Head of Estates Candidate Information Pack
Welcome Thank you for your interest in the post of Head of Estates. This is an exceptional opportunity for a suitably qualified and talented individual to help provide an inspiring learning environment in the schools within the Trust, whilst also having a positive impact on new schools as they join in the coming years. At present there are 11 schools in the Trust, with a further 2 about to join; eventually becoming a family of 33 schools in the fullness of time. It is imperative therefore that you need to grow with the role, demonstrating an ability to lead well and have a good strategic oversight, whilst still being willing to roll up your sleeves! This is a full-time post, based at our Trust offices at St Paul’s in Burgess Hill, although you’ll spend much of your time visiting schools in the Trust, supporting school leaders and overseeing capital projects across the estate. You will certainly need great interpersonal skills, be a problem solver, have a creative mindset and a ’can do’ attitude! We receive a capital allocation each year and need it to go as far as possible to ensure our school estate is fit for purpose, aid excellence in learning and teaching and help generate revenue streams for each school. You’d work alongside our Head of Health & Safety and with outside specialists where needed such as architects and surveyors. We are blessed with a great central team and Trust Board. You will be part of the Central Team working closely with our Head of Health & Safety and line-managed by our CFO. It is an exciting time for the Trust and we’d love to have you onboard for the next chapter! For us, finding the right person isn’t just about their experience and qualifications. We are looking for someone who really buys into our ethos and is a great people-person with high levels of emotional intelligence. The schools in Bosco CET are all vibrant, diverse and welcoming communities. They share a common ethos and expectation; setting high standards and never settling for second-best. Your role as Head of Estates is crucial in helping these schools and the Trust to realise their potential. We believe it is imperative to invest in our staff and cherish their work. This would apply to you too. So, if you think this challenging but rewarding position is the job for you, please do get in touch. We’d love to hear from you. David Carter CEO, Bosco CET
Who We Are A DIOCESAN TRUST FOR CATHOLIC SCHOOLS ACROSS SUSSEX
Our Values THESE ARE OUR NON-NEGOTIABLES Everyone who works within the Bosco Catholic Education signs up to these values; they are central to all we do and say. Our Trust is a Christ-centred family of Catholic schools, working together as one body to provide an outstanding education for all. FAITH Everything we do is rooted in Faith and lived out through Gospel values. HOPE We are optimistic about the future and see the God-given potential in every individual. We never give up. LOVE We treat every person with loving kindness and always seek reconciliation when things go wrong. SERVICE We accept the mantle of leadership and recognise that our mission is to serve one another with humility. INTEGRITY We work hard for the greater good, strive for justice and always try to do the right thing. EXCELLENCE We are committed to challenging ourselves to offer first-class provision in all that we do.
Working across three local authorities, the Bosco Catholic Education Trust was formed in April 2017 to serve all 33 schools across West Sussex, East Sussex and Brighton & Hove. There are currently 11 schools (2 Secondary and 9 Primary) within the Trust, all judged as Good or Outstanding. There are a further 7 schools in the process of joining in the next 18 months. This is an exciting time to be at the heart of the Trust and the impact of the work you undertake will be profound. The Trust exists to serve the schools – not the other way around! We feel fortunate to work with such a great group of Headteachers who, without exception, are very positive about collaboration and working within the Trust family of schools. We also have a strong Board of Trustees and enjoy a very good relationship with the Diocese. The Trust-wide estates strategy is fundamental to the future success of the Trust, ensuring our school buildings are safe, inspiring and attractive places to be. Ensuring the physical environment is fit for purpose, and our capital allocation is spent effectively will have a long- lasting and positive impact on the life chances of the children. If you already work in a Catholic school, then you will know they are very special places to be. Our faith is central to all we do. If you have never worked in a Catholic school or educational environment please don’t be put off! An appreciation of the faith life of the Trust is important, but all are welcome here. You’ll soon feel very much part of the family! To find out more about our Trust and each school community, please go to our website.
Don Bosco
St John Bosco founded the Salesian Order in the 19th Century. He had a profound and compelling vision for education, reaching out to some of the most vulnerable, disaffected and uncared for children in Turin and surrounding areas. He provided them with faith, hope and love; giving them opportunities and a future that no one else had afforded them. Don Bosco spoke about the need for children to be ‘known and loved’. The diocesan schools of Sussex chose Don Bosco as the patron of the multi-academy trust as it was felt he encapsulated all that we cherished in Catholic education, providing us with a model of leadership and education which would sustain and nourish us on the exciting journey ahead. As in other areas of the Diocese of Arundel & Brighton, Catholic schools are working collaboratively, cross-phase to develop an exciting vision for Catholic Education which is fit for the future. Within Sussex, there are 33 schools: 27 primary and 6 secondary.
As Head of Estates, you’ll play an important role in improving school sites, knowing that first and foremost as leaders we are here to serve, not to be served. We are here to enable others and facilitate their success; doing whatever it takes to ensure that children get the very best possible deal from their education in any one of our Catholic schools.
“It is not enough to love the young, they must know they are loved.”
St John Bosco, 1815-1888
Job Description HEAD OF ESTATES Full-time (P/T, flexible and/or hybrid working considered) Salary: £70K-£75K (negotiable) OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE POST Ensure capital allocation is spent wisely.
Provide leadership of all aspects relating to the management of school estates, including due diligence on schools due to come into the Trust. Plan and execute building works and refurbishments, updating and developing the asset management and forward maintenance plans, liaising with the CEO, CFO, school Heads and business managers to ensure school sites are fit for purpose and operate efficiently. Lead on Lettings across sites, to facilitate income maximisation. Project manage building design for all sites and leases with construction including lead contractor, architects and principal designer (building design and construction projects). Work with the Head of Health & Safety to ensure compliance with all Health & Safety legislation, including compliance with the Equality Act. Promote teamwork and to motivate staff to ensure effective working relationships. You will provide the Trust Board, Executive Officers, Headteachers, Business Managers and Premise Teams advice, guidance and, where appropriate, training. You will also ensure that Health & Safety, Safeguarding and other statutory regulations are in place and adhered to at all times.
Central Team Structure
CORPORATE ACCOUNTABILITIES • Uphold a commitment to the Trust’s Vision and Values, recognising and supporting the Catholic Ethos of our school communities. • Maintain an awareness of, and commitment to, the Trust’s Equality & Diversity policy and observe the standard of conduct which prevents discrimination from taking place. • Commits to the safeguarding and promotion of the welfare of children, young people and adults. • Fully complies with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, the Trust’s Health & Safety Policy and all locally agreed safe methos of work. • Participates in the performance and development review process, taking personal responsibility for the identification of learning, development and training opportunities in discussion with your line manager. • Play a full part in the life of the Trust community, to encourage staff and learners across the Trust to follow this example. • To perform any appropriate and reasonable duties within the context of the job, skills and grade at any site within the Trust as is asked of you by the CEO or CFO.
MAIN DUTIES • Develop a long-term and strategic premise development plan for each school site, identifying opportunities and risks. • Work closely with key personnel in schools across the Trust to develop appropriate asset management plans and including responding to statutory inspection reports. • Oversee the strategic spending priorities of School Capital Allocation (SCA) and work with Executive Officers to identify short, medium and long-term plans. • Undertake ‘due diligence’ on future Trust schools and assist with initiatives and growth plans, liaising with Diocesan officers to identify key capital priorities. • Ensure the security of the premises and equipment in accordance with established practices, making recommendations where required. • Develop, implement and monitor relevant policies relating to the premise and asset management. • Project manage relevant building and refurbishment works and provide support for business managers with school-based projects, including lettings.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT All offers of employment are subject to the Trust receiving proof of identity, two satisfactory references, a pre-employment medical check, an enhanced DBS disclosure, a signed Code of Conduct, evidence of relevant qualifications and successful completion of a 6-month probation period.
Person Specification
General Qualifications & Training • A qualification in a property/built environment related discipline (architecture, building, engineering, facilities management, or surveying) and a recognised Health and Safety Qualification e.g. IOSH Managing Safely • Extensive experience in estate and premise management including the leadership of others • Commitment to attend appropriate training and development, taking ownership of personal development Experience Essential: • Commercial management and negotiation skills • Demonstrable business acumen and leadership experience • Experience of tender processes, contract documentation preparation and provision of contract management Desirable: • Experience of working in a multi- academy trust environment, with an understanding of all aspects of school premise management Skills, Knowledge & Aptitudes • Sound financial abilities, including the management of budgets, assessment of financial risk and forward planning • Excellent knowledge of IT systems and being willing to pursue development opportunities and proficient in the use of Microsoft applications such as Word, Excel and Outlook • Strategic planning, management and business process skills • The ability to explain complex technical issues in simple terms to non-Estates colleagues • Excellent organisational and time
management skills • Proven track record of developing and implementing policies relating to the management of estates, risk and health & safety • Able to remain calm under pressure and provide solutions, working outside of hours in the event of unforeseen estate issues • Suitability to work with children • Commitment to the promotion of positive values, attitudes and behaviour, upholding the Catholic ethos of the Trust Personal Attributes • Confident operating at Board level • Highly effective in multi-tasking and personal organisation • An analytical mind with strategic ability • Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills • Excellent leadership and management skills • A team player • Discrete when dealing with sensitive and / or confidential matters Other Requirements • A pragmatic ‘can-do’ and flexible approach to tasks with an ability to ensure work is completed to the appropriate standards required • Full driving licence and own transport, with willingness to attend different Bosco CET school sites Bosco CET is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the safeguarding and protection of children and individuals. Appointment of the successful applicant will be subject to satisfactory DBS disclosure at an enhanced level(further information can be found here). In line with KCSIE, social media checks will be undertaken. Satisfactory occupational health surveillance.
How to Apply
Bosco CET is being supported on this recruitment campaign by the search consultancy MRG. To arrange a briefing discussion please contact our advisors Sian Gardiner sian.gardiner@mrgglobal.com or Michael Hewlett michael.hewlett@ mrgglobal.com Applications should consist of a CV and Supporting Statement (maximum 2 sides of A4) addressing Why you would like to be our Head of Estates and How your skills, experience and prior impact make you a good candidate. What you would bring to our Trust and how we can support your professional development. They should be sent to sian.gardiner@mrgglobal.com Closing date: Sunday 16th February 2025 Preliminary Meetings With MRG will be held W/C 17th February Interviews will be held with Bosco CET in early March.
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