Application Pack

Federation Business Manager

Primary Advantage Federation

Contents Welcome 3

Our Background 4

Our Vision 5

Our Approach 6

Teaching schools 7

Job Description 8

Person specification 11

Application Process 12

Primary Advantage is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of gender, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or age.

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Welcome Dear Applicant,

Thank you for your interest in applying for the role of Federation Business Manager. I hope this pack

supports you in finding out more about us. The pack includes some background information about the

federation, information about the application process and the job description.

The closing date for this application is: Wednesday 8th June at 9:30am

The interview dates for shortlisted candidates are: Monday 13th June & Tuesday 14th June 2016.

About the Role:

The Federation Business Manager (FBM) is a member of the Federation Leadership Team and is therefore

key to the Federation’s success. The FBM provides strategic vision and leadership for support functions to

enable the federation to run smoothly, efficiently and effectively and deliver its aims and priorities. The

FBM works with a range of external service providers brokered by schools (e.g. HR, Finance, IT) to secure

appropriate advice and guidance to Governors and senior leaders.

Primary Advantage is a federation of six schools in Hackney.

We are looking for a self motivated, approachable and organised individual to be a part of our team at

Primary Advantage. Our schools are exciting places which have high aspirations and promote innovation

and excellence. We offer a professional and supportive work environment and a hardworking, motivated

and caring team to work with.

If you are hardworking and willing to work as a team we would like to hear from you.

More information about Primary Advantage can be found at Primaryadvantage.co.uk and more

information about each school can be found on the schools’ websites. If you have any questions or would

like to arrange a visit, please contact Venessa Williams on 0207 254 1010. Please send completed

application forms to recruitment@primaryadvantage.hackney.sch.uk

Kind regards,

Sian Davies

Executive Principal

Our journey started in 2000 when St John and St James opened as a Fresh Start School. Since then we have worked with many schools and teachers in Hackney and have grown into a Federation of six schools.

Our schools gain significant benefits from working collaboratively and can achieve more by working together. We have made a commitment to a shared responsibility to the wider education community, the provision of a high quality education and the improvement of life chances for pupils in the community beyond that of our own schools.

Please visit our website to find out more about our journey www.primaryadvantage.co.uk/about

Our Background

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We aim to secure the following across our schools:

Every teacher is a great teacher; every school is a great school. We aim to move

incrementally towards excellence in all aspects of our work.

All pupils will make good or better progress and will be properly equipped for the

next stage of their schooling.

High quality learning environments where pupils feel safe and secure, known and

valued and motivated to learn.

A bespoke curriculum which broadens horizons and inspires our pupils to become

successful learners, confident individuals and responsible citizens.

A learning community with opportunities for growth for pupils, staff and families.

Our Vision

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Our Approach

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Teaching schools are outstanding schools that work with others to provide high-quality training and

development to new and experienced school 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

collaboration with the other three schools in the federation; St Matthias, Morningside and St John the

Baptist. The school works in partnership with primary schools across the borough and beyond and

play a key role within the Primary Advantage National Teaching Schools Alliance.

Primary Advantage is a federation of schools working together because we believe our schools can

gain many benefits from working collaboratively. We have made a commitment to a shared

responsibility to the wider school community, the provision of good quality education and the

improvement of life chances for pupils in the community beyond that of our own schools. Our work

on improving provision for children will continue to see us working in partnership with schools in

Hackney, across London and into the County of Suffolk. We will be working closely with our strategic

partners, The Institute of Education and Hackney Learning Trust, to effectively deliver Initial Teacher

Training (School direct and PGCE), Continuous Professional Development, talent management, school

to school support, the brokering of Specialist Leaders of Education and research and development.

Primary Advantage National Teaching School Alliance will see all schools within the alliance achieving

more together.

Primary Advantage National Teaching Schools

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Job Title: Federation Business Manager

Key Contacts: Internal: Other Teachers within the school, Executive Principal, Headteacher & Assistant Head

External: Church, Local Community, Parents & Agencies relevant to duties

Salary: P10 (£52,041—£55,005)

Job Description - Federation Business Manager

Functions of the post:

The Federation Business Manager (FBM) is a member of the Federation Leadership Team and is therefore key to the Federation’s success. The FBM provides strategic vision and leadership for support functions to enable the federation to run smoothly, efficiently and effectively and deliver its aims and priorities. The FBM works with a range of external service providers brokered by schools (e.g. HR, Finance, IT) to secure appropriate advice and guidance to Governors and senior leaders.

The Federation Business Manager:

is the lead federation financial professional ensuring that financial planning controls, compliance, record keeping and reporting are co-ordinated and delivered to the highest standards;

has oversight of Human Resources and payroll administration, Catering, IT services, Health and Safety and property for federation schools;

provides strategic leadership of the traded and business functions delivered through the federation and the Teaching School Alliance;

provides clear information advice and recommendations to the Executive Principal, Head teachers, and Governors regarding the strategic development of support services giving due consideration of value for money and

manages projects and new initiatives promoting the highest standards of business in the ethos of the administrative function of the school and ensures the most effective use of resources in support of the schools’ learning objectives.

Main Duties

Governance Management

Manage the effective functioning of the Governing Board and Local School Boards and supporting the Chair of Governors in the organisation of the work of the governing body including:

the facilitation of effective communication between staff and Governors and a flow of information to the Governing Board so that all governors can keep in close contact with the schools and have a good knowledge of development and progress;

liaison with externally provided Governor Services to secure appropriate advice and guidance for the Governing Board;

the provision of clerking support to the Governors and liaison with the administrative service, clerking committee meetings as required;

maintenance of policies and centralised records for the Federation Schools;

facilitating the liaison between the Finance Consultant and school based administrative staff and

representing the EP at meetings, taking notes and feeding back.

Strategic Responsibilities

Provide strategic business leadership for the business services for the federation and it’s Teaching Schools Alliance including:

This post can be full time or term time depending on the candidate. The post holder will be expected to work a core 36 hour week. The core hours are 8.30am to 4.30pm. Should the post holder work full time, they will be expected to take their leave entitlement during the school holidays. The post holder will be expected to attend governors meetings where appropriate.

Direct Reports: Clerk to Governors, Federation Administration Assistant and Federation Finance Consultant

Based: Across the federated schools

Liaises With: Chair of Governors, governors and associates. Head teachers, Teaching, Teaching School Staff and Finance and Administrative staff. Parents, local community representatives, union representatives, and other external agencies.

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undertaking strategic financial planning and providing advice to the Executive Principal, Head teachers and Governors on the most effective use of resources;

ensuring that the business management functions in all federated schools operate in accordance with statutory regulations and to secure arrangements to source external advice and guidance where appropriate;

interpreting of new legislation and guidance and identifying of implications for the school;

ensuring effective procedures for the recruitment, appointment, induction, review and development of non-classroom based support staff;

establishing standard operating procedures and other processes to maximise efficiency and provide service continuity in the event of staff absence;

developing and sharing good practice across the federation and partnerships with other schools and relevant bodies;

considering the direction presented in the White Paper and supporting the Executive Principal in shaping the future of our schools and partner schools;

supporting and enhancing the strategic development of the Primary Advantage National Teaching School and providing direction and support to enable it to reach its full potential and

working with IT support companies to develop IT provision across each of the federation schools.

Administration, Policies and Procedures

Liaise with HR Services to provide effective systems and processes for all areas of administration, policy and procedure including:

advising on the implications of local/national policies and educational trends and developments and provide briefings on important changes to legislation to the federation Schools;

supporting the EP in researching educational policy and practice including statutory information and provide polices and guidance documents for federation Schools;

ensuring all policies are in place, are up to date and reviewed as necessary and work with stakeholders in producing new policies;

directly managing the work of the Primary Advantage Admin team and

managing and leading the Teaching School administration functions.

Corporate and Social Responsibilities

Contribute to sustainable development by delivering economic, social and environmental benefits for all stakeholders including:

contributing to the leadership management operation and development of the schools;

undertaking shared duties of the Leadership Team including attending school events and Saturday events;

promoting the full implementation of legislation and guidance in relation to the protection and safeguarding of children and young people and

leading short term projects as directed by the Executive Principal, Head teachers and Governors/Associates of the federation.

Financial and Administration Responsibilities

Support and assist the Executive Principal, Head teachers and the Governing Board to ensure the effective and efficient functioning of the schools’ business to reach desired results and potential including:

being responsible for the work of the Finance and Admin Managers in each of the federation schools;

ensuring finance and administration process are managed effectively and in compliance with all relevant financial and other regulations;

working alongside the Finance Consultant, to be responsible for the preparation and setting of annual and long term budgets including revised estimates, savings and growth and identification of future changes of funding levels and expenditure needs;

ensuring procurement arrangements represent value for money, researching service providers, negotiating contracts, tenders, agreements and SLAs to benefit the federation;

maximizing income generation in conjunction with the Executive Principal and Head teachers within the ethos of the schools and actively seek out sources of new income, prepare bids and proposals on behalf of the federation;

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advising the Executive Principal and Governors on investment and financial policy, preparing appraisals for particular projects and for the development of a business plan (long term financial strategy) for the future development of the schools;

Liaising with the auditors;

Using financial management information and bought in professional services, especially benchmarking tools, to identify areas of relative spend, assess trends and directly advise the Joint Leadership Team and

being responsible for Primary Advantage income, expenditure and managing work of the school Finance Consultant, ensuring all information is submitted within timelines and is accurate.

Facilities Management

Ensure the estates function is managed effectively and in accordance with the operational needs of the schools and any regulatory requirements are met through both contracted out and in house provision including:

work alongside Finance & Administration teams in maintaining high standards of security of the sites and contents;

working with Premises Staff to ensure arrangements are in place for the maintenance, servicing, testing and inspection of site equipment, fixtures and school vehicles;

utilising risk assessment tools and how to use them to establish hazards within the school and the associated risk involved;

being aware of a disaster recovery plan and its place within the management procedures of the schools and

ensuring schools’ compliance with risk assessment processes and carry out audits of all of the schools within the federation.

Human Resources

Liaise with HR Services to provide accurate and thorough Human resources support including:

managing the recruitment of staff across the federated schools ensuring compliance with safer recruitment procedures and best practice;

work with contracted HR providers to support to the Executive Principal and Head teachers with HR advice and guidance;

monitoring the HR systems and process of federation schools and give feedback to Head teachers and

giving advice to governors on personnel related issues such as the assessment of salaries, expenses, sickness and maternity procedures, redundancy and other matters of dismissal

General

to develop contacts and assist in raising the federation’s profile whilst develop an on-going customer service focus;

to ensure effective liaison with other schools, interested parties and agencies involved in delivering successful extended services to the schools;

to liaise with local businesses for fundraising, arranging vocational experience and joint projects and

take part in the federation at Senior Leadership level, attending and contributing to Joint Leadership Group meetings.

To Be Noted

This is not an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities, and the post holder may be required to undertake other duties that fall within the grade of the job, in discussion with the manager.

This job description 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 relating to Equal Opportunities, Health and Safety and the Confidentiality of Information.

The post holder may be required to work outside normal school hours on occasion, with due notice.

Because of the nature of the post, candidates are not entitled to withhold information regarding convictions by virtue of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exemptions) Order 1975 as amended. Candidates are required to give details of any convictions on their appointment form and are expected to disclose such information at the appointment interview.

Because this post allows substantial access to children, candidates are required to comply with departmental procedures in relation to Police checks. If candidates are successful in their application prior to taking up the post, they will be required to give written permission to the Department to ascertain details from the Metropolitan Police regarding any convictions against them and, as appropriate the nature of such convictions.

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Person Specification

Qualifications and Experience Essential

Degree educated Experience of maintaining effective and efficient levels of administration within a busy

environment. Experience of working independently Experience of managing and influencing others Experience of undertaking a range of administrative and technical duties.

Desirable Certificate of School Business Management. Degree educated in a relevant field (business management, finance, law) Experience of employee relations in a highly unionised and complex organisation.

Knowledge Essential

An excellent knowledge and experience of using IT based management information systems or databases.

Desirable A sound knowledge of budget management and accounting techniques. A thorough understanding of the educational context Knowledge of health and safety and risk assessment processes

Skills and Abilities Essential

Able to work independently, being proactive and demonstrating initiative and problem solving abilities.

Able to effectively and efficiently contribute to school business planning. Able to analyse and interpret complex information and make recommendations. Highly effective communications skills, particularly written communication skills. Highly effective IT skills using a range of administrative programmes (e.g. excel, word Able to communicate with a range of audiences including colleagues, governors, officers of the

County Council and suppliers. Able to identify work priorities and manage own workload to meet deadlines. Able to show sensitivity and objectivity in dealing with confidential issues.

Other Essential

Demonstrates equal opportunities in all aspects of their work. Able to work flexibly, as required.

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Please note that CVs will not be accepted without the application

form .

Applicants are asked to complete all the standard information required on the Primary Advantage application form, and to submit a supporting statement, addressing all the criteria identified in the person specification. Please specify the role you are applying for i.e Federation Business Manager. The reference number for this application is: PA/FBM16. Candidates are advised that when completing the references section

on the application form to please ensure that:

Your first referee must be your current, or most recent,

Employer

You provide a referee who can confirm your suitability for the

role

The closing date for this application is: Wednesday 8th June at

9:30am

The interview dates for shortlisted candidates are: Monday 13th

June & Tuesday 14th June 2016.

Once we have received your application you will be notified via

email. Successful candidates who have been shortlisted for interview

will be contacted shortly after the closing date.

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete tasks and will be

advised of the details of the tasks in your confirmation email inviting

you to attend interview.

Candidates must ensure that if they are successful at interview, that

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, Immigration and Nationality Act 2000.

Successful candidates will be required to apply for an enhanced

Criminal Record Check via the DBS. We are committed to

safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children and expect all

members of staff to share this commitment.

All qualifications and references will be verified.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Shortlisting

Application Process

Successful candidates

Primary Advantage Federation Holy Trinity Primary School 13 Richmond Road Dalston London E8 3HY * Tel: 020 7254 1010

www.primaryadvantage.co.uk

* This is a temporary site, the new building will be located at Beechwood Road. Ready to relocate in September 2016.

Please click on the links below for more in-

formation about our schools.

St John & St James CE Primary School

Holy Trinity CE Primary School

Springfield Community School

St Matthias CE Primary

St John Baptist CE Primary

Morningside Primary