1

Thank you for your interest in the role of ICT PROJECT TECHNICIAN

at the Hastings Academies Trust

www.hastingsacademiestrust.org

Candidate Pack

2

I am delighted that you are interested in joining the

support staff team at the Hastings Academies Trust.

Our academies are innovative centres of learning

with outstanding facilities. An initial £30 million

investment programme has enabled new and

substantially refurbished Academy buildings, and

a £2.6 million upgrade in ICT infrastructure.

Teachers and students have access to their own

tablet device and this technology is used extensively

to deliver learning across the curriculum. As an Apple

Regional Training Centre, our teachers are at the

leading edge of using technology to improve the

learning experience within the classroom.

In May 2013 both The Hastings and St Leonards

Academies were awarded a ‘Good’ judgement in their

first Ofsted inspection.

You will be joining an academy that is dynamic,

aspirational and inclusive and a team of talented,

professional staff who are committed to providing

innovative and exciting learning opportunities for our

students.

I very much look forward to receiving

your application.

‘Ofsted’s high praisefor two academies’ (extract from The Argus 26 June 2013)

Two academies have been highly praised by school inspectors in their Ofsted reports. The Hastings Academy and The St Leonards Academy in East Sussex were among the first academies in the country to be rated “good” within two years of opening...

Sponsors... have welcomed the results, hailing the success as a “remarkable achievement for...schools that only a few years ago were among the worst performing in the country”.

Ofsted Reports (May 2013) stated that at the Hastings Academy ’students’ achievement is imporoving rapidly’ and ‘Teaching is good and as a result students throughout the academy are now learning well.

This is because teachers are focusing on the particular needs of individuals and groups of students’, ‘the drive for improvement is single-minded, determined and ambitious’, ‘student achievement is improving rapidly from very low starting points’, ‘Teaching is good in many subjects including English, mathematics and science’, and ‘students behave well in lessons and around the academy.’

‘Teachers are keen to develop and refine their skills and the quality of the teaching is improving rapidly.’THA, Ofsted - May 2013

‘Teaching has a significant impact on students’ rapidly improving progress because of well-planned lessons that provide students with interesting and challenging work.’ TSLA, Ofsted - May 2013

Jenny Jones, Executive Principal Twitter: @MsJones_TSLA

3

JOB DESCRIPTION

Employer: Hastings Academies Trust

Location: The post will be based in Falmer with travel to other Trust sites (East and West Sussex)

Job title: ICT Project Technician

Grade: Single Status Grade 8 points 20 to 22£21,639 - £23,372 per annumDependent on qualifications and experience37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year

Benefits: Childcare Voucher SchemeEmployee Assistance Programme (EAP)My Academy Rewards / Employee Benefits Portal

Responsible to: ICT Provision Manager

Main purpose of the job:To strategically create, develop and implement ICT projects where requested by the Infrastructure Technician and ICT Provision Manager.

To provide an efficient ICT infrastructure and Technical Service throughout the Hastings Academies Trust and University of Brighton Academies Trusts (East and West Sussex).

Frequent travel between sites will be required, own transport is essential (expenses will be reimbursed accordingly).

4

KEY TASKS:

1. To actively be aware of and investigate new technologies, making proposals, detailing the benefits to the Academies and implementing if accepted.

2. Research and evaluate technologies when requested.

3. Plan and implement future IT developments and undertake project work as defined by Infrastructure Technicians and ICT Provision Manager.

4. Work on-site and remotely with local support technicians/teams to ensure projects are completed on time meeting all customer requirements.

5. Report directly to and work with Infrastructure Technicians to ensure project targets are met.

6. Identify and evaluate solutions based on criteria provided, to demonstrate a willingness to work flexibly, sometimes outside of normal core hours, in response to service demands as agreed with the ICT Provision Manager.

7. To ensure that any new systems that have been put in place have been fully documented so colleagues can use them for reference.

8. To be a point of contact for technicians who have any technical issues or queries.

9. Respond to high level incident call outs across all Trust sites.

10. To carry out duties in line with the Academy’s policies for Health and Safety, and Equal Opportunities.

11. To participate in professional development activities and performance management activities as required.

12. To undertake other reasonable duties as directed by your line manager.

This job description sets out the duties of the post at the time it was drawn up. The post-holder may be required from time to time to undertake other duties within the

Academy as may be reasonably expected, without changing the general character ofthe duties or the level of responsibility entailed. This is a common occurrence and would

not justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post.

5

Job title: ICT Project Technician (Method of Assessment: A = Application Form I = Interview)

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Knowledge Essential Desirable Method ofAssessment

Migrating of network services such as email, user accounts and data P A

Analysing and resolving faults, ranging from a major system crash to provisioning a new network solution P A

Installing and configuring managed virus protection P A

Installing and configuring networking solutions P A

Knowledge of powershell and basic scripting P A

Knowledge of VOIP communication systems P A

Setup and migration of physical to virtualised environments P A

Disaster recovery scenarios P A/I

Monitoring network usage and performance P A/I

Knowledge of cloud based solutions such as Microsoft Azure, Office 365, sharepoint P A

P P

Education and Qualifications Essential Desirable Method ofAssessment

Attainment of recognised computer or network management qualification, at NVQ3 or 4 or equivalent experience P A

Good literacy and numeracy P A/I

Experience Essential Desirable Method ofAssessment

Experience of working within a technical team P A

Experience of implementing school developments which have improved the attainment of learners P A

Experience of maintaining and upgrading server hardware, firmware and software P A

Experience of management post(s) in a school setting A/I

Experience in the use of SIMS A/IP

P

6

PERSON SPECIFICATION

(Method of Assessment: A = Application Form I = Interview)

Job title: ICT Project Technician

Personal Attributes Essential Desirable Method ofAssessment

An analytical and questioning mind able to contribute to developing academy success P A/I

Self-motivated with drive, initiative and high degree of pro-activity P A/I

Commitment to Equal Opportunities P A/I

Hold a full UK driving licence P A

Key Skills and Abilities Essential Desirable Method ofAssessment

Customer focused. P A/I

Highly developed interpersonal skills including presence and approachability in order to relate effectively to teachers, staff, students, parents and colleagues

P A/I

Highly developed range of communication skills; listening as well as speaking, presenting and writing P A/I

Ability to effectively work with teams and influence others so that outcomes in the specialisms are optimised P A/I

High level Active directory skillset P A/I

Experience of working in a learning environment P A/I

7

The Trust began life as a federation of twoSecondary Academies, The Hastings Academyand The St Leonards Academy, which opened their doors to students in September 2011. As an organisation, the Trust has recently expanded toinclude seven local primary Academies: Dudley Infant Academy, West St Leonards Academy, The Baird Primary Academy, Hollington Primary Academy, Robsack Wood Primary Academy, Churchwood Primary Academy and Silverdale Primary Academy.

The University of Brighton is our lead sponsor,providing expertise in education and a wealth of experience alongside a passion for working with the communities of Hastings and St Leonards.

The University has a long-standing investmentin Hastings and St Leonards, where it has an

expanding campus and student body.

In partnership with Sussex Coast College Hastings,the University is committed to developing programmes that ensure access to further and higher education for our students and their families.

The Trust’s co-sponsors are BT, one of the world’s leading communication providers, and East Sussex County Council. They provide expertise and resources which bring enormous benefit to our students and staff. BT, in particular, affords a link between the academies and the business community by creating opportunities for students to learn social and business skills essential in the world of work.

An Introduction to The Hastings Academies Trust

The Hastings Academy

8

While each Academy has its own unique identity, the overarching aim across the Trust is to raise standards and improve educational outcomes for young people living in Hastings and St Leonards.

This ambition is not without challenges as the academies serve areas of significant socio-economic deprivation. However we strongly believe that all students, whatever their background, deserve the opportunity to achieve through the provision of an exceptional education.

We are committed to that purpose and our mission is therefore to create an outstanding learning experience that is innovative and exciting, which inspires a desire for knowledge and life-experiences, and unlocks the latent potential in each individual.

To this end, colleagues within the Trust collaborate very closely in sharing good practice, developing school improvement strategies and in supporting one another. We also work in partnership with Sussex Coast College and The University of Brighton, and are part of the Hastings Academies and College Alliance (HACA).

HACA aims to recruit, develop and retain the highest quality educational professionals to serve Hastings and St Leonards by delivering nationally accredited courses, mentoring, coaching and bespoke package of professional development for every teacher and each stage of their career.

We are particularly commitedto talent management and succession planning.

The Mission, Vision and Ethosof the Hastings Academies Trust

9

Living and Workingin Hastings

The Academies are located in Hastings, one of the best known coastal towns of East Sussex. The Hastings Academy is located in the eastern part of the town and The St Leonards Academy is located in the west. Inland is the Weald, an area of outstanding natural beauty, which has a wide range of attractions as well as a superb choice of housing.

Hastings itself is a lively, diverse coastal community, with plenty to enjoy: a historic and picturesque Old Town, and a new town centre with all the necessities of modern life. Dramatic coastline and nearby countryside are excellent destinations for outdoor activities such as walking and cycling.

The area is easy to explore by foot, bike, bus and rail, or a combination of these.

There are good rail links to Brighton and London, and direct trains to Ashford International station for Eurostar.

We have listed some of the major attractions of the area, which make this an excellent place in which to live and work.

Arts and cultureHastings and the surrounding area have a wealth of culture and history to explore, and a number of festivals throughout the year.

Hastings Museum and Art Gallery and the Old Town Museum contain displays from local to international themes. Visit the Hastings Museum and Art Gallery website to find out about permanent collections and temporary exhibitions. The Jerwood Gallery is a stunning new addition to the Old Town and nurtures excellence in the Arts.

The Electric Palace Cinema brings independent cinema to Hastings with a wide choice of film and film events, while the Odeon shows more mainstream cinema. There is a choice of three theatres, including the White Rock Theatre which presents a wide range of productions. For music lovers there is an exciting variety of venues and events including live music venues and many pubs which host live bands.

A free beach concert features local bands every year and the annual Hastings Beer and Music Festival in May attracts well-known groups.

HistoryThe Hastings area has a rich history, having been inhabited for well over 2000 years. The first port predates the arrivals of the Romans in Britain in 55BC and Hastings’ link with the sea continues as home to the largest beach-launched fishing fleet in Europe.

The town’s architecture reflects the last thousand years of its history, from the lofty Norman castle, medieval churches and timbered buildings in the Old Town’s twisting narrow streets and twittens, to the attractive Victorian buildings and 21st century styles.

10

Sites of specifichistorical interest

The site of the Battle of Hastings in 1066 is just outside Hastings at nearby Battle.

Hastings Castle was the first to be built in England by William the Conqueror. You can visit the ruins on top of the West Hill.

East Sussex boasts a number of other interesting historical attractions, including more castles - Pevensey Castle, first built 1600 years ago in Roman times, Bodiam Castle, dating from the fourteenth century and Herstmonceaux Castle, from the fifteenth century.

The Ragged-Trousered Philanthropists, a novel describing the plight of the working classes in the early twentieth century and now recognised as a classic piece of observation in social criticism, was written in Hastings. The University has celebrated its author, Robert Tressell (pen name of Robert Noonan), by naming one of its halls of residence after him.

There are several thriving local history societies.

Social scene & festivalsSocial scene Hastings has a range of pubs and wine bars from the quaint taverns of the Old Town to the lively and funky town centre bars. There is also an exciting club scene including Brass Monkey, the Jenny Lind and Fluid.

There are plenty of places to eat round the town, ranging from specialist restaurants offering exotic cuisine, welcoming cafés and bustling Italian bistros, to some of the best fish and chip eateries around. Hastings is also of course an excellent place to buy fresh fish to eat at home with friends, including succulent locally-smoked salmon steaks. There is a mixture of shops in Hastings with all the familiar high steet names at the new Priory Meadow Centre and more specialist shops and antique shops in the Old Town.

FestivalsHastings hosts many festivals providing all year round entertainment for families. These include The Jack in The Green Festival where the spirit of the Summer is released, The St Leonards Festival, The Hastings Beer and Music Festival, Coastal Currents, Hastings Old Town Carnival Week, The Hastings Seafood and Wine Festival, and The Hastings Bonfire and Fireworks Display.

SportsHastings has opportunities for sports participants and spectators alike.

Personal fitness and participation sportsMany people choose to keep fit by running along the promenade, where you’ll usually be refreshed by the wind in at least one direction! If you have more time, the walks or bike rides along the dramatic coast or further inland into picturesque Sussex can be exhilarating. You can also keep fit in a range of other ways including:

• Freedom Leisure sports centre

• Kinetika gym

• Water sport clubs offering a range of leisure opportunities including sailboarding, rowing, dinghy racing, surfing and windsurfing.

Spectator sports in HastingsYou can also support a range of spectator sports right on you doorstep in Hastings.

The Hastings half marathon is one of the most highly rated half marathons in the country, often attracting stars of the running world who use it as an early season test due to its timing in the running calendar and its hilly, challenging course. Many local people take part in this event for charity.

Hastings has its own local football club, Hastings United FC, whichplays in the Ryman League Premier Division.

Horntye Park is home to Hastings and St Leonards Priory Cricket Club, The South Saxons Hockey Club and Hastings Town 2000 FC.

More informationInformation on local organisations, clubs and services across East Sussex and Brighton & Hove canbe found at East Sussex CommunityInformation Service (ESCIS).www.escis.org.uk.

11

Rye RoadHastingsEast SussexTN35 5DN

www.thehastingsacademy.org

Twitter: @hastingsacademy

Edinburgh RoadSt Leonards-on-SeaEast SussexTN38 8HH

www.thestleonardsacademy.org

Twitter: @sl_academy

WHERE TO FIND US

Rye Road HastingsEast Sussex, TN35 5DN

Tel: 01424 711950

Edinburgh RoadSt Leonards On SeaEast Sussex, TN38 8HH

Tel: 01424 448740

Candidate Pack

Contact HR Department at: recruitment@hastingsacademiestrust.org.uk or telephone

01424 711925

The closing date for this post is noon Tuesday 1st September 2015Interview date: Wednesday 9th September 2015

The Hastings Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all

staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All staff will be expected to hold or be willing to obtain Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services

(previously the Criminal Records Bureau).

www.hastingsacademiestrust.org