WARWICK INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS FOUNDATION I n d e p e n d e n t C o - e d u c a t i o n a l 3 t o 7 S i n g l e - s e x f r o m 7 - 1 8 y e a r s
APPLICATION PACK FOR THE POST OF DIRECTOR OF ESTATES AND OPERATIONS R e q u i r e d a s s o o n a s p o s s i b l e
WARWICK INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
Welcome from the Foundation Principal
About Warwick Independent Schools Foundation
C O N T E N T S
Organisational structure
Our Facilities
Warwick & Surrounding Area
The Role
Job Description
Person Specification
Remuneration
How to Apply
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WARWICK INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
Welcome from the Foundation Principal
Thank you for the interest you have shown in the role of Director of Estates & Operations. Our Foundation is unique. We are a large but united community, focused entirely on ensuring that the pupils in our care have the most exceptional of educational opportunities. All that we do has that mission at its heart. Working together, our aim is for our Foundation schools – individually and collectively – to be recognised as the most vibrant and exciting in the U.K. The successful candidate will join an ambitious, forward-thinking and future-centred organisation, ready to embrace both the challenges and opportunities for independent schools in the years ahead. As Director of Estates & Operations, you will lead a large diverse team and work closely with the Foundation Bursar to ensure success in the implementation of the Foundation’s Corporate Strategies. I hope you are inspired by what you read and will want to join us, to play a key part in our exciting future.
Richard Nicholson MA (Oxon) Foundation Principal
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WARWICK INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
The Warwick Independent Schools Foundation (the Foundation) proudly educates girls and boys from 3-18 years of age. We are one of the largest independent school charities in the country, with some 2,800 pupils and 800 staff, and are committed to providing an outstanding education for all our pupils; for our schools to be the first choice for those seeking independent education for their children; and to be an exceptional place to work. Our historic schools are Warwick Preparatory School and the King’s High School, which operate as a through-school for girls with a co-educational Pre- Prep, and Warwick Junior School and Warwick School, which operate as a through-school for boys. These schools are located on the Foundation’s 55-acre site in Warwick. Between them, they educate some 2,500 pupils, and offer a unique model of education in the Midlands: co-education for our pupils aged 3 to 7, and single-sex education from age 7 onwards. This provides ‘the best of both worlds’ for our pupils: teaching specifically tailored to their needs with extensive learning opportunities to collaborate outside the classroom. In a new and exciting development for the Foundation, we are delighted to have welcomed The Kingsley School, Royal Leamington Spa into our family of schools. Kingsley is an established and highly regarded school for girls (3-18) and boys (3-7). Kingsley will continue to operate from its site in Leamington. About Warwick Independent Schools Foundation
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WARWICK INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
More information about the schools may be found on their websites: www.warwickprep.com www.kingshighwarwick.co.uk www.warwickschool.org www.thekingsleyschool.co.uk Some of the work of the schools during the recent lockdowns may be found on the following website: www.foundationathome.co.uk
The Foundation is an active membership of the following associations: •AGBIS
•GSA •HMC •IAPS •ISBA
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WARWICK INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
Organisational Structure
September 2020 saw the introduction of a new structure for the Foundation. For the first time in its long history, a Foundation Principal acts as CEO with direct accountability to the Board for the Foundation and all its activities. The Foundation Principal is Mr Richard Nicholson, who was previously the Head Master of King’s High School.
The Director of Estates & Operations reports to the Foundation Bursar, and has a number of direct reports, including:
• Transport & Operations Manager • Estates Manager • Grounds Manager
• Head of Health & Safety • Head of Food Operations
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WARWICK INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
Warwick Campus Home to some 2,500 pupils aged 3-18, the 55-acre campus boasts outstanding and cutting-edge facilities for all our pupils. The campus has received significant investment over recent decades, including Warwick Hall, which was completed in 2016. The most recent development – ‘Project One Campus’ – has seen the relocation of King’s High from its historic town-centre site to join Warwick Preparatory School and Warwick School on one spacious, green campus. This has seen facilities developed and enhancements for all and has included:
• A new, shared Music School for the pupils of King’s High and Warwick Preparatory School. •Improved play-space for Warwick Preparatory School, including a new nursery garden and ‘forest school’.
• New parking facilities and enhanced traffic management.
• New landscaping, creating a series of pedestrianised Quads.
Leamington Campus The Kingsley School is home to over 300 pupils. Situated in the centre of Leamington, the excellent facilities include the Prep School, Senior School, and a dedicated Sixth Form Centre. 12 acres of playing fields are just a few minutes’ drive away, and include a pavilion and netball and tennis courts. Investments over recent years have included a suite of refurbished science laboratories, a re-equipped food technology room, play space for Prep School pupils, and the refurbishment of the sixth form centre.
• A new home for the pupils of King’s High School.
• A new shared Sixth Form Centre for both Warwick and King’s High School students to enjoy for shared curriculum enrichment and social activities. • New and enhanced sports facilities, including a 3G rugby pitch for Warwick School, four netball and five tennis courts.
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WARWICK INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
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WARWICK INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
Warwick & Surrounding area
Warwick itself is a charming, historic town, famous for its impressive cas- tle whose soaring turrets dominate the town centre. Steeped in medieval history and a popular tourist destination, Warwick boasts a thriving social scene with many boutique shops and excellent bars and restaurants. The delightful Regency town of Royal Leamington Spa adjoins Warwick, with its wide boulevards and grand architecture, is a thriving town, with excellent facilities for families. Stratford Upon Avon and its outstanding theatres are just a 25-minute drive away. The Cotswolds are also within easy reach, offering tranquil walks in rolling hills and villages of honey-coloured stone. For further cultural opportunities, Birmingham is half an hour by train and offers everything you would expect from a major and vibrant city. With a packed calendar of events hosted by its many international venues, Bir- mingham is also first-class for shopping, dining and nightlife. The area has excellent transport links. Leamington and Warwick both have mainline railway stations. Birmingham International Airport is just 25 minutes’ drive.
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WARWICK INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
The Role
We are seeking to appoint an exceptional Director of Estates & Operations who will be responsible for the effective management and development of the Foundation’s Estate. You will lead on the capital programme, maintenance, health and safety and catering provision driving a best in class offering. Predominantly, this role works across the schools on the Warwick Campus.
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WARWICK INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
Job Description
Team, and to be involved in and contribute to general Foundation business, strategy and development. Budget Management: • You will have ultimate oversight of Estates Budget Bids and the annual repairs and maintenance budget (in liaison with the Foundation Bursar). • Regularly review the supplier contracts and ensure a quality, value for money service for the Foundation. Projects and Developments: •You will effectively plan and deliver projects and developments for the School (in liaison with the Foundation Bursar/Foundation Principal). •You will attend Town Council meetings and liaise with Planning Authorities as required in relation to the Foundation’s properties and projects/developments. •You will appoint and liaise with professionals, e.g. Architects, Surveyors, Contractors etc regarding Foundation properties, projects, developments etc. •You will ensure your knowledge of Foundation’s properties is always up to date and you will act as required in relations to acquisitions and disposals.
Reporting Lines This is a new role within the Foundation. The postholder will report to the Foundation Bursar and will work in close partnership with Heads across the Foundation. Responsibilities Strategy: •Lead the development and delivery of the Foundation’s Estates Strategy, whilst supporting the broader goals of the Foundation Strategy to ensure overall institutional performance. •You will prepare written reports for Governors and Senior Leaders regarding the Estates Strategy, budgets and other matters as required. •Lead on the continual examination of the operating environment required to ensure that the Foundation’s strategic priorities and policies regarding its estate and operations remain leading-edge. •Contribute to the Foundation’s strategic planning with particular responsibility for the physical environment and physical resources. •Be responsible for strategic risk management for the property portfolio. •Manage the Foundation Estate and Operations and implement strategies which deliver a customer centric approach. • Fulfil duties as a member of the Foundation’s Shared Services Management
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WARWICK INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
Compliance, Health and Safety •You will assume ultimate oversight of Health and Safety matters for contractors/ projects in liaison with the Head of Health & Safety and Estates & Operations Managers. •Actively promote efficiency and flexibility in the use of physical resources, improving the academic experience, aesthetics and providing staff and students with a more effective teaching and learning environment, improved sense of academic community and enhanced quality of Foundation life, including a modern catering experience. •Negotiate on Estates issues in the improved development of agreed service levels, as well as monitoring to ensure standards are met. Staff, Teamwork and Motivation: •Provide leadership and act as a role model and exempla to all staff within the department, working with the relevant managers to ensure that the necessary skills and competency levels are in place, developed or acquired within each team and that a strong service ethos is instilled and maintained •Provide strategic leadership and direct management control of large teams of staff involved in a broad range of key functions including the management and co-ordination of the programme of reactive and long-term maintenance programmes, all elements of the operations and services infrastructure of the management and analysis of space utilisation, the maintenance and upgrading of key data systems relating to the estate, carbon management projects and health and safety
•Ensure that the necessary skill and competency levels are in place, developed or acquired. Continuous review of the skills mix to ensure that the Foundation is able to operate as an informed client in all aspects of its estate and facility management activities •You will be the conduit for effective communication between Senior Managers and Estates Team Managers, and other relevant staff, on day-to-day matters, budgetary issues, and when projects are being planned and delivered. •Represent the Foundation on estate and estate related matters and in dealings with the Foundation Board, District, County and National Authorities and other external organisations. •Report whenever required to the Foundation Board and/or Principals’ Group on all estates and operational related matters. •Effectively manage the contracts, and partnerships, for those facilities that have been outsourced to external providers. Periodically review all services and facilities that are in-house. Other: •To respond to other requests from time to time, according to the changing needs of the Foundation. •Given the senior nature of the role, there is a need for flexibility to meet the changing requirements of the job role. The job holder is expected to work flexibly and for such reasonable hours as are necessary in order to fulfil the duties and responsibilities of the post.
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WARWICK INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
Additional duties •The post holder must comply with the Data Protection Act 1988, the Computer Misuse Act 1990 and all other policies operating at the school. •To report any Health & Safety problems to the Health & Safety Manager. Safeguarding and Protection of Children and Young Persons In accordance with the Children’s Act 1989, on appointment post holders will be required to commit to their responsibilities with regards to safeguarding. In addition, offers of appointment will be subject to an enhanced criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). These checks will highlight cautions, reprimands and final warnings as well as any convictions. The post holder must not have any spent or unspent convictions that would prevent working with children.
All staff are required to adhere to the School Policy on safeguarding and undertake training as required and ensure the safeguarding and well-being of children and young people at the school, in accordance with School policies.
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WARWICK INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
Person Specification
Qualification Experience/ Knowledge
Skills/Abilities
Essential •A Facilities, Building or Property Related degree or relevant experience •Experience of leading and managing a large professional estates and property function delivering the full breadth of Estates Services. •Experience of working with local Government authorities and councils •A strong strategic focus complemented by sound technical and professional skills and knowledge •Experience of managing a significant revenue budget in addition to Estates capital investment budgets. •Experience of working with executive, governing bodies and management teams •Project management experience (in respect of properties) and attention to detail, with the ability to prioritise multiple tasks and have a proactive approach to ensure deadlines are met. •Knowledge and experience of bidding for a budget, managing costs and expenditure to achieve best value and delivering projects within agreed budgets. •Excellent relationship building skills with internal and external stakeholders. •The ability to build and maintain positive and lasting relationships with a wide range of people. Desirable •Postgraduate management qualification or similar •Experience in Education. •A chartered professional qualification in a property/built environment related discipline
Essential •Proven ability to think critically, analyse problems and arrive at solutions •Excellent change management and leadership skills •Proven ability to operate at a strategic level •An ability to engage with senior academics throughout the Foundation •A client-focused approach to Estate strategy and service delivery with the ability to engage with and influence business strategy; anticipating and determining the direction and priorities of strategic thinking in a complex environment with competing demands •The ability to forecast and capitalise on changes within the sector that place demands on the built environment to the competitive advantage of the Foundation •Personal and professional commitment to the Foundation’s vision and core values and an ability to articulate these meaningfully to staff at all levels to inspire exceptional performance •Clear ability to actively participate as a member of Foundation Committees and to represent the Foundation externally •An effective management style that reflects an understanding of managing people, their personal development and welfare •Excellent oral and written communication skills, and high-level IT and financial skills •Ability to produce detailed and accurate reports and plans for Senior Managers and Governors to enable effective decision making to take place. •High standards of personal and professional integrity •Flexible approach to hours of week to meet requirement of job role
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WARWICK INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults
Equal Opportunities
Essential •Understands their role in the context of safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults •Ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships and personal boundaries with children and young people
Essential •Understanding of the requirements of Equality and Diversity
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WARWICK INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
Person Specification
37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year Support Staff Leadership Scale Points L17-L20 (£61,633 - £66,387 per annum). Other benefits: •Proven ability to think critically, analyse problems and arrive at solutions.
•Competitive contributory pension scheme. •Staff Fee remission at our Warwick Campus. •Use of the Sports Complex for staff. •A strong, supportive staff community.
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WARWICK INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
How to apply
Should you wish to apply for this position, please send a CV and covering statement outlining key matching experience and rationale for applying for the post. Applications should be sent to our recruitment advisors, the Management recruitment Group: Adam Spencer T: 07989 435 960 E: adam.spencer@mrgpeople.co.uk
Hayley Mintern T: 07530 680 194 E: hayley.mintern@mrgpeople.co.uk
An interview will include questions about safeguarding children. The appointment will depend on satisfactory DBS clearance. The Warwick Independent Schools Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Any concerns should be reported in accordance with
the Foundation’s Child Protection policy. Equality, Diversion and Inclusion
The Warwick Independent Schools Foundation is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all pupils and staff, both current and prospective, and in this position you will actively support an environment and culture that values diversity and inclusion.
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WARWICK INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS FOUNDATION I n d e p e n d e n t C o - e d u c a t i o n a l 3 t o 7 S i n g l e - s e x f r o m 7 - 1 8 y e a r s
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