APPOINTMENT OF A

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

September 2016

Diocesan Board of Education, Holywell Lodge, 41 Holywell Hill, St Albans AL1 1HE

www.stalbans.anglican.org/schools; schools@stalbans.angican.org; 01727 818170

From the Chair of the Diocese of St Albans Educational Trust

Dear applicant

Thank you for your interest in the post of Chief Operating Officer for the newly formed Diocese

of St Albans Multi-Academy Trust. This is a vitally important role and one which will have

significant influence in establishing the work of the Trust and its ability to support its member

schools.

Working closely with the Diocesan Director of Education in his role as Chief Executive Officer,

the successful candidate will establish all the relevant financial and legislative frameworks,

policies and working practices necessary for the Trust to flourish and grow as a successful

Multi Academy Trust.

This is an exciting post, one capable of providing the successful candidate with the opportunity

to shape and form the non-educational work of the Trust for the next five years. Therefore you

should have the qualifications, skill and experience to fulfil what is the senior non educational

role in the Trust’s management structure.

Should you require any further questions or information please contact David Morton,

Diocesan Director of Education, on 01727 818170.

Yours sincerely

The Revd Janet Mackenzie

Chair, Diocese of St Albans Educational Trust

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The Diocese of St Albans

The Diocese of St Albans comprises the counties of Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire and part

of the London Borough of Barnet. The population is approximately 1.8 million, and the total

electoral roll approximately 39,000 people. The Bishop of St Albans has overall

responsibility for the Diocese. He is assisted by the suffragan bishops of Bedford and

Hertford, the Archdeacons of Bedford, St Albans and Hertford, the Diocesan Secretary and

the Dean. There are twenty deaneries and the Diocese has 336 parishes, of which about

one third are rural.

The Board of Education works with a network of 136 Anglican church schools in the Diocese

of St Albans, covering six Local Authorities: the London Borough of Barnet, Bedford

Borough, Central Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Luton. Seventeen

schools are Academies and the diocese’s first Free School will open in September 2016.

Most of the schools are primary phase, but there are five secondary schools and six middle

schools which are deemed secondary.

Building on the excellent contribution of 136 Church Schools (with more in the pipeline), of

which 91.2% are either Outstanding or Good, the priorities of the Diocesan Board of

Education are:

Outstanding education delivered in a distinctively Christian setting

Community-focused schools serving the common good

High quality Religious Education

Rigorous safeguarding that ensures church school pupils are celebrated as children of

God

Church schools at the centre of the diocesan vision Living God’s Love

The creation of new church schools within new housing developments

Strong and fruitful school/parish relationships

These priorities are delivered in ways that recognise the unique local context of each of our

schools.

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The Diocese of St Albans Multi Academy Trust

The Diocese of St Albans Multi-Academy Trust is being established to provide for three

different types of Church of England school within the Diocese of St Albans:

schools requiring rapid improvement having been placed in Special Measures and

subject to a directive Academy Order

good or outstanding church schools where no natural cluster of local Church of

England provision exists

new schools within new housing provision where the Diocese of St Albans is the

identified sponsor

The Trust will consider applications from other schools supportive of the Trust’s ethos on a

case-by-case basis. This will include non-church schools wishing to join with protected non

church school status.

Following the principles used to establish Church of England schools in the 1800s, the

Diocese of St Albans Multi-Academy Trust will remain committed to, where possible,

providing a locally-based, high quality education that enables schools to meet the needs of

their local community, whilst benefitting from a regional network of support. Academies that

are part of the Trust will retain their name, school uniform and local customs, and the local

governing body will, through a delegated scheme of earned autonomy, retain local control of

schools where appropriate.

As a Church of England Multi-Academy Trust, our commitment to a locally-based education

will be delivered through an approach consistent with the faith and practice of the Church of

England. All academies in the Trust will be expected to deliver the curriculum within a

programme of Christian values and virtues in an overarching ethos that sees each individual

child as being of worth and having the capacity to grow into a fully rounded person.

Community is another important concept and individual academies within the Trust will have

access to events and training available to all schools and academies within the St Albans

diocesan schools network that will ultimately include local, school-led, Church of England

Multi-Academy trusts, stand-alone academies, federations and CE maintained schools.

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Academies within the Diocese of St Albans Multi-Academy Trust will remain part of the

St°Albans diocesan network of schools. Currently this consists of 136 schools comprising

maintained schools, stand-alone academies, CE federations and a free school, representing

all phases. 91.2% of all provision and 94.5% of primary schools within the network are

currently graded Good or Outstanding. Performance is high and all schools within the

network have easy access to examples of outstanding provision and peer-to-peer support.

This includes NLEs and LLEs where required.

Schools joining the Trust will benefit from education delivered within a Christian ethos

committed to enabling schools to meet the needs of their local community, and will have

access to:

specialist school improvement support - School Improvement Partners and Advisers

20 educational consultants based in four regional clusters

school leadership support and development

emergent leadership development programmes

established partnerships with leading school improvement providers such as Herts for

Learning

a training and development programme delivered by the Diocesan Board of Education

personalised training delivered through the Diocesan Board of Education’s Service

Level Agreement

national training networks such as the National Society’s Foundation for Educational

Leadership

in-house business management and financial management services

a developing range of centralised policies

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Current Development Plans

The Diocese of St Albans Multi-Academy Trust is a newly established Trust, having received

approval from the Regional Schools Commissioner on 20 July 2016, progressing through the

approval process in under six months.

It is planned that the Trust will admit up to five schools during 2017, with entry being phased

on 1 January, 1 April and 1 September 2017. Current pre-conversion work is being

supervised by the Diocesan Director of Education (in his role as CEO-designate) and both

part-time Deputy Directors of Education (in their roles as school effectiveness lead officers),

with the support of a team of consultants. HR and legal services have been commissioned

on an interim basis whilst financial and business related services are being provided by the

Oxford Diocesan Schools Team.

It is now essential that the Trust establishes a senior management team to assume

responsibility for the day-to-day running of the Trust.

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Chief Operating Officer

The post of Chief Operating Officer is the senior non-educational post in the Diocese of

St Albans Multi Academy Trust. It is a central and essential role responsible for day-to-day

leadership of all the Trust’s business, financial and administrative functions. This will in the

first instance include the establishment, maintenance and development of key processes,

procedures and policies. The role will be undertaken in partnership with the Academies

Director who will hold responsibility for all the Trust’s educational functions. Both posts will

report to and be line managed by the Trust’s CEO.

It is essential that anyone appointed has a thorough understanding of business and financial

policy and practice as it applies to Multi-Academy Trusts. Any successful candidate must

have the capacity to work independently, reporting regularly to a board of Directors, and

have the ability to communicate effectively to a wide range of audiences, including

prospective schools and their governing bodies.

As the Board of Education expects there to be a close working relationship between the

Diocese of St Albans Multi-Academy Trust and the Board of Education, it is also important

that any successful candidate has good interpersonal skills, the ability to form strong working

relationships, and they wholeheartedly support not only the Christian ethos of the Diocese of

St Albans Multi-Academy Trust but also the wider priorities of the Board of Education as it

seeks to support the 136 schools within the Diocese of St Albans network of schools. These

priorities are reflected in the Board’s vision statement which affirms that Church Schools live

God’s Love by being Distinctively Christian, Community-Focussed and by Serving the

Common Good. A Chief Operating Officer must be able to commit wholeheartedly to

working to establish distinctively Christian, community-focussed academies that serve the

common good.

Should you require any further information or clarification, please contact Eileen Bigg, the

Diocesan Director’s PA on 01727 818170 or ebigg@stalbans.anglican.org, who will arrange

for you to speak to David Morton, Diocesan Director of Education and CEO designate.

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Chief Operating Officer: Job Description

This is the most senior non-academic role in the organisation and, as such, the post holder

will work with the CEO on shaping and delivering the organisation’s objectives, driving a

culture of continuous improvement in all support areas and leading a successful and growing

organisation. The post holder will proactively promote and demonstrate the Diocese of

St Albans Multi-Academy Trust’s (DSAMAT) vision and Christian values respecting cultural

diversity within contemporary Britain.

Responsible to

The Chief Executive Officer of the Diocesan Multi-Academy Trust

Key Connections

Internal: Diocesan Multi-Academy Trust Board, Chief Executive Officer of the Diocesan

Multi-Academy Trust, Academies Director, Diocesan Director of Education,

Deputy Directors of Education, Diocesan Board of Education, Diocesan Board of

Finance (Bishop’s Council), members of diocesan staff

External: Department for Education (DfE), Education Funding Agency (EFA), relevant

Local Authorities, service providers for the DMAT, other dioceses

The purpose of the role is:

to deliver on the vision of the Diocese of St Albans Mult- Academy Trust to

provide high quality and dynamic education for all at the heart of our communities

by providing strategic leadership and professional management of all support

roles and services. These will include Finance, ICT, Human Resources, Estates,

Procurement and Contracting, Health & Safety, Safeguarding and Administration

teams and contracted providers as well as working with Academy Business /

Finance Managers.

Be a highly visible and credible leader within the Director’s Senior Leadership

Team (DLT) and work to support the Trust Board, CEO and committee structure

as the Trust continues to expand and grow, whilst designing and implementing

the strategic vision with DLT colleagues.

Responsibilities:

(a) Strategic Leadership Role

Provide advice and guidance to the CEO/Trust Board on all aspects of

DSAMAT’s non-academic operations

Deputise for the CEO in all aspects of work that do not require an educational

background

Shape, implement and deliver the strategic plan as part of the DLT

Line manage all DSAMAT Financial and Business Services’ managers and

ensure effective communication and collaboration which enhances the value that

the Trust brings to its academies

Build and develop a culture of high performance, ensuring succession planning is

in place at all levels

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Ensure support structures within DSAMAT reflect the best practice from business

and from the emerging research into successful academy trusts

Provide clear information, advice and recommendations to the DLT, academy

SLTs, Board and various committees regarding the strategic development of

support services in the use of assets and the development of DSAMAT’s

activities to ensure the best possible learning environment for students.

Lead the DSAMAT Finance function such that:-

(i) Resources are directed to provide the most positive educational outcomes

for students

(ii) The Board, DLT and academies are provided with accurate, timely and

actionable financial and management information

(iii) Financial systems are managed effectively to expedite the DSAMAT budget

cycle and to support decision making across the organisation

Work with the DLT to prepare the annual and medium-term business plans,

taking into account performance improvement objectives, funding projections,

and other potential events and activities

Take lead responsibility for policy development and implementation in all support

areas

Ensure DSAMAT is represented in national, regional and local networks so that

the Trust influences and is alert to new trends and is familiar with current best

practice in the developing education sector

Establish a high level of credibility, visibility and professionalism and manage

strong working relationships with internal (especially academies and Diocese

staff) and external partners

Promote and safeguard the welfare of students

Work closely with the DLT on developing a strategic plan that develops finance,

HR, premises and other support teams to ensure a proactive approach to

maximising the best use of resources

(b) Finance Role

Provide strategic leadership, direction and management in Finance, ensuring high standards and the development of systems appropriate to the Trust

Develop a strategic plan for robust financial management of the Trust’s activities, resources and assets in line with the Academies Financial Handbook and Company House requirements

Support the Finance Manager and headteachers in the academies’ budget process for submitting their detailed proposed budget to the Finance, Audit and Resources Committee for approval

Use appropriate data to make financial forecasts to facilitate good strategic forward planning

Ensure robust budgetary control arrangements are in place to enable monitoring of income and expenditure against budgets and ensure corrective action is taken where appropriate

Oversee benchmarking to review best value for money and to make suitable recommendations

Ensure the timely submission of all statutory financial statements and returns by the Finance Managers

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Oversee the preparation of monthly management accounts, forecasts and other financial and non‐financial reports by the Finance Managers for DSAMAT and its academies, presenting reports to the Board and explaining all significant variances to all relevant stakeholders, in accordance with agreed timetables

Provide support, guidance, challenge and information to budget holders

Ensure that the financial and management accounting systems for DSAMAT are

up‐to‐date and support all accounting and reporting needs

Liaise with auditors and implement audit requirements and recommendations throughout the Trust

(c) Human Resources Role

Through liaison with DSAMAT’s HR provider manage the administration of personnel matters for staff, including appointments, contracts of employment, conditions of service, insurances, legal and other advisors, discipline and grievance matters, and making recommendations to the CEO, DLT and Board as appropriate

Through liaison with DSAMAT’s HR provider develop, maintain and implement Human Resource Management policies and procedures

Through liaison with DSAMAT’s HR provider ensure compliance with all relevant employment law

Liaise, consult and negotiate with union and staff representatives as and when the need arises

Develop a core Trust HR Service

(d) ICT, Data Services and Estates Management Role

Work with the DLT to maintain and deliver a rolling ICT strategy which aligns with the educational and development plans

Ensure the development and maintenance of appropriate ICT infrastructure and systems to support the objectives and aims of DSAMAT

Develop the asset management plan and site master plans, ensuring that accurate data are maintained and that projects and priorities support the educational plans and requirements

Develop and implement strategies for premises management to ensure that the quality of the estate and the learning environment for students is improved, sustainable and maintained

Develop and deliver long-term maintenance plans and effective reactive maintenance services

Develop and deliver building improvement projects, on‐site surveys, liaising with architects and drawing up proposals as required

Ensure effective tendering and management of contracts for work done by external contractors

Ensure the effective implementation of Health and Safety requirements across the Trust and compliance with Health and Safety law

(e) Procurement, Project and Contract Management Role

Ensure best value in the acquisition of supplies and services through effective procurement and tendering

Provide project management expertise and advice to the DLT

Monitor the operation of policies concerning procurement and ordering

Monitor the operation of contracts entered into for the supply of goods and services

Ensure all contracting and procurement activities are fully compliant with all public sector legislation and regulatory requirements

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Identify opportunities for new build schools and create an effective template for preparing bids

Ensure DSAMAT uses appropriate funding mechanisms to enable value for money on capital projects

Oversee all significant capital building projects and liaise with headteachers, governors, consultants, contractors and other interested parties as necessary

Develop new services to offer to DSAMAT academies

Investigate, source and maximise income (revenue and capital), liaising with funding agencies and government, amongst others, and write bids

Ensure that any funds received from successful bids are spent appropriately, within budget and timescales

(f) Administrative Services Role

Ensure the development and maintenance of appropriate administration systems to support the objectives and aims of DSAMAT

Maintain a disaster recovery strategy for DSAMAT, with detailed operational plans

Maintain systems in order to provide statistical and information returns for outside agencies

Maintain and ensure regular review of DSAMAT’s data protection, personnel, safeguarding, fire safety and health and safety policies, and ensure that all required procedures, including Equalities Act requirements are in place

(g) Other duties and responsibilities

Provide leadership, motivation, support and performance management for all direct reports

Ensure that direct reports are appropriately trained and developed and performance managed

Ensure that high standards of professional behaviour and performance are achieved, using systems of external accreditation and evaluation wherever possible

Contribute to and exemplify the Christian values of the Trust

Contribute actively to the development of quality improvement programmes across the Trust

Undertake such other duties as reasonably correspond to the general character of the post and commensurate with being a member of the Trust DLT

Safeguarding

The safety and well-being of our children is central to our ethos and we expect all staff and

volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to provide

references, undertake an enhanced check through the Disclosure and Barring Service, and

comply with the Safeguarding Policy and child protection practices of DSAMAT.

Equalities

DSAMAT has a strong commitment to achieving equality of opportunity in its academies and

in the employment of people. The post will ensure that DSAMAT meets its statutory

obligations in relation to all aspects of equalities legislation.

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Diocese of St Albans Multi-Academy Trust

Chief Operating Officer: Person Specification

Educational and professional qualifications

Essential

Degree or equivalent

Evidence of continuous professional development

Desirable

Master’s degree and/or relevant professional qualifications

Experience and knowledge

Essential

Track record of success of senior leadership and strategy development within a

comparable organisation

Track record of successful leadership of support services and/or multi-disciplinary

teams

Awareness and understanding of key issues in relation to finance, ICT, human

resources, estates, procurement and contracting, health and safety, and

safeguarding

Experience of efficient and effective budget, financial, risk and resource

management to achieve accountability and a strong performance culture

Proven success in building effective partnerships and links with internal and

external stakeholders

Experience and knowledge of the safeguarding agenda and its application in the

educational setting

Desirable

Experience of working effectively with a Board/Governing body in an equivalent

setting

Skills and abilities

Essential

Well-developed strategic planning capabilities with the ability to work with others

to develop a compelling vision for the organisation, underpinned by a strong

moral purpose

Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and be an effective

ambassador of the Trust

Ability to build a positive organisational culture, encourage reflection, delegate

responsibility, build teams, strive for continuous improvement and inspire staff to

achieve their full potential

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Ability to think creatively, to work strategically, and to anticipate and solve

problems

Proven track record of developing business plans and managing the introduction

of new initiatives

Ability to prioritise, plan and organise, and analyse and process complex

information quickly and rigorously, when under pressure acting with decisiveness

and determination when dealing with difficult situations

Strong negotiation skills and the ability to influence others to the benefit of the

Trust

Desirable

An understanding of educational legislation and policy in relation to Academies

Attitudes and personal qualities

Essential

Wholehearted commitment to maintaining and developing the ethos of the

Diocese of St Albans Multi-Academy Trust

Inspirational ability to motivate and empower others to carry the diocesan vision

forward inside and outside DSAMAT

Resilience and persistence, but adaptability to context and people

Collaborative leadership – someone who can provide clear direction and shared

purpose for all colleagues, external partners and stakeholders

Ability to translate a visionary/innovative concepts into a practical implementation

plans

Commitment to raising standards and optimising the opportunities that

Academies can offer to its students and the community

Ability to challenge constructively the work of self and others to continually

improve own and team performance

Desirable

An understanding and/or first-hand experience of the Church of England, its

ethos, ability and structure to work as part of the mission of the Diocese

Other

Visible presence at the Trust’s Academies

Willingness to work outside normal working hours as required

Full clean driving licence holder with access to the use of a vehicle

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Terms and Conditions

Term: The appointment (start date to be agreed) 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: £67,931 - £74,777 (five point incremental scale; progression performance related)

Pension: Local Government Pension Scheme

Hours: This is a full-time position for a 37.5 hour week. Time off in lieu is given for hours

worked outside normal working hours. No overtime is paid.

Holidays: Annual leave entitlement is 22 working days (pro rata) plus statutory Bank

Holidays, the working days falling between Christmas and New Year bank holiday and one

day in November or December for Christmas shopping.

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 Office in the Dunstable area.

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: Written agreement is required for any interest, directorship or

employment to be held in addition to this employment.

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How to apply for this position

To apply for this post, please send a CV, a covering letter explaining how you meet the

requirements, and the names and addresses of two referees to the Diocesan Director of

Education, Holywell Lodge, 41 Holywell Hill, St Albans AL1 1HE, or by e-mail to

ebigg@stalbans.anglican.org.

Please ensure that when submitting your CV that you include a full chronological history of

full or part-time employment since leaving school.

References may be taken up before interview. Please indicate if anyone may not be

approached at this stage.

Start date: as soon as possible, and preferably by 1 January 2017

Closing date: Friday 23 September 2016, 12 noon

Interviews: Friday 7 October 2016, St Albans

Further Information

Information about the Diocese of St Albans can be found on

http://www.stalbans.anglican.org/.