Deputy Director Application Pack

Nottingham Roman Catholic
Diocesan Education Service
Deputy Director of Education
Information for Applicants
January 2016

Deputy Director of Education – Overview
Introduction
The Nottingham Roman Catholic Diocesan Education Service (NRCDES) is currently embarking on a
process of review in terms of its mission in Catholic education. This is an exciting opportunity to
join our team and work alongside our Director of Education and Assistant Director to lead and
embed change at a time of fast-moving national changes to the educational landscape.
The Diocese of Nottingham oversees 89 schools in total (69 primary, 16 secondary and 4
independent). It has a strong tradition of providing good and outstanding Catholic education to
some 30,000 children and young people. The Instrument of Government for diocesan schools
states that they are part of the Catholic Church and are to be conducted as Catholic schools in
accordance with Canon Law, the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and the Trust Deed of
the Diocese of Nottingham. At all times, our schools must serve as a witness to the Catholic faith in
our Lord Jesus Christ. The post therefore requires a practising Catholic who can show by example
and from experience that he or she will ensure that diocesan schools are distinctively Catholic in
all aspects.
Main Responsibilities
Working with the Director of Education, the post holder will provide a strategic lead on
educational standards within all diocesan schools and academies including sponsored academies
to support school leaders in ensuring that all diocesan schools and academies offer at least good
and ultimately outstanding Catholic education. The post holder will also support the work of the
Director of Education and will be able to deputise effectively when necessary.
Salary
Required
£50,000 - £60,000 (starting point dependent on experience)
1 September 2016 (or earlier, if possible)
Closing Date 1 February 2016
Interviews 11 and 12 February 2016
The Diocese of Nottingham is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
and young people. The successful candidate will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure
Check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
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Deputy Director of Education – Terms and Conditions
Responsible To:
The Director of Education.
Contract:
This is a full-time, permanent position. The employer is the Nottingham
Roman Catholic Diocesan Education Service, a charitable company.
There is a genuine occupational requirement for the post holder to be a
practising Catholic. The post holder will be expected to meet the
requirements of the CES contract of employment. There will be a
probationary period of 6 months.
Working Time:
Flexibility will be expected in terms of working hours; the post holder will be
expected to work out of office hours including evenings and weekends from
time to time in order to meet the reasonable requirements of the post.
Location:
The post holder will be based at the Diocesan Centre in Mackworth, Derby.
The nature of the role requires regular travel around the diocese and
sometimes beyond. The post holder is expected to have access to private
transport.
Annual Leave:
35 days plus statutory public holidays, not usually taken in term time.
Pension:
The Teachers’ Pension Scheme will be available to an existing member who
is entitled.
Expenses:
Travel and other work-related expenses will be paid in line with NRCDES
policy.
Notice Period:
3 months.
Right to Work:
The post holder must have proof of the right to reside and work in the UK.
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Deputy Director of Education - Job Description
1. General
a. As a member of the senior leadership team, to work constructively and positively
with the Director of Education to shape the strategic direction of the NRCDES.
b. To deputise for the Director of Education as required.
c. To provide a strategic lead in specific areas of NRCDES work as agreed with the
Director of Education.
2. Standards
a. To provide a strategic lead on monitoring and evaluating standards across all
schools/academies within the Diocese of Nottingham.
b. To be familiar with the latest requirements for Ofsted and diocesan canonical
inspections of schools/academies.
c. To carry out risk assessments through careful analysis of performance data for all
schools/academies and to identify schools which may be ‘at risk’.
d. To develop closer collaborative partnerships within and between families of schools
and Catholic Academy Trusts leading to a more ‘school-led’ system of
school/academy improvement.
e. To broker appropriate support for schools/academies ‘at risk’ and to monitor
progress regularly.
f. To provide accurate and incisive summary reports for the Director of Education and
the NRCDES Standards Committee.
g. To maintain up to date information on reliable school improvement consultants.
h. To liaise with other relevant bodies for all aspects of school improvement including
Teaching Schools, the National College, the Regional Schools Commissioner, HMI
etc.
3. Sponsored Academies
a. To provide a strategic lead on monitoring and evaluating the progress of sponsored
academies within the Diocese of Nottingham.
b. To analyse data on sponsored academies and to make recommendations to the
Director of Education and the NRCDES Sponsored Academies Committee on
intervention and support to facilitate rapid improvement.
c. To compile accurate and incisive summary reports on sponsored academy progress
for the Director of Education and NRCDES Sponsored Academies Committee.
d. To ensure that appropriate academy improvement advice and guidance is available
as required.
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4. Diocesan Canonical Inspection
a. To provide a strategic lead on diocesan canonical inspections in the Diocese of
Nottingham.
b. To ensure that schools in the Diocese of Nottingham receive diocesan canonical
inspections in accordance with the NRCDES diocesan canonical inspection policy.
c. To ensure that the administration of diocesan canonical inspections is carried out
efficiently.
d. To ensure that diocesan inspectors are recruited appropriately and that they
receive regular training and development.
5. Director/Governor Development
a. To provide a strategic lead on governor and director development and training
including the further development of Catholic Academy Trusts.
6. Other
a. To liaise with the diocesan Primary and Secondary Religious Education Advisers and
Consultants regarding provision, policy and guidance for schools as appropriate.
b. To attend meetings of the NRCDES team and the NRCDES Board.
c. To act as line manager for members of the team (as allocated).
d. To carry out staff appraisal for members of the team (as allocated).
e. To carry out any other duties or responsibilities as may be reasonably requested by
the Director of Education.
The Nottingham Roman Catholic Diocesan Education Service will be carrying out a strategic review
of its role over the next few months. As a result of this, the current job description could be
amended at any stage.
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Deputy Director of Education - Person Specification
Training and Qualifications:
Essential Desirable Source
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) A, C
Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies or equivalent (CCRS) A, C
Degree or equivalent A, C
Higher Degree A, C
Post-entry curriculum or management qualification A, C
Faith Commitment/Understanding:
Essential Desirable Source
Committed and practising Catholic with a strong personal faith R, A
Evidence of participation in life of a faith community R
Sound understanding of the distinctive nature of Catholic
A, I
education
Ability to articulate a philosophy for Catholic education I
Understanding of leadership role in spiritual development of
A, I
pupils/students and staff
Understanding of and a strong commitment to curriculum
A, I
Religious Education
Experience of leading Acts of Worship A, I
Understanding of schools’ role in the parish and wider
A, I, R
community
Ability to secure the commitment of others to a clear vision for
an ‘outstanding’ Catholic school
A, I, R
Experience of Successful Teaching and School Management/Educational Leadership:
Essential Desirable Source
Successful leadership at headteacher or senior educational
A, I, R
adviser level
Experience of teaching in a Catholic school A, R
Extensive teaching experience A, R
Proven track record of school improvement and raising
A, I, R
educational standards
Experience as a diocesan inspector A, I
Experience as an Ofsted inspector A, I
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Professional Knowledge and Understanding:
Applicants should be able to demonstrate a good knowledge of the following areas relevant to Catholic schools:
Essential Desirable Source
Deep understanding of the strategic planning processes A, I, R
Deep understanding of leading change, creativity and
A, I, R
innovation
Deep understanding of strategies for raising achievement and
A, I
achieving excellence
Deep understanding of models of learning and teaching A, I, R
Deep understanding of the principles of effective teaching and
I
assessment for learning
Deep understanding of strategies for ensuring inclusion,
A, I
diversity and access
Deep understanding of school self-evaluation A
Deep understanding of the significance of interpersonal
A, I
relationships, adult learning and models of continuing
professional development (CPD)
Deep understanding of the relationship between managing
A, I
performance, CPD and sustained school improvement
Deep understanding of the impact of change on organisations
A, I
and individuals
Deep understanding of the principles and strategies of school
A, I
improvement
Deep understanding of strategic financial planning, budgetary
A
management and principles of best value
Deep understanding of statutory education frameworks,
A, I
including governance
Deep understanding of the diocesan canonical inspection
A, I
framework
Deep understanding of the Ofsted framework A, I
The ability to use a range of evidence, including performance
A, I
data, to support, monitor, evaluate and improve aspects of
school life, including challenging poor performance
Good awareness of current educational issues, national
A, I
policies, priorities and legislation and any implications of these
for Catholic schools
Good understanding of models of school, home and
A, I
community partnerships
An understanding of the work of other agencies and
A, I
opportunities for collaboration
Deep understanding of the role of governors in a Catholic
A, I
school; their statutory and canonical responsibilities
Knowledge and understanding of working within a Multi
Academy Trust [MAT] including the roles and responsibilities of
Academy Trust Boards
A, I
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Professional Attributes and Personal Qualities:
Applicants should be able to provide evidence that they have the necessary professional and personal skills and
abilities required by the post to:
Essential Desirable Source
Think strategically, build and communicate a coherent vision
I
in a range of compelling ways
Inspire, challenge, motivate and empower others to carry
A, I
the vision forward
Develop, empower and sustain individuals and teams I
Collaborate and network within individual and across
A, R
different groups of schools
Challenge, influence and motivate others to attain high goals A, R
Work collaboratively with others e.g. LAs, Ofsted, Regional
I, R
Schools Commissioner, HMI, Teaching Schools etc.
Make professional, managerial and organisational decisions
A, R
based on informed judgements
Access, analyse and interpret information A, I
Initiate and support research and debate about effective
I
learning and teaching and develop relevant strategies for
performance improvement
Acknowledge excellence and challenge poor performance
A, I
across schools
Help establish and sustain appropriate structures and
A
systems
Use and interpret a rich set of data to understand the
A, I
strengths and weaknesses of our schools
Support the combining of outcomes of regular school selfreview
A, I
with external evaluations in order to develop the
school
Be a positive role model at all times A, I
Demonstrate personal enthusiasm for and commitment to
I
the success of our Catholic schools.
Help schools to prioritise, plan and organise themselves and
A, I
others
Think creatively to anticipate and solve problems I
Demonstrate knowledge of current issues and future trends I
Have excellent written and verbal communication skills A, I
Be enthusiastic, sensitive, flexible, hardworking with an
ability to remain calm
A, I, R
Safeguarding:
Essential Desirable Source
Demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding and the welfare
A, I, R
of children and young people
Ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and
A, I, R
personal boundaries
Emotional resilience in working with challenging behaviours A, I
To be able to professionally advise schools on the appropriate
use of authority and discipline
A, I, R
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Other Requirements:
Essential Desirable Source
Application form should be completed in full A
Supporting statement should be clear and concise, related to
A
this specific post and appointment criteria. Statement should
be no more than 2 sides of A4
A current, valid driving licence A, I
Use of own private vehicle to travel independently throughout
the diocese
A, I
Confidential References and Reports:
Essential
Disclosure and Barring Service check
Written references only will be considered
References will confirm professional and personal knowledge,
skills and abilities as referred to above
A positive and supportive faith reference from a priest where
the applicant regularly worships
Positive recommendation from current employer
Key:
A
C
I
R
Application
Certificates
Interview Process
References
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Deputy Director of Education - Application Process
Applicants are most welcome to visit the NRCDES by prior arrangement and chat informally about
the role.
Please contact:
Peter Giorgio (Director of Education)
(peter.giorgio@nottingham-des.org.uk)
Nottingham Roman Catholic Diocesan Education Service
The Diocesan Centre
Mornington Crescent
Mackworth
Derby
DE22 4BD
01332 293833 (ext. 202)
Please complete the CES application form in full.
Include a supporting statement of no more than 2 sides of A4.
Send your completed application to the Director of Education (details above).
Closing date and provisional interview dates can be found on page 2 of this document.
Nottingham Roman Catholic Diocesan Education Service
A company registered in England & Wales
Registered Office: The Diocesan Centre, Mackworth, Derby, DE22 4BD
Company Number: 07713392 Charity Number: 1149466
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