CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Nexus Multi-Academy Trust

Application Pack

Contents

1. Letter from Chair

2. Mission and Vision Statements

3. Job Description

4. Person Specification

5. How to Apply

6. Declaration Form

Dear Colleague

Interim CEO Nexus Multi Academy Trust

Thank you for displaying an interest in the CEO role for our newly formed Multi Academy Trust. This is an

exciting time indeed for our 3 schools and our extended community. I hope you find the information

attached both helpful and informative. It will hopefully further persuade you to apply for the post.

I am sure that you appreciate that in the early days of a venture such as this we are trying to strike a fine

balance between providing an appropriate framework for governance, leadership and performance whilst

at the same time allowing some freedom for new members, leaders and staff to play a role in shaping the

future. The CEO role will be a critical one and the interim nature will allow us to understand better what

our MAT will need to help it succeed. The interim CEO will play a key role in setting up the MAT for the

foreseeable future and advising Members and Directors about the best direction of travel. It is vital that

they have the necessary skills to engage our stakeholders in these activities too.

I do hope you choose to apply and if there is any information that you require that we have not provided

please do not hesitate to contact me at the address provided.

Yours sincerely

Andy Child

Member, Chair of the Selection Panel

http://abbeyschool.co/

http://www.maltbyhilltop.com/

http://www.kelfordschool.com/

At the Executive Board of Governors meeting on 13th October 2015, Hilltop &

Kelford Governors passed two resolutions: one was to submit applications for academy conversion; the other was to submit an application to formally sponsor Abbey School.

At the Executive Board meeting on 10th November 2015, Governors agreed the structure of the MAT and by Thursday 10th December 2015, the Department for Education (DfE) confirmed that Hilltop and Kelford could form a Multi Academy Trust and sponsor Abbey School as part of the conversion process.

As part of the establishment of the MAT, Governors have agreed the executive leadership arrangements and are making provision for the appointment of a Chief Executive Officer and a Chief Finance Officer.

The Hilltop and Kelford Schools Vision and Mission statement.

How do we want the world to see our young people?We want all our young people to be valued, visible and fully included in our community and in the communities where they live. We want them to be active and responsible citizens.

What do we want for them?We want all our young people to be ‘the best they can be’. We want them to be confident and successful learners who are proud of their achievements. We want them to be safe, healthy and happy. We want all our young people to have strong and influential voices and have the confidence and ability to make good choices and decisions. We want them to be fully prepared for the next stage of their lives.

What do we want our schools to be like?We want to be ‘the best we can be’. We want our schools to be passionately person-centred, always putting children, young people and families at the centre of everything we do. We want our schools to be flexible, dynamic and responsive to the needs, interests and abilities of our children and young people. We want to influence widely through strong partnerships with other schools and services. We want to be a school which values and celebrates success and which is reflective, analytical and always focused on improvement.

Abbey School Vision and Mission statement.

To be the ‘unrelenting family champion’ as an outstanding partner within a thriving learning community.

To apply inspirational, visionary and exceptionally strong leadership and governance.

To demonstrate exceptional teaching, within the very best learning environment, embracing new and existing technologies and one that enables all students to make good progress.

To provide an engaging, personalised, relevant and challenging curriculum which provides meaningful progression and transitions to the next stages of learning and life. This will mean offering Post-16 opportunities, whenever appropriate, to those who would benefit.

To exist as a beacon for learning that promotes a sense of belonging, ambition and pride. A safe and happy community which values the voice of pupils and contribution of all.

Whilst more time and space will be created to ensure that there is a cogent vision for the MAT that accounts for the existing vision(s) of the 3 member schools, the following points are a summary of what co-working between the schools has proposed thus far:

The offer of “good” and “outstanding” SEN provision in Rotherham will increase for children across the 0-25 age spectrum;

We will think and act in a manner which is person-centred at all times; Children and families will – where appropriate – have support to access

personalised budgets; Employment pathways will inform the construction of a child’s curriculum so

that young people have the best chance possible of becoming independent adults who are visible in their home community.

The work of the MAT will be underpinned by some core principles/values, namely:

As much funding as possible will follow the child into the classroom; Headteachers will be responsible for the leadership and management of their

schools, and from within the MAT support an “enabling environment” for all school leaders;

School improvement will be appreciative in its enquiry but rigorous in its interrogation;

The MAT will provide outstanding leadership and support for member schools and ensure that growth and development does not detract from excellent teaching and learning;

Leadership and governance will be underpinned by employing the right people with the right skills at all times

JOB DESCRITPION

Responsible to: Chair of the Board of Trustees

Responsible for: All Member Schools within the Nexus Multi-Academy Trust

Salary: £75,000 - £85,000

PurposeThe CEO will be responsible for the development of Trust wide strategies and action plans for the improvement of educational standards and governance across the Trust; to be the ‘holder of the flame’ of the visions and values of Nexus and to ensure the communication of these externally, as well as to Trust staff, to secure educational success through effective strategic planning and execution.

Through inspirational leadership and rigorous policy development the CEO will create a culture of constant improvement, implementing effective systems of organisation and control and high levels of professional standards to secure the highest possible achievement for all in every aspect of the Trust’s provision.

Principal AccountabilitiesThe Chief Executive Officer will, in executing all of the functions and responsibilities of the Chief Executive and Accounting Officer of the Trust; Secure the realisation of the education vision of the MAT and act as an ambassador inspiring and empowering

others, whilst maintaining a high standard of personal integrity and professional conduct Work with the Board of Trustees of Nexus, local governing bodies and staff in member schools to define and

deliver the Trust’s vision, aims and objectives through inspirational and motivational leadership, clear strategic direction, and demanding and measurable targets

Ensure the MAT is run efficiently, effectively and in compliance with statutory and regulatory frameworks; ensuring effective systems are in place for the management and monitoring of the Trust and budgets of member schools’; maximising financial resources, exploring opportunities for increasing levels of external funding, and securing value for money in all operations

Ensure the strategic development plan is underpinned by sound financial advice and business planning in accordance with development priorities and targets to deliver well-resourced provision with the Trust and its member schools to facilitate constant improvement

Enable all schools within the MAT to deliver and sustain educational excellence by managing and supporting the implementation of school improvement strategies and demanding outstanding academic progress, achievement and success through the development of confident learners within a culture of inclusiveness

Lead on developing and coordinating partnership work; developing opportunities through partnerships, maintaining open, transparent and constructive relationships between parents/ careers, the local community and other key stakeholders including health and social care; and with those local authorities who commission SEND placements from member schools/academies

Develop strong relationships with sponsors and educational partners to enhance educational provision to create the optimum educational opportunities for all students across the Trust

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Support and secure delivery of excellent teaching and learning throughout all member schools through the promotion of high-level professional standards, and rigorous monitoring and evaluation of teaching quality and pupil’s achievements; challenging educational under-achievement and inspiring children to reach their full potential

Work with Members, Trustees and Local Governing Bodies to ensure robust governance structures are in place and actively adding value to the work of the MAT and member schools; working with all stakeholders to develop a vision and growth strategy for the MAT, building capacity for opportunities to widen the Trust’s provision for the benefit of local communities, and developing appropriate transitional arrangements for schools new to the MAT

Work with local governing bodies and senior colleagues to build effective teams to support collaborative approaches to provision and foster respect and encourage openness and sharing of ideas; create a supportive learning culture across the MAT promoting a culture of common accountability in all staff for pupil performance and attainment

Teaching & Learning The Chief Executive Officer must work with the MAT senior leadership group to: Determine and implement demanding curriculum provision and related assessment that meets statutory

requirements and the Trust’s education vision for the pupils within Nexus Promote excellence in teaching and learning and ensure a continuous and consistent MAT-wide focus on

pupils’ achievement using data and benchmarks to monitor progress, within a culture of challenge and support Maximise the performance of all students through high quality teaching and learning which motivates,

challenges and empowers Empower students to be active participants in their learning and take personal responsibility for improving

their life chances through their education experience Have a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of all schools within the MAT in order to support

them in raising standards Ensure that learning is at the centre of strategic planning and resource management across the MAT; Develop high motivation and aspirations for all students so that they attain the highest possible level of

achievement; ensuring that each school promotes an inclusive and supportive approach so that every pupil feels welcome, valued and secure

Provide regular reports on each member school’s educational performance to the Board of Trustees and/or their representatives

Leadership & Strategy The Chief Executive Officer - in partnership with the Leadership Group will: Line manage the Headteachers/Principals; Executive Lead for School Improvement; Company Secretary; and

Chief Finance Officer Work with school leaders to create and implement a strategic plan, which identifies collective priorities and

targets, to enable each school to achieve its agreed targets Provide dynamic, consistent and motivational leadership, recognising the structure of each individual school; Evaluate critically overall performance of the MAT Oversee performance management practices to ensure staff are motivated and enabled to carry out their

respective roles to the highest standard Maintain an overview of staffing structures as agreed by Local Governing Bodies to ensure the Trust’s

management and organisational structures are fit for purpose and facilitate continuous improvement Ensure that communication across the MAT is effective so that all members of staff receive the relevant

information to carry out their professional duties Ensure structures deliver pupil progression and raise attainment Ensure that the assessment and progress measures within each school are accurate and consistent Lead the creation of the annual MAT development plan Ensure that all schools are fully compliant with current safeguarding procedures and legislation

Performance & Human Resources

The Chief Executive Officer will: Work within the MAT policy framework supporting school leaders, to motivate staff and in setting clear and

aspirational goals in order to ensure the effective operation of the Trust and to achieve its objectives Secure robust self-evaluation and quality assurance procedures to ensure continuous self-evaluation of

provision and performance; and ensure effective communication of same through the Trust to facilitate improvement

Establish mechanisms for reporting to all stakeholders within an agreed timetable Strengthen the MATs position in the wider community and with all stakeholders and support School Leaders in

developing a strong working relationship with their local community and across the MAT Maintain a flexible approach to work and location Act as main contact for all schools within the MAT in the event of a serious incident Ensure that schools promote effective partnerships with all parents and carers, to support and improve pupils’

achievement and personal development Collaborate with other agencies to ensure pupil and community needs are met Develop an ethos which enables everyone to work collaboratively, share knowledge and understanding and

celebrate success and accept responsibility for outcomes Reflect on personal contribution to the MAT achievements, taking into account feedback from others Develop and implement MAT strategies and policies in line with statutory requirements and models of best

practice

AccountabilityThe Chief Executive Officer will: continue to develop the organisation and ethos of the Trust so that all staff individually and collectively

recognise that they are accountable for its success provide information, objective advice and support to the Trust Board to enable it to meet its responsibilities

for securing effective teaching and learning and improved standards of achievement, and for achieving efficiency and value for money

present a coherent and accurate account of the Trust’s performance to a range of audiences, including Governors, the local community, OFSTED and others

develop and implement clear and transparent mechanisms which inform parents/carers and pupils about the curriculum, attainment and progress as well as the contribution they can make in supporting their child’s learning and achieving the school’s target for improvement

Serve as a key member of Nexus, representing the Trust to a variety of audiences and supporting all necessary functions for school management and success.

carry out any such duties as may be reasonably required by the Trust Board Ensure all legislative and statutory requirements for academies are met and are compliant with the Academies

Handbook and other Department for Education guidance

Safeguarding

The Chief Executive Officer will: Promote the MAT’s commitment to safeguarding and the welfare of children and young people Ensure that the policies and procedures relating to safeguarding and safer recruitment are adopted by the

Trust Board and are fully implemented and followed by all staff; Ensure that sufficient resources and time are allocated to enable the appropriate designated person and other

staff to discharge their responsibilities in relation to safeguarding, including taking part in strategy discussions and other inter-agency meetings, and contributing to the assessment of children;

Ensure all staff and volunteers feel able to raise concerns about poor or unsafe practices with regard to children and young people, and that such concerns are addressed sensitively and effectively in a timely manner in accordance with agreed whistle blowing practices

Equality & DiversityThe Chief Executive Officer will: Ensure compliance to the provisions of the Equality Act 2010 Ensure everyone employed across the MAT is treated fairly and equitably; Build an excellent collaborative learning culture; Support school leaders in developing staff by ensuring access to high quality continuing professional

development for all; Ensure and enhance effective working relationships across all schools in the MAT and other partners, sharing

best practice; Develop and maintain relationships with all stakeholders, optimising the contribution of others; Demonstrate a personal commitment to keeping abreast of Academy developments and best practice

management practice in order to maintain a culture of high expectations for self and others.

Strengthening CommunityThe Chief Executive Officer will: Strengthen partnership and community working Promote positive relationships and work with colleagues in other schools and external agencies Serve as a key member of Nexus, representing the MAT to a variety of audiences and supporting all necessary

functions for Trust management and success.

In fulfilling this role, the Chief Executive Officer will be responsible to, and attend all meetings of, the Board of Trustees.

This job description forms part of the contract of the person appointed to this post. It reflects the position at the present time only and may be reviewed at any time following consultation between the Chief Executive Officer and the Trust Board, and will be reviewed annually.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Essential Desirable

Qualifications Level 7 qualification e.g. Masters level qualification in a related academic area with extensive experience in the relevant specialist areas of work, or a wider range of areasOrEvidence of the equivalent level of knowledge gained through work experience in complex organisations

Experience Proven track record of successful business planning and financial management Proven track record of managing change within a large organisation Significant senior management experience of a successful commercial organisation or significant educational establishment at executive level

Knowledge and understanding of current educational landscape including issues relating to academies Experience of using assessment data to inform decision-making Experience of school improvement planning and evaluation Experience of statutory assessment and OfSTED inspections Experience of managing and motivating teams of people, building effective relationships at all levels within and organisation

Experience of working with all stakeholders, including governors Experience of developing curriculum continuity and progression

Thinking Ability A strategic thinker who can analyse and process complex information and date quickly and rigorously in order to make effective decisions

Can think analytically to undertake complex tasks in a systematic way

Thinks creatively and imaginatively to solve problems and identify opportunities

Able to articulate and defend a clear vision for the future

Able to demonstrate having planned appropriately for future success

Personal Effectiveness

Visible and approachable, empathetic and enjoys engaging with children, staff, parents and the wider community

Able to be resilient and robust whilst also showing compassion in dealing with issues and is calm under pressure

Natural networker able to engage effectively with the wider community

Able to demonstrate sound judgement and prioritise issues / risks effectively

Can negotiate and consult effectively with the capacity to influence others

Able to inspire high levels of performance in children and staff

Interpersonal Relationships

Demonstrates a variety of leadership styles and management approaches

Ability to establish positive and productive working relationships with a wide range of stakeholder at all levels

Effectively engage and communicate at all levels, including listen to and inspiring children, staff, parents and the wider community, as well as having a personal presence

Shows concerns for impact – identifies the most important concerns and issues of others – modifies own behaviour to achieve the required outcomes

Goes out of the way to establish contacts and use the relationships to achieve business objectives.

Able to bring presence and gravitas to the role whilst remaining approachable and professional at all times.

General Requirements Able to work flexibly, including any service specific hours

Able to travel to various locations throughout the Borough within a reasonable timescale

Demonstrate a firm commitment to the concept of Multi-Academy Trust and desire to see the Trust flourish and expand in a sustainable manner

Applicants must not be disqualified by law from holding directorships and must undergo a DBS check.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send a letter of application, outlining how you meet the essential criteria for the role for Chief Executive officer for the Nexus Multi Academy Trust along with the documents listed below, to Andy Child, Chair of Selection Panel, c/o Clare Southwell, Clerk to Governors, by email to hsscsouthwell@rgfl.org. In your letter please identify and explain the key success criteria that you would look to deliver in the role of Interim CEO.

Alternatively by post to Andy Child, Chair of Selection Panel, c/o Clare Southwell, Clerk to Governors, 34 Egremont Rise, Maltby, Rotherham, S66 8SG.

In all cases your application should be received no later than midday on 28 February 2016

Please include the following documents with your letter of application: Detailed Curriculum Vitae Contact Details for two referees Declaration Form

Interviews are provisionally scheduled to be held on 14 March 2016

Please note that this appointment is subject to DBS clearance.

We look forward to receiving your application.

SUITABILITY DECLARATION FORMBankruptcyA person is deemed unsuitable to hold or to continue to hold the office of Chief Executive Officer of Nexus Multi- Academy Trust at any time if:

a) the person’s estate has been sequestrated and the sequestration has not been discharged, annulled or reduced; or b) the person is the subject of a bankruptcy restrictions order, an interim bankruptcy restrictions order(a), a debt relief restrictions order or an interim debt relief restrictions order(b).

Disqualification of Company DirectorsA person is deemed unsuitable to hold or to continue to hold office as Chief Executive Officer at the Nexus Multi- Academy Trust at any time before or during their employment they are disqualified from being a Company Director.

Disqualification of Charity TrusteesA person is deemed unsuitable to hold or to continue to hold the office of Chief Executive Officer for Nexus Multi- Academy Trust at any time before or during their employment they are disqualified from being a Charity Trustee.

Persons whose Employment is Prohibited or RestrictedA person is disqualified from holding or from continuing to hold office as Chief Executive Officer of Nexus Multi- Academy Trust at any time when the person is:

a) Included in the list kept under section 1 of the Protection of Children Act 1999(list of those considered by the Secretary of State as unsuitable to work with children);b) Subject to a direction of the Secretary of State under section 142 of EA 2002(or any other disqualification, prohibition or restriction which takes effect as if contained in such a direction);c) Barred from regulated activity relating to children in accordance with section 3(2) of theSafeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006;d) Disqualified from working with children under sections 28, 29 or 29A of the CriminalJustice and Court Services Act 2000;e) Disqualified from registration under Part 2 of the Children and Families (Wales) Measure2010(e) for child minding or providing day care; orf) Disqualified from registration under Part 3 of the Childcare Act 2006.

Criminal ConvictionsA person is disqualified from holding, or continuing to hold, the office of Chief Executive Officer of Nexus Multi- Academy Trust if:

a) Within the period of five years ending with the date immediately preceding the date on which person’s appointment would have taken effect, the person has been convicted, whether in the United Kingdom or elsewhere, of any offence and a sentence of imprisonment (whether suspended or not) has been imposed on the person for a period of not less than three months without the option of a fine.b) If within the period of 20 years ending with the date immediately preceding the date on which the appointment would have taken effect, the person has been convicted of any offence and a sentence of imprisonment has been imposed for a period of not less than two and a half years.c) If a person has at any time been convicted of any offence and a sentence of imprisonment has been imposed on the person for a period of not less than five years.d) If a person has been convicted for causing a nuisance or disturbance on academy premises during the five years prior to or since appointment and has been sentenced to a fine;

Refusal to make an application for a DBS CertificateA person is deemed unsuitable to hold or continuing to hold the office of Chief Executive Officer for the Nexus Multi- Academy Trust at any time when the person refuses a reasonable request by the Trust to make an application for DBS clearance.

I HAVE READ THE DISQUALIFICATION CRITERIA AND DECLARE THAT I AM NOT DISQUALIFIED FROM SERVING AS THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE NEXUS MULTI- ACADEMY TRUST

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