JOHN MILTON · The John Milton Academy Trust (Company number 10298832) was incorporated on 26. th ....

Information Pack: COO January 2020

Applicant Information Pack

Post: Chief Operations Officer

Date: January 2020

JOHN MILTON ACADEMY TRUST

Ambition · Aspiration · Excellence



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Contents

1. Welcome Letter

2. The John Milton Academy Trust (JMAT)

2.1 Trust Vision Statement 2.2 The Central Team 2.3 Trust Structure 2.4 Central Team Structure

3. Candidate Brief

4. Job Description

5. Person Specification

6. Application Summary

7. Safeguarding

8. Selection Process



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January 2020 Dear Candidate Chief Operations Officer (COO) Thank you for seeking further information for the position of Chief Operations Officer (COO). This is the first appointment of its kind for the Trust and a reflection of our growth and diversification strategy.

At present, the Trust comprises four schools in mid-Suffolk with close to 2000 learners and 250 staff. There is an ambitious three-year Strategic Plan which celebrates these schools as an intrinsic part of their local communities and encourages creative and collaborative projects, whether with higher education, locality groups, or County Councils.

The advertised post is based at the Trust’s central office in Church Road, Stowupland and further information is included in this pack, including a job description and person specification. Candidates are welcome to visit the Trust’s office or to arrange a telephone conversation with the Chief Executive Officer. Please contact Mrs S Stringer (Executive Assistant) via email: [email protected] or telephone (01449) 742422.

This is a challenging, but exciting role which provides great opportunities for the post holder to be instrumental in advancing education for public benefit. The post offers a competitive salary, six weeks holiday, good working conditions and a market leading pension scheme. The Trust is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Interest applicants are encouraged to apply by completing an application form and covering letter to:

Karen Grimes Chief Executive Officer JMAT Centre Church Road Stowupland, Stowmarket IP14 4BQ Email: [email protected]

When writing your letter, you should include:

● Your career pattern to date; ● Your reasons for applying for the post at John Milton; ● The experience and skills which you feel would equip you for this role (as identified in the job description); ● What you would hope to achieve within the first 12 months in post.

The covering letter should be no more than three sides of A4 paper using Calibri 12 font.

The closing date for applications is Monday 17th February at 12 noon and interviews will be held week commencing Monday 27th February, 2020

Again, thank you for your interest in our Trust and we look forward to receiving your application.

Yours sincerely Mrs K Grimes Chief Executive Officer

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]



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2. The John Milton Academy Trust (JMAT)

2.1 Trust Vision Statement

Ambition, Aspiration, Excellence

The John Milton Academy Trust (Company number 10298832) was incorporated on 26th July 2016. Prior to this, founding schools of the Trust operated as part of the Stowupland Pyramid, providing education to young people from the ages of 4 – 18. JMAT presently operates through four strategic sites: Bacton Primary, Cedars Park, Mendlesham Primary and Stowupland High Schools. An expansion programme is presently underway on the Stowupland site and other schools are set to follow.

The Trust is ambitious in outlook and has a passionate belief in raising aspiration and securing excellence so that education is advanced for public benefit.

The Trust aims to fulfil its vision by:

● Providing the highest quality of educational experiences so that all learners can secure the

highest possible outcomes. We want them to become inquiring, knowledgeable, resilient and caring young people with the ability to contribute to the world in which they live;

● Offering an inclusive and personalised approach to learning. We will promote equality and

develop the sense of community and worth which is vital for personal growth and development;

● Fostering creativity and innovation in both staff and students. There is an investment in

professional development for staff so that students can benefit from new ideas and strategies. Equally, learners themselves are encouraged to become independent and to be enterprising and entrepreneurial in their approach;

● Demonstrating an unrelenting commitment to collaboration. We recognise and celebrate

our diversity whilst working together to create a physical, intellectual and emotional environment where all partners can thrive and pursue the Trust’s vision of aspiration and excellence.

2.2 The Central Team

A dedicated Chief Executive Officer is employed full-time by the Trust, along with an Executive Assistant, HR Manager, Estate and Facilities Manager, Network Manager and commissioned services for finance and school improvement. The Trust is committed to delivering services centrally and this includes full premises management (soft and hard services) along with ICT. The COO will be responsible for the line-management of these key areas.

The Central Team is based in JMAT Centre - a separate building on the Church Road site



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2.3 Trust Structure

MAT Members

Up to 5 appointments

Appoints Trustees

MAT BOARD (10)

1 Chair 1 CEO 8 Additional Trustees

Sets strategy and budget. Ratifies policy and monitors the Strategic Plan

MAT BOARD

Appoints Directors of MAT

Standards Personnel and GDPR 3 Trustees

This committee approves and monitors relevant policies, oversees

and challenges education and safeguarding standards and monitors

GDPR across the Trust.

Finance and Business

3 Trustees

This committee approves strategy and policy and monitors financial and

operational standards across business functions, including health

and safety.

Chief Executive / Accounting Officer Develops and implements MAT strategy with

the Executive Leadership Groups and is accountable for the Business Plan and Educational and Financial standards.

The CEO works with a range of school

improvement partners

Audit and Risk Committee 3 Trustees and external Auditors

Assists the board in fulfilling its responsibilities in relation to financial reporting, internal control system, risk management system and internal and

external audit.

Remuneration Committee

3 Trustees

Ensures that remuneration arrangements support the strategic aims whilst also complying with the

requirements of regulation.

Chief Operations Officer

Deputises for, and works with, the CEO

leading key business functions to further the Trust’s charitable objective.

The COO line-manages significant teams within the Trust

Local Governing Bodies / Local Boards

Operate in line with the Scheme of Delegation for the Trust

• Monitor learner outcomes and progress towards targets • Monitor implementation of, and progress towards, respective SIDs • Champion the work of the respective school and the Trust in the overall

community • Support the implementation of MAT and school policies

There are two LGB Committees: These committees operate to agreed remits.

Executive Leadership Group

Headteachers (or Executive Headteachers) assist CEO in development of MAT strategy and are accountable for its implementation

and for educational and safeguarding standards in respective schools.

Chief Financial Officer

Takes responsibility for financial planning, reporting and compliance across the Trust.

Standards, Personnel and GDPR

LGB sub-committee operating to agreed remits

Finance, Premises, Health &

Safety

LGB sub-committee operating to agreed remits

Central Functions and Services

Finance ICT Clerking HR Estate Management (inc Health and Safety)

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2.4 Central Team Structure

New post





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3. Candidate Brief

3.1 Overview We are looking for suitably experienced Chief Operating Officer or COO to oversee our Trust’s ongoing operations and procedures. You will be the company’s designated second-in-command and responsible for the commercial development and efficiency of the Trust’s business functions. The COO role is a key member of the senior management team, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). You will have to maintain control of diverse business operations, so we expect you to be an experienced and efficient leader. You also have excellent people skills, business acumen and exemplary work ethics.

3.2 Background

All schools in the Trust are governed by the Trust Board, with clear lines of delegation to Local Governing Bodies which operate in each school. As a vertical Trust, our schools provide education from the age of 4 through to 18 and benefit greatly from cross-phase working. The Trust is a company limited by guarantee and an exempt charity. Core funding is linked to the number of students being educated in the Trust and the Stowmarket area is undergoing considerable expansion in terms of housing developments which will impact positively on all JMAT schools. The Trust’s strategic plan accommodates this growth, whilst ensuring that the Trustees, Executive Leaders and central service teams remain close to the localities they serve.

3.3 The Future

The Trust has adopted a growth strategy which will result in a medium sized trust accommodating 3,000 learners by 2022. The area of Mid-Suffolk in which Schools are located is undergoing rapid expansion and there are exciting opportunities for the Trust to grow and develop innovative and outstanding educational provision and services. With this in mind, building is underway to develop a unique post-16 provision on the Stowupland site. Working with local stakeholders, this initiative will provide superb facilities for young people and the local community and there are also additional, opportunities surfacing at the other school sites. The Trust is financially secure, ambitious in its outlook and seeking to develop a trading arm to realise assets and opportunities fully.





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4. Job Description

Job-Title: Chief Operations Officer (COO)

Hours: 37 hours per week minimum. However, in line with other executive staff, there is a need to ensure that all necessary work is completed to the standard required within the time frame required

Grading / Salary: 55K – 58K

Accountable to: CEO

Responsible for: Commercial, Marketing, Facilities, IT & Trading Company The John Milton Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. PROFESSIONAL DUTIES

All staff employed within John Milton Academy Trust are required to support the culture and ethos of Trust schools as directed by the CEO. All staff, including the Chief of Operations, will accept, abide by, and promote, the professional expectations and procedures as outlined in the Trust Code of Conduct, and will adhere to, and actively support, all Trust policies. All staff must undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check and Safeguarding Training prior to taking up the appointment. CORE PURPOSE

The core purpose of all posts at the Trust, including that of the Chief of Operations, is to advance education for public benefit. As such, all post-holders will support the organisation to ensure that young people are able to thrive and build positive futures.

The COO, together with the CEO, will develop and maintain a three-year strategic plan and associated budgets to meet the Trust’s charitable objective. There will be close strategic and operational working between the CEO and the Trust’s COO.

CORE ROLE AND OBJECTIVES

The focus will be on four specific areas:

1. Commercial Development: The trust has ambitious and exciting plans to increase the use of the facilities it has at its disposal so that the additional funds generated can be put back into the education of young people and other learners.

The COO will develop the existing Sports Centre and maximise the opportunities for adult learning courses, evening and weekend events presented by the new sixth form block. The post will lead to the development of a trading arm to realise and develop commercial interests for the benefit of schools and young people.





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2. Marketing:

This post will co-ordinate and develop further the marketing of the Trust and its work through websites, social media, specific publications and specific events.

3. Facilities Management:

Working with existing staff, the COO will bring additional leadership focus and direction to a multi-site team to ensure all facilities are properly maintained, compliant and are fit for purpose.

4. Information Technology:

Working with the Network Manager and other staff, the COO will oversee the delivery and evaluation of this essential service and ensure it is effective and responsive to the changing needs of the Trust

5. Executive Leadership:

Additionally, the role will be a central figure in the Trust’s leadership team to support and deputise for the CEO in particular and ensure that the organisation demonstrates its core values of: ambition, aspiration and excellence, both strategically and operationally.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS

1. Commercial development

• Working together with key stakeholders to spearhead strategies to steer the Trust’s future in a positive direction

• Design and implement business strategies, plans and procedures to realise the value of the Trust’s assets

• Support the CEO and other staff in the completion of the post-16 centre and in developing commercial partnerships and arrangements, including user service level agreements

• Seek out and implement commercial opportunities to optimise the use of the Trust’s facilities (at all sites)

• Prioritise the development of the Sports Centre as a commercial venture, supporting and line-managing a Sports Centre Manager

• Work to establish a trading arm to maximise commercial ventures for the benefit of the Trust and its schools

• Drive the Trust’s operating capabilities to enable the trust to improve performance and meet its strategic goals and objectives

2. Marketing

• Develop and oversee the Trust’s strategy for marketing and associated initiatives • Take responsibility for specific websites (Trust and Sports Centre) • Oversee the Trust’s Annual Review and other key documents • Act as the contact point for all media contact and publicity • Act as the Trust’s lead on all community links and projects





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3. Estate and Facilities Services

• Work with, and line-manage, the Estate and Facilities Manager to ensure that all facilities are properly maintained and are fit for purpose, including high standards of security at all sites

• Work with the Estate and Facilities Manager to oversee all aspects of health and safety and compliance

• Assess and implement improved processes and new technologies, particularly in relation to sustainability (collaborating with the CEO and Trust Board regarding the implementation of these improvements)

• Develop and implement KPIs to evaluate the delivery of estate and facilities services across the Trust

• Work with the Estate and Facilities Manager to ensure that sites remain operational during inclement weather, or can close safely

• Advise Executive Leaders and the Trust on the strategic developments required for each site • Work with the CFO and CEO on all matters relating to capital building and development

projects, liaising with the DfE and ESFA as required

4. ICT Services

• Work with, and line-manage, the Network Manager to ensure that all facilities are properly maintained and fit for purpose

• Monitor and develop the Trust’s ICT strategy and ensure the roll-out both through the in-house team and any externally-commissioned services

• Assess and implement improved processes and new technologies, particularly in relation to sustainability (collaborating with the CEO and Trust Board as appropriate)

• Develop and implement KPIs to evaluate the delivery of ICT services across the Trust

5. Executive Leadership • Deputise for the CEO as required • Act as the Trust’s strategic lead on procurement • Act as the Trust’s lead on transport issues • Act as the Trust’s lead on income generation and site development • Contribute to the newly-formed Sustainability Committee • Attend Board and Committee meetings as required

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

The duties listed above are examples of duties at this level and other duties of a similar level / nature may be undertaken by individuals and are not excluded simply because they are not itemised.





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5. Person Specification Candidates will be shortlisted on the basis of those who best meet the criteria below. Potential applicants are welcome to contact the school to discuss the post and person specification.

Assessed by:

Criteria

Essential / Desirable

Application Form

Interview

Qualifications Educated to degree level or equivalent E ✓

A professional qualification in a relevant area E ✓

A relevant higher education qualification such as an MBA

D ✓

Experience Managerial and professional experience at middle / senior level to support as part of senior / executive team

E ✓

Significant experience of leading relevant projects at operational or senior level

E ✓ ✓

Experience of the legal frameworks of the charity sector

D ✓

Understanding of business functions such as Commercial, Finance, marketing etc.

E ✓ ✓

Working knowledge of Business/Estates/ICT infrastructure.

E ✓ ✓

Experience/desire for being part of a team undertaking a period of intense growth and development

E ✓ ✓

Successful track record of managing projects from inception to completion

E ✓ ✓

Abilities, Skills and Knowledge

Excellent organisational and leadership abilities E ✓ ✓

Aptitude in decision-making and problem-solving E ✓

Knowledge and operation of a commercial framework E ✓ ✓

Knowledge and operation of frameworks and internal control within the education or charity sector

D

✓

Knowledge and understanding linked to key areas of responsibility: estate and facilities and ICT

E ✓ ✓





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Abilities, Skills and Knowledge (cont…)

Ability to secure effective arrangements for areas of responsibility, particularly estate and facilities and ICT

E ✓ ✓

Knowledge of health and safety and compliance E ✓ ✓

Strong knowledge and understanding of risk management frameworks and the operation, reporting and management of risk and internal controls

E ✓ ✓

Ability to prioritise work efficiently and accurately, particularly under pressure / deadlines and using own initiative

E ✓ ✓

Ability to manage budgets and resources effectively E ✓

Excellent IT skills, including the ability to use MS Office software packages and computer based accounting packages

E ✓

Ability to access new technologies relating to financial systems, budgeting and reporting

E ✓

Strong verbal and writing communication skills E ✓ ✓

Excellent report writing skills and absolute attention to detail

E ✓ ✓

Highest levels of integrity and probity and a commitment to highest levels of effort, endeavour and focus on standards

E ✓ ✓

Personal Characteristics

An unwavering commitment to the Trust vision and objectives

E ✓ ✓

High accountability and personal responsibility for own actions

E ✓ ✓

Resilience and the ability to grow professionally and flexibly within a developing organisation

E ✓ ✓

A high level of emotional intelligence with a solution focused attitude

E

✓

A commitment to equal opportunities E ✓ ✓

A commitment to safeguarding E ✓ ✓





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6. Application Summary

● Application Form

Please ensure that your form covers a full employment history with details of each post you have held, together with key responsibilities, thereby providing evidence against both the job description and person specification. The names and addresses of two referees should be included and please note that references will be requested prior to interview.

● Covering Letter

Please submit a covering letter which covers:

- Your career pattern to date; - Your reasons for applying for the post at John Milton; - The experience and skills which you feel would equip you for this role; - What you would hope to achieve within the first 12 months in post

Closing Date: noon on 17th February 2020 Interviews: w/b Monday 27th February, 2020 Start Date: To be negotiated depending on notice required

7. Safeguarding The John Milton Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment.

This post is subject to:

● An enhanced DBS check ● Hard copy evidence of qualifications (degree, QTS etc) ● A fully completed application form, with any career gaps explained ● Two professional references covering the last five years of your career, including your present

and/or most recent employer

The successful candidate will be required to complete online safeguarding training prior to taking up the post.





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8. Selection Process

In order to ensure that we recruit successfully to this post, specific criteria must be met, particularly in relation to safeguarding.

Criteria:

After the closing date, applications will be considered by the Trust Board and the CEO and will be assessed against the person specification.

Two professional references will be required for candidates under consideration for interview. It is the Trust’s expectations that candidates submitting an application will have sought the consent of the referees named on the form.

Interview Process:

Each candidate will be assessed fairly during the interview process and there may be a cut-off during the course of the day.

Names of candidates will be published on the interview programme.

Anomalies:

Any anomalies in the information will be checked and candidates will be asked to account for any gaps in employment history. This reflects the school and Trust’s commitment to safeguarding young people.

Verification:

References, ID documents and qualification certificates provided will be scrutinised and pre-appointment/DBS checks completed.

JOHN MILTON · The John Milton Academy Trust (Company number 10298832) was incorporated on 26. th ....

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