Primary Advantage Federa0on Governance Manager Applica0on Pack
Contents Welcome 3 Applica-on Process 4 Our Schools 5 Our Background 6 Our Commitments 7 Teaching School 8 Job Descrip-on 9 Personal SpeciďŹ ca-on 11 Primary Advantage Structure Chart 12
Primary Advantage is commi:ed to safeguarding and promo0ng the welfare of children and expects all sta to share this commitment. We welcome applica0ons from all sec0ons of the community regardless of gender, race, religion, disability, sexual orienta0on or age.
Dear Applicant,
Welcome
Thank you for your interest in applying for a post at Primary Advantage. I hope this pack supports you in finding out more about us. The pack includes some background informa-on about the federa-on, informa-on about the applica-on process and the job descrip-on. Primary Advantage is governed through a Federa-on structure, working to the School Governance (Federa-on) Regula-ons. As a large federa-on working across eight schools, geVng our governance right is crucial to the success of organisa-on and ability of Central Governing Board (CGB) to discharge responsibili-es and have a clear line of sight into our schools. The role of the Governance Manager will be fundamental to ensure that Federa-on is compliant with all governance legisla-on and leads on maximising the poten-al of our governance arrangements. The Manager will act as the bedrock for all the Federa-on’s governance delivery. The Governance Manager will provide core proac-ve clerking support to our CGB, Business and Finance CommiZee (BFC), Outcome and Provisions CommiZee (OPC) and Local Advisory Boards (LABs).
The role requires a self-mo-vated, approachable and organised individual to lead and manage governance administra-on, in addi-on to providing exper-se on legisla-on to support, develop and shape the future of the federa-on. The closing date for this applica0on is: Friday 29th March 2019 The interview for shortlisted candidates will take place on: Wednesday 3rd April 2019 More informa-on about each school can be found on the schools’ websites. If you have any queries regarding the post, or would like more informa-on, please contact Venessa Williams on 0207 254 1010. Please send completed applica-on forms to. recruitment@primaryadvantage.hackney.sch.uk Kind regards, Sian Davies Execu-ve Principal
Applica0on Process
Salary: P03 £38,766 to £40,635 (dependent on experience) Applica0on Closing Date: Friday 29th March 2019 Interview Date: Wednesday 3rd April 2019. Please note, you will need to make yourself available for the whole day.
1. Please ensure that you have read the applica-on pack thoroughly. 2. Complete the applica-on form; CVs will not be accepted. Please note, alongside your applica-on form, you will be asked to submit a suppor0ng statement reflec0ng your capabili0es for this role. Without these documents, we may be unable to process your applica-on. 3. Please specify the role you are applying for. The reference number for this applica-on is: PA/GM19 4. Should you have any queries about the applica-on process or would like to arrange a visit, please contact Venessa Williams on 02072541010 ext 6. 5. Completed applica-ons should be sent by email to recruitment@primaryadvantage.hackney.sch.uk SHORTLISTING Once we have received your applica-on you will be no-fied via email. Successful candidates who have been shortlisted for interview will be contacted shortly aeer the closing date. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete tasks prior to the interview. Candidates must ensure that if they are successful at interview, they are able to provide evidence of their Right to Work and Remain in the UK. The school is not able to employ any person who cannot validate their Right to Work and Remain in the UK in the line with the Asylum, Immigra-on and Na-onality Act 2000. Following the interview, Primary Advantage will contact candidates by email to confirm as to whether they have been successful or not. SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES Successful candidates will be required to apply for an enhanced Criminal Record Check via the DBS. We are commiZed to safeguarding and promo-ng the welfare of our children and expect all members of staff to share this commitment. All qualifica-ons and references will be verified.
Our Schools We would encourage you to visit our websites to find out about individual schools, our teaching schools and the federa-on. The schools are well posi-oned in Hackney with access to a range of facili-es and good transport links. St John and St James is a one-form entry Church of England Primary School based in Hackney Central. The school is overseen by the Execu-ve Headteacher Jenna Clark and Jo Smith the Head of School. Our school’s moZo is to “Learn together, journey together, pray together.” For more informa-on about our school, please visit our website: www.johnjames.hackney.sch.uk
Holy Trinity is a building two-form entry Church of England Primary School located in Dalston. The Headteacher is Yvonne BarneZ. Our school moZo is “Every child: Empowered. Inspired. Prepared.” For more informa-on about our school, please visit our website: www.holytrinity.hackney.sch.uk/ Springfield is a one-form entry Community Primary School located close to the boarders of Hackney and Haringey. The Headteacher is Fiona Judge. “Learn together, grow together” is our school moZo and is expressed in every aspect of our work. For more informa-on about our school, please visit our website: www.springfield.hackney.sch.uk/
St MaZhias is a one form entry Church of England Primary School located in Stoke Newington. The Headteacher is Orlene Badu. Our school moZo is “Dream-BelieveAchieve.” For more informa-on about our school, please visit our website: www.stma:hias.hackney.sch.uk/
St John the Bap-st is a two-form entry Church of England Primary School located in Hoxton. The Execu-ve Headteacher is Fiona Judge and our Headteacher is Toni Mason. Our school moZo is “We Achieve We Believe”. For more informa-on about our school, please visit our website: www.st-john.hackney.sch.uk/ Morningside is two-form entry Community Primary School located in Hackney Central. The Headteacher is Janet Taylor. Our School moZo is “Achieving and Aspiring Together”. For more informa-on about our school, please visit our website: www.morningside.hackney.sch.uk/ Gainsborough is a three-form entry Community Primary School located in Hackney Wick. The Execu-ve Headteacher is Jenna Clark. Our school moZo is “Learn Together.” For more informa-on about our school, please visit our website: www.gainsborough.hackney.sch.uk/ De Beauvoir is a two-form entry Community Primary School located in Dalston. The Headteacher is Rebecca Mackenzie. Our school moZo is “We have an unwavering belief that every child has the ability to succeed.” For more informa-on about our school, please visit our website. www.debeauvoir.hackney.sch.uk/website
Our Background Our schools gain significant benefits from working collabora-vely, we strongly believe that schools can achieve more by working together. We have made a commitment to a shared responsibility to the wider educa-on community, the provision of a high quality educa-on and the improvement of life chances for pupils in the community beyond that of our own schools. Our journey started in 2000 when St John and St James CE Primary School opened as a Fresh Start School. Since then we have worked alongside many different schools in Hackney, across London and in many different parts of the country and have grown into a Federa-on of eight schools. We work collabora-vely towards a shared vision and agreed commitments but our schools are individual, serving the needs of different communi-es in crea-ve and innova-ve ways
Our Commitments
Primary Advantage Teaching Schools Teaching schools are outstanding schools that work with others to provide high-quality training and development to new and experienced staff. They are part of the government’s plan to give schools a central role in raising standards by developing a self-improving and sustainable school-led system. St John and St James, Holy Trinity and Springfield are designated teaching schools, working in collabora-on with the other five schools in the federa-on. The schools work in partnership with primary schools across the borough and beyond and play a key role within the Primary Advantage Na-onal Teaching Schools Alliance. Our work on improving provision for children will con-nue to see us working in partnership with schools in Hackney, across London and beyond. We will be working closely with our strategic partners; The Ins-tute of Educa-on and Hackney Learning Trust, to effec-vely deliver Ini-al Teacher Training (School direct and PGCE), Con-nuous Professional Development, talent management, school to school support, the brokering of Specialist Leaders of Educa-on and research and development. Primary Advantage Teaching School Alliance will see all schools within the alliance achieving more together. Teaching Schools provide opportuni-es for teachers across the federa-on to grow through: • Excellent opportuni-es for professional development in a unique and dynamic context; • Opportuni-es for collabora-on and shared experiences through our teacher learning networks and learning fes-vals; • Career progression opportuni-es through a range of leadership programmes and opportuni-es to be recognised as Specialist Leaders of Educa-on and Lead Prac--oners.
Job Descrip0on - Governance Manager Post Title Governance Manager Start date: As soon as possible Remunera0on: P03 £38,766 to £40,635 (dependent on experience) Contract: Permanent full -me Reports to: Execu-ve Principal, Finance and Business Director Liaises with: Head teachers, teaching staff, Finance and administra-ve staff, Governors, local community representa-ves, union representa-ves, and other external agencies Loca0on: Clerking at schools across the federa-on and central office
ABOUT PRIMARY ADVANTAGE We are a group of eight schools in Hackney working together because we believe our schools can gain many benefits from working collabora-vely. We have made a commitment to a shared responsibility to the wider school community, the provision of good quality educa-on and the improvement of life chances for pupils in the community beyond that of our own schools. Teachers, support staff, school leaders and governors have added exper-se in working alongside colleagues to improve provision and outcomes for our pupil
ROLE SUMMARY Primary Advantage is governed through a Federa-on structure, working to the School Governance (Federa-on) Regula-ons. As a large federa-on working across eight schools, geVng our governance right is crucial to the success of organisa-on and ability of Central Governing Board (CGB) to discharge responsibili-es and have a clear line of sight into our schools. The Governance Manager will be fundamental to ensuring that Federa-on is compliant with all governance legisla-on and leads on maximising the poten-al of our governance arrangements. The Manager will act as the bedrock for our all the Federa-on’s governance delivery. The Governance Manager will provide core proac-ve clerking support to our CGB, Business CommiZee (BC), Scru-ny CommiZee (SC) and Local Advisory Boards (LABs). More than this, the post holder will also contribute to the effec-veness of key decision-makers within the organisa-on by overseeing the governance framework, mee-ng all compliance and regulatory requirements and providing advisory support to governance stakeholders. Through developing and delivering a tailored governance model for Primary Advantage, the Governance Manager will enable our governance structures to fully meet the evolving needs of our organisa-on whilst demonstra-ng best prac-ce in Federa-on governance. The Governance Manager will be responsible for the colla-on, analysis and presenta-on of key data from across the Federa-on schools for monitoring and tracking purposes.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Governance Framework • Overall responsibility to ensure governors act in accordance with, the Primary Advantage Federa-on Instrument of Government and Scheme of Delega-on including undertaking the annual review to ensure these documents are compliant with relevant statute and reflect the distribu-on of responsibili-es throughout the organisa-on • Lead on the development of the annual Governance Workplan in conjunc-on with Chairs and Execu-ve Principal, ensuring alignment with high-level organisa-onal planning. • Responsible for individual Central Governing Body (CGB), Business and Finance CommiZee (BFC), Outcomes and Provisions CommiZee (OPC) and Local Advisory Board (LAB) mee-ngs to fall at strategic -mes to ensure fulfilment of regulator requirements and delega-ons. • Hold strong understanding of Primary Advantage Federa-on’s internal governance structure, cons-tu-on, procedures and delega-ons including the board code of conduct. Clerking/secretariat support • Translate annual Governance Workplan into standing agendas, report templates and agenda item briefings for CGB, BC, SC and LAB. • Deliver high-quality papers and reports in format agreed with key governance stakeholders to meet agreed deadlines, including suppor-ng staff with relevant aspects of repor-ng. • Oversee smooth delivery of all governance mee-ngs including taking and circula-ng accurate minutes. • Overall responsibility to ensure -mely two-way communica-on and informa-on flows between all -ers of governance within the Federa-on, including, on occasion, presen-ng agenda items at Board, CommiZee or Advisory Board mee-ngs. • Support relevant governor panels (exclusions, disciplinary, grievance, complaints) in conjunc-on with other colleagues as required. • Undertake regular skills audits to aid with succession planning ac-vi-es and assist with annual board evalua-on process and ongoing governance quality assurance.
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Scheduling and diary management around governance mee-ngs. Responsibility for diary management for the Execu-ve Principal and the Finance & Business Director.
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Induc0on, training and communica0ons • Undertake first-line recruitment of new Governors, CommiZee and LAB Members in line with the overall Primary Advantage approach. • Undertake all aspects of Governor/ Member appointment, record-keeping and membership. • Plan and coordinate Governor and Member induc-on and training including signpos-ng to opportuni-es available through Hackney Learning Trust and London Diocesan Board for Schools. • Signpost Governors and Members to relevant communica-ons/ newsleZers to help fulfil role and ensure that governance stakeholders are briefed on key development in local and na-onal educa-onal policy. Risk, compliance and regula0on • Develop Primary Advantage’s approach to iden-fica-on and management of risk including maintaining risk registers. • Deliver internal audit strategy including coordina-on of annual internal audit plan and inspec-on visits • Maintain Primary Advantage policy framework including ensuring policies are updated in a -mely manner in accordance with legisla-on and key changes are communicated to school. • Carry out prac-cal elements of company secretarial role including ensuring quoracy at all mee-ngs, filing annual returns and maintaining all required registers such as minutes and conflicts of interests • Support Governors and LAB Members as required around Ofsted and Diocese inspec-ons or other significant events, including providing briefings. • Mobilise knowledge of legisla-ve requirements including Safeguarding, Whistleblowing, Health and Safety, Equali-es, Data Protec-on and Freedom of Informa-on and work with colleagues to fulfil them • Prepare any briefings requested by Chair/ Execu-ve Principal on governance queries and present in a clear, logical manner. • Keep watching brief on evolving policy and legisla-on affec-ng UK educa-on including Federa-ons specifically. Data colla0on, analysis and presenta0on • Gather data as requested from Federa-on schools to drive monitoring and repor-ng to Governors • Gather analyse and prepare estate performance data in rela-on to aZainment • Gather and analyse and prepare data in rela-on to aZendance, exclusions, vacancies and staff absence.
Gather, analyse and prepare data in rela-on to Teacher profiles. Gather, analyse and prepare data in rela-on to School preference data. Work with Execu-ve Principal to produce KPI reports.
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Work with the Chairs, Execu-ve Principal, Federa-on Business Manager and Headteachers to develop key governance stakeholder rela-onships for the Primary Advantage Federa-on in order to foster a strong culture of support and construc-ve challenge. Con-nually iden-fy areas for improvement within the Primary Advantage Federa-on governance framework To undertake any other reasonable addi-onal du-es rela-ng to governance of the Primary Advantage Federa-on as requested by the Chair, Execu-ve Principal and Federa-on Business Manager. To engage in relevant training and development as appropriate. The Governance Manager must be available to aZend all CGB, BFC, OPC and LAB mee-ngs, these are usually held in the early evening. This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
To Be Noted • This is not an exhaus-ve list of du-es and responsibili-es, and the post holder may be required to undertake other du-es that fall within the grade of the job, in discussion with the manager. • This job descrip-on will be reviewed regularly in the light of changing service requirements and any such changes will be discussed with the post holder. • The post holder is expected to comply with all relevant policies, procedures and guidelines, including those rela-ng to Equal Opportuni-es, Health and Safety and the Confiden-ality of Informa-on. • Because of the nature of the post, candidates are not en-tled to withhold informa-on regarding convic-ons by virtue of the Rehabilita-on of Offenders Act 1974 (Exemp-ons) Order 1975 as amended. Candidates are required to give details of any convic-ons on their appointment form and are expected to disclose such informa-on at the appointment interview. • Because this post allows substan-al access to children, candidates are required to comply with departmental procedures in rela-on to Police checks. If candidates are successful in their applica-on prior to taking up post, they will be required to give wriZen permission to the Department to ascertain details from the Metropolitan Police regarding any convic-ons against them and, as appropriate the nature of such convic-ons.
Person Specifica0on Qualifica0ons • Maths and English GCSE or equivalent at grade C or above • Qualified to degree level or equivalent, or able to demonstrate sufficient relevant work experience (desirable) • Right to work in the UK Communica0on skills • Knowledge of school governance legal/ policy environment (desirable) • Knowledge of Federa-on legal/ policy environment (desirable) • Experience of governance in a school, corporate and/or legal environment (essen-al) • Experience of mee-ng management and minute taking (essen-al) • Experience of managing across and upwards to relevant colleagues • Experience of monitoring systems, processes or projects • Experience of record-keeping
Specific Skills • Strong wriZen and oral communica-on skills • Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills – able to foster rela-onships • Strong aZen-on to detail • Able to write accurately, clearly and concisely and provide succinct reports • Able to interpret financial and/or school performance data • Ability to priori-se conflic-ng demands and balance on going deadlines • Fully computer literate, with suitable experience of standard office soeware Personal characteris0cs • Personal vision is aligned with the ethos and values of the Primary Advantage Federa-on and a commitment to ensuring the best possible educa-on for each child • Adaptable, organised, detail-oriented and systema-c in approach to work • Confident and able to work independently on own ini-a-ve, within an overall framework • Conscien-ous and takes personal accountability for delivery of goals • Focused on delivering and regularly reviewing support, solu-ons and key processes • Adept at working with others to resolve conflicts or compe-ng priori-es • CommiZed to on going personal development
Guidance Briefing: Department for Educa0on Clerking Competency Framework Background • The Clerking Competency Framework was released by the Department for Educa-on (DfE) in April 2017 as a piece of non-statutory guidance to outline the ‘knowledge, skills and behaviours required to provide professional clerking to the governing boards of maintained schools, academies and mul--academy trusts’ in the UK • The guidance was released by the DfE shortly aeer the updated Governor Handbook and new ‘Competency Framework for Governance’ was issued, and shows recogni-on on behalf of the government on the need to provide guidance on the ‘soe skills’ and competencies required to make educa-on governance effec-ve • The Clerking Competency Framework sets out the skills needed by professional clerks into four main areas – ‘understanding governance; administra-on; advice and guidance; and people and rela-onships’ Effec0ve clerking and the six key features of effec0ve governance
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The competencies of an effec0ve clerk Competency 1: Understanding Governance The Competency Framework highlights ‘understanding governance’ as an important competency as professional clerking requires ‘the board’s du-es and responsibili-es; governance legisla-on and procedures; and the wider context in which the board is opera-ng’. This understand means clerks will give beZer advice and make more accurate records. Clerks should be aware of: •
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The first secAon of the Clerking Competency Framework outlines how clerking contributes to the six key features of effecAve governance as laid out in the Governance Handbook •
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Strategic leadership that sets and champions vision, ethos and strategy – clerks work with the Chair to focus discussion on strategic rather than opera-onal issues; clerks ensure boards are effec-ve through planning appropriate agendas, submiVng -mely papers and taking accurate minutes Accountability that drives up educa0onal standards and financial performance – clerks work with the board to ensure they ask the right ques-ons and are given the answers they want through educa-onal and financial informa-on and data; clerks provide evidence through minutes of the board’s scru-ny and challenge in holding the execu-ve to account People with the right skills, experience, quali0es and capacity – clerks support the board to recruit, induct and train new members and oversee appointment and removal; clerks support succession planning, skills audits and the building of strong board rela-onships Structures that reinforce clearly defined roles and responsibili0es – clerks ensure the board is properly cons-tuted, outlines roles and responsibili-es; clerks provide impar-al advice on governance structures and schemes of delega-on Compliance with statutory and contractual requirements – clerks provide support to ensure compliance with relevant legal frameworks and contractual obliga-ons; clerks ensure policies and procedural documents are maintained and followed
Evalua0on to monitor and improve the quality and impact of governance – clerks provide an audit trail to contribute to reviews of governance effec-veness including minutes, records of ac-ons and aZendance
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The ‘key features of Effec-ve Governance’ laid out in the Governance Handbook and Competency Framework for Governors The content of the organisa-on’s Ar-cles, funding agreement(s)/ Instrument of Government and responsibili-es arising from relevant legisla-on including Equali-es, Health & Safety, Data Protec-on, Freedom of Informa-on (and charity/ company law for SATs and MATs) The organisa-on’s culture, values and ethos as well as pupil performance and financial management informa-on The organisa-on’s internal governance structure, cons-tu-on, procedures and delega-ons including the board code of conduct, and external local/ na-onal educa-on policy Internal procedures for Whistleblowing, Safeguarding, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, Companies House returns, Edubase records and requirements to publish informa-on Rela-onships with regulators including DfE, ESFA, Ofsted and LA/Diocese
Competency 2: AdministraAon The second competency is noted as the founda-on for ensuring board members can focus on strategic maZers when they know the administra-on is taken care of well. Clerks should: •
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use organisa-onal skills to forward-plan and arrange board papers, minutes, risk registers and other administra-ve ac-vi-es and other processes efficiently prepare well for mee-ngs, an-cipate issues that may arise and have the confidence to intervene should mee-ngs not be conducted in a proper or orderly manner
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take accurate minutes recording any dissen-ng voices and relevant ac-on points ensure legal requirements are met around quoracy, maintenance, reten-on and publica-on of registers and filings and any corporate seal(s) maintain a ‘high standard of work and calm demeanour, even when under pressure’
Competency 4: People and relaAonships This competency highlights the role clerks play in building strong working rela-onships, communica-ons and informa-on flows amongst the board and stakeholders. Clerks should: •
Competency 3: Advice and guidance This competency to contributes to ‘beZer and more effec-ve decision-making and helps the board manage the risk of non-compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks’. Clerks should:
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be able to source informa-on relevant to the context and circumstances of the board put in place processes for systema-cally iden-fying, and sharing, changes to relevant legal, regulatory or compliance requirements and internal legal/ contractual du-es provide the board with impar-al, clear, wellorganised and logical advice be aware of the poten-al consequences of noncompliance, conflict of interest and loyalty have the confidence and credibility to speak out if the board is at risk of overstepping their role, and know with whom outside the organisa-on to share any concerns of misconduct
develop professional working rela-onships with the chair, board, execu-ve leaders and key contacts, using influencing skills to gain the board’s confidence, encourage a culture of construc-ve challenge and open discussion and design appropriate governance structures establish channels of communica-on for sharing board informa-on advice on succession planning and vacancy filling processes including elec-on/appointment support skills audits, board evalua-on, aZendance records, training and CPD opportuni-es demonstrate a commitment to developing and improving their own knowledge and skills
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Primary Advantage Structure Chart Key:
Primary Advantage Federa-on Holy Trinity Primary School Beechwood Rd Dalston London E8 3DY Tel: 020 7254 1010 www.primaryadvantage.co.uk
St John & St James CE Primary School
St John Bap0st CE Primary School
Holy Trinity CE Primary School
Morningside Primary School
SpringďŹ eld Community School
Gainsborough Primary School
St Ma:hias CE Primary School
De Beauvoir Primary School