibility, influence decisions and build relationships of trust Highly motivated and proactive self-starters with the ability to take their own initiative with minimal direction within the overall corporate environment and with due regard for reputational impact Collaborative team players able to work positively within constraints of necessary procedures and systems and calm under pressure and in changing circumstances, flexible, friendly and helpful Good problem solvers committed to delivering high quality outcomes Tactful and diplomatic when dealing with sensitive matters, discreet with an understanding of the need to maintain confidentiality Respect for equality of opportunity, diversity and inclusion with practical ideas for their implementation within the scope of the post

11 5. Fees The table below indicates the day rates applicable to the Associates of the Foundation. These rates exclude VAT, which may be charged by VAT registered businesses. Reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of the role and that are in accordance with the Foundation Expenses Policy will be paid. Serial Role Indicative ex VAT day rate - 1 Associate Notes Researchers, technical authors and specialist operators 2 Strategic Associate Strategic Associates will support the design and delivery of programmes 3 Visiting Associate 600+ Only to be used rarely, with the prior approval of CEO, for one off or singular occasions 6. Legal Terms & Conditions The contracts associated with this invitation are included as Annex A. As set out in Para. 3.3 above the contract is for services. Applicants should confirm that they are in agreement with the terms in the contract in their application. Applicants are to note the requirement for professional indemnity insurance. The Foundation will annually review and refresh the bank of associates and may choose to terminate or extend contracts without further process; equally it may choose to refresh some or all of its associates and issue a further invitation. The Foundation reserves the right to appoint associates from casual applications where it has been unable to fill a particular skills or experience need and there are unfilled spaces on the bank of associates. 7. Annex A Contract for Services See separate file

12 8. Annex B - Application to become an Associate To be completed on the separate application forms Please download and complete the following documents return them to recruitment@etfoundation.co.uk Response to Invitation to become as associate Annex A to Response to become an Associate We want to encourage: applications that cover the wide diversity of the sector and the communities that we support applications from individuals working in all of the diverse organisations working in the sector including those currently working as independently in the sector or employed by providers, sector membership bodies, academic or research organisations, HEIs, employers or professional bodies prepared to release their staff to support the Foundation. innovation and creativity, so please indicate where your approach and methodology can provide significant added value The Education and Training Foundation is committed to making appointments on merit by fair and open processes, taking account of equality and diversity. 9. Annex C - Equality and Diversity Questionnaire To be completed on the separate form Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 9SP t: The Education and Training Foundation is a company registered in England Registered address: Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 9SP Company registration number: