Applicants for Role of Personal Assistant
to the Headteacher
Candidate Briefing
February 2010
Introduction
The Headteacher invites applications for the position of Personal Assistant. The intention is that the successful applicant will take up the post on 19th April 2010 or shortly thereafter.
This briefing gives some background on the Academy and sets out the nature of the role and qualities sought in the successful candidate.
Process
If you want to apply for this position, please contact Amanda Phillips at amandap@mercers.co.uk for an application form.
The deadline for receipt by the Mercers’ Company and the Information Technologists’ Company (the co-sponsors) of completed application forms is 9:00am on Monday 8th March 2010.
Please return completed forms to: Ms Amanda Phillips at The Mercers’ Company, Ironmonger Lane, London EC2V 8HE marked ‘Private and confidential’ or via email at amandap@mercers.co.uk. The table below highlights the key dates during the recruitment process.
- Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th March - Telephone interviews by arrangement
- W/C Monday 15th March - First interviews
- Thursday 25th March - Final interviews
The Academy will be a brand new 11-18 secondary school co-sponsored by the Mercers’ Company and the Information Technologists’ Company. There is no predecessor school. The educational expertise and commercial experience of the Mercers and Information Technologists will establish the Academy on a proven educational vision and strong business/ entrepreneurial principles. The synergy of the sponsors working together will establish a unique Academy that will further develop the innovative approaches to education pioneered by Thomas Telford School (www.ttsonline.com) and its partner academies in Walsall and Sandwell, and draw on the work of both sponsors in supporting and sponsoring specialist education in London schools. For more information please see the following websites www.hammersmithacademy.org, www.mercers.co.uk and www.wcit.co.uk.
The Academy is currently under construction in Hammersmith adjacent to Cathnor Park, postcode W12 9PA (close to Goldhawk Road). Until construction work is completed in 2011, the Academy office will operate from St Paul’s Girls’ School in Brook Green, Hammersmith. The Academy is due to open in September 2011.
The sponsors’ choice for specialist status (Creative & Digital Media and IT) provides a strong focus for the curriculum that actively promotes enterprise and innovation. The core mission is to:
‘Develop the talents of all its students to the full and to raise educational standards, through effective practice and the innovative use of Information and Communication Technology.’
The sponsors’ investment in education is a clear commitment to support the Local Authority’s re-generation plans for the local community.
In summary, the Academy is designed to deliver transformation in two areas:
The provision of a secondary school in the middle of Hammersmith and Fulham which raises standards of performance and is attractive to parents, reversing the current parental preference to send their children out of borough for secondary school education.
The use of ICT and Digital Media to enable learning, fit for the 21st century, and acting as a beacon to schools in England and elsewhere in the provision of a vibrant, rewarding and high achieving learning culture.
The Academy will receive its first intake of students in September 2011, into Year 7 (age 11) and Year 12(age 16). It will gradually fill to capacity of 780 students by 2016. During the ‘construction, recruitment and setup’ stage from appointment to August 2011 the Head’s PA will be a pivotal member of a small and growing team, and the role will evolve as the school becomes established.
The role of Personal Assistant
Essentially the role of Personal Assistant is to support the Head in all matters relating to the Academy prior to opening and thereafter. The Personal Assistant has a critical role to play and the duties are interesting and varied.
Key relationships include:
Prospective Parents and Students;
Department for Children, Schools and Families;
Sponsors and their members;
Feeder Primary Schools;
Building Contractors;
Sponsors’ associated schools including St Paul’s Girls’ School;
Direct reports to the Head and other members of staff;
OFSTED;
Press;
Local Authority;
Key elements of the role are set out in the Job Description below.
Experience
Applicants will need PA experience of at least three years with an excellent knowledge of MSOffice and Outlook.
Preference will be given to candidates who have:
A demonstrable knowledge of HR processes including a track record of success of good recruitment practice and on-going personnel management;
Experience of working in an education environment; and
Excellent IT and computer skills with the disposition to develop these further.
Person Specification
Applicants should have:
Excellent interpersonal skills and presentation skills including an excellent use of English both spoken and written.
A ‘can-do’ attitude;
The ability to use own initiative and take responsibility.
Excellent time management and organisational skills with the ability to multi-task.
Tact, diplomacy and discretion.
Respect for confidentiality when required.
An interest in Education.
Job Description
Prior to opening key members of staff (including the Personal Assistant) will be accommodated at St Paul’s Girls’ School and at the Academy Site from the opening date.
This is a full-time post and hours will be 37.5 per week, 6 weeks annual holiday with the majority taken during school holidays. Benefits include membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme. The starting salary, depending on experience, will be in the region of £30,000 per annum.
Key duties include:
Being the first point of contact for the School - ‘The face of Hammersmith Academy’;
Taking the lead in ensuring the Academy administrative function runs as effectively and efficiently as possible;
Supporting the Head with all aspects to ensure a timely opening of the school;
Supporting the Head in the recruitment of all staff into the new school, including contracts and safeguarding checks;
Arranging and administering events for recruitment and consultation purposes;
Coordination of the Head’s diary including liaison with contacts listed in ‘key relationships’ above;
Initially handling complaints; ensuring complaints are dealt with tactfully; attempting to resolve minor matters and referring more serious matters to the Head;
Promoting and Marketing the Academy;
Arranging meetings, travel and expenses for the Head;
Working closely with the Admissions Officer on student applications;
Utilising on-line Local Authority databases to produce policies and procedures for the school.
Producing regular reports for the Sponsors.
To provide a Human Resources function for the staff of the Academy;
Being aware of and promoting the council’s policies on equal opportunities;
Liaising effectively with the Clerks to the Trustees and to the School Governing Body.
Ad-hoc duties designated by the Headteacher.
The above applies to the period prior to the opening of the Academy; the job description will be reviewed after one year to take account of the opening of the Academy and the appointment of a range of specialist teaching and support staff.
February 2010
