DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND OPERATIONS
CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK
WELCOME LETTER
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Growing great
Kensington Prep is a friendly, vibrant place to learn and grow – bursting with energy, enthusiasm and ideas. We are committed to providing a nurturing and enriching educational environment that empowers children to become well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also kind, compassionate, innovative, and resilient. As we continue to grow and evolve, we are seeking a Director of Finance and Operations who shares our passion for education and is dedicated to supporting our vision. The role of Director of Finance and Operations is pivotal in ensuring the smooth functioning of our institution. Your responsibilities would extend to overseeing HR matters, estate management, financial operations, maintaining efficient systems, and implementing cost-effective measures, all of which are crucial in supporting the school's long-term sustainability and growth. Furthermore, your role will directly contribute to the children’s well-being and development, which is at the heart of our mission. As a school, we are dedicated to fostering a culture of curiosity, creativity, happiness, and health among the pupils. Your strategic financial and operational decisions will have a profound impact on the resources available for educational programmes, extracurricular activities, and facilities that enrich the lives of the children and support their growth.
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Minds
job description but also someone who is aligned with our core values and educational objectives. We value innovative thinking, teamwork, and a strong commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment for our pupils. Your role is not merely about numbers and budgets; it is about being an integral part of our educational community, where we strive to empower every student to reach their full potential. We are eager to find someone who can bridge the gap between financial acumen and educational ideals, working in harmony with our school's leadership and teaching staff. We look forward to the opportunity to get to know you better during the interview process. We encourage you to share your vision for how the Director of Finance and Operations can contribute to Kensington Prep School's strategic objectives and enhance the experience of all in our school community. Thank you for considering Kensington Prep School as a potential destination for your professional journey. We believe that with your expertise and commitment, we can continue to grow great minds that are curious, creative, happy, and healthy.
WELCOME LETTER ABOUT GDST ABOUT KENSINGTON PREP THE ROLE THE PERSON APPLICATION PROCESS
We are looking for a candidate who not only possesses the necessary expertise outlined in the
Caroline Hulme-McKibbin Head
ABOUT KENSINGTON PREP
Kensington Prep School is an award-winning, independent prep school for girls aged 4-11, based in Fulham. It is regarded as one of the top prep schools in London and the country. The school was the first to be established by the GDST, having been founded in 1873, and has been a pioneer in girls’ education and academic excellence ever since. It focuses on growing an investigative spirit, confidence and curiosity through a rich and inspiring curriculum in a supportive and nurturing environment. The school’s most recent whole-school inspection (2023) saw the school rated Excellent by the Independent School’s Inspectorate, and the school remains highly sought after. We want girls to think confidently & creatively, to take calculated risks and not to be afraid of making mistakes on the way to success. We are preparing them for a world that requires courage, resilience and flexibility. “
ABOUT GDST
The Girls’ Day School Trust is the UK’s leading family of independent girls’ schools. In all of our schools, academic excellence is a given – at the GDST we develop character beyond the curriculum.
The GDST is a charitable trust which owns and operates 25
schools across England and Wales. Our schools are mainly girls only, with the GDST ethos to ‘reach as many girls as possible’ permeating everything we do. Most schools are Junior, Senior and Sixth Form, with some having nurseries as well; one of the school’s remains a boarding school.
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THE ROLE
OVERVIEW The Director of Finance and Operations will have overall responsibility for the day- to-day operations of the school including – HR, marketing and admissions, finance, estates, events, compliance, IT and administration. Responsible to: The Head Responsible for: HR, Marketing & Admissions, Finance, Estates, Events, Compliance, IT and Admin teams
ensure all Health and Safety and compliance legislation is up to date in conjunction with regulatory bodies. • Specifically, act as Health and Safety Co- ordinator with overall responsibility for health and safety training, the administration of educational visits and liaison with the GDST Safety Team. • Manage the arrangements for receiving visitors and communications with parents, pupils, staff, suppliers, and other visitors. • Assist with the organisation of events eg. Open Days, to ensure that they run smoothly and efficiently. • Ensure GDPR compliance as the Asset Information Owner. Catering and Housekeeping • Managing the cleaning and catering provision to ensure excellent standards of catering and cleanliness are provided to students and staff and that kitchens and equipment are well maintained and comply with Health and Safety and Hygiene regulations. • Monitoring catering and cleaning service standards and levels and regular review of performance against contract as appropriate, as well as scrutiny of financial performance against agreed budget. IT • Line management of the IT Operations Manager. • Oversight of IT infrastructure and support. Other • Willingness to actively undertake other reasonable duties related to the job purpose and to support the wider school community required from time to time. • This job description should be seen as enabling rather than restrictive and will be subject to regular review.
Finance Management and Accounting • Responsibility, in collaboration with the Head and GDST, for all the school’s finances. • Preparation of annual budgets, periodic forecasts and business plans. • Monthly management accounts and school payroll. • Line management of the Finance Manager to ensure that the financial side of the school runs efficiently and effectively. • Work closely with the GDST Fees Department on fee and income related matters. • Regular review and renegotiation of tenders and contracts. • Ensuring the Head, and the Local Governing Board, are fully informed of the school’s finances on a regular basis. Estates Management • Line management of the Estates team to ensure the efficient running of the school site and facilities. • Oversight of building management, maintenance, compliance, and day to day upkeep of all buildings, as well as grounds maintenance and security of people, buildings, and property. • Work in collaboration with the GDST estates and capital projects team to ensure the delivery of projects are delivered on time and in budget. • Ensure that all aspects of the facilities are fully compliant with all relevant legislation, with accurate records kept of all compliance activities. • Assist the Head in developing plans and funding for major projects. • Attend Health & Safety meetings. Health & Safety and Compliance • Coordination and development of policies to comply with the relevant requirements of the Independent Schools Inspectorate. • Liaise with GDST Health and Safety advisors to
KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITIES
Human Resources • Responsible for the full Human Resources cycle to ensure the efficient running of the school HR systems. • To oversee the finance, HR, administration, and estates staff, to include the procedures for recruitment, oversight of induction, development and performance management in line with school and GDST policies. • Ensuring compliance with all GDST and Independent Schools Inspectorate HR policies and regulations. • Ensuring the school maintains and operates appropriate disciplinary and grievance procedures for all support staff and in consultation with the Head & the GDST, implementing these, as necessary. • Management of administration, IT and premises staff in line with school and GDST policies. • Providing guidance and support to the Head in relation to complex HR cases. • Maintain online HR Records and oversee the Single Central Register.
THE PERSON The incoming individual will be passionate and self-motivated, who is willing to play an active role within the school and the wider community. You will be an inspiring leader to the support staff and work in partnership with the academic team. In addition, you will be a visible and approachable face of the school with students, parents, and stakeholders. Professional Experience • A relevant professional qualification within a Prep or primary school setting is highly desirable. • Experience of working within a leadership role responsible for strategic planning, administration, financial management and project control. • Good understanding of the Human Resources cycle including recruitment and employee relations. • Track record of managing budget and possessing strong financial management. • A sound knowledge of estates and facilities management. Personal Attributes • You will possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to relate well with all levels, to resolve conflicts in a sensitive manner, to encourage and motivate. • Ability to work effectively as a team member of the leadership team, to show initiative and imagination, to have vision and the ability to inspire others. • Excellent organisational skills including the ability to manage a range of tasks to completion in a timely manner. • An approachable and diplomatic manner for the team, key stakeholders and parents, and considerate manner while maintaining a good sense of humour. Qualifications • Relevant professional qualifications within HR, Finance, Estates or School Business Management (CIPD, CIMA, ACA or ACCA, SBM or MRICS or MCIOB). • Membership of professional bodies. • Educated to degree level or equivalent relevant work experience.
APPLICATION PROCESS The Schools Leadership Team has been retained as our exclusive advisor for this appointment and any third party or direct applications will be forwarded to them.
For a confidential discussion, please contact:
Melanie Pye melanie.pye@schoolsleadership.com 07530 734 568
To apply, please send your application consisting of a CV and supporting statement to Melanie Pye.
Closing date for applications: Sunday 12th November 2023
First stage interviews: w/c 27th November 2023
Kensington Prep School, a member of GDST, is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its pupils and expects all employees to share this commitment. All employees must be willing to undergo child protection training and screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. The school strives to be an inclusive workplace and value diversity in our team. Applications from minority ethnic colleagues and from majority ethnic colleagues who share our commitment to race equality in the education workforce are welcomed.
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