1 a new Director of Education for the Diocese of Lichfield The Church of England around Staffordshire, northern Shropshire and the Black Country
Welcome from +Michael Thank you so much for expressing interest in this vital appointment for the Lichfield Diocese. As the relatively new Diocesan Bishop, I have already experienced the delights of this place, both in terms of its natural beauty but also in the warmth and commitment of Christians on the ground working to see the Kingdom of God develop and grow. We are proud of our extraordinary diversity set in a vibrant and fascinating part of the country, offering everything but the sea! Together with my colleagues we are seeking to shape a Diocese whose reliance is on God s Holy Spirit so that together we can invite all to know the person of Christ and develop discipleship, encourage vocations and inspire evangelism. We are building a culture that is warm and relational and gives permission for imaginative and creative expressions of Christian ministry and mission. We are proud of our Diocesan Board of Education and its work with our 207 church schools and so are seeking a new Director to consolidate the previous excellent work forged over many years. We want someone who will relish our relational culture and inspire and empower colleagues to be robust advocates for educational mission and the needs of the young people we seek to serve. I very much hope you will want to pursue this application and look forward to welcoming you to Lichfield. Warm good wishes +Michael 1
The Diocese of Lichfield Stretching from the Welsh border to the Peak District, and from north Staffordshire to the Black Country, the Diocese of Lichfield is one of the largest in the Church of England serving just over two million people in 1,744 square miles. The Diocese traces its roots back to AD 656 when the Diocese of Mercia was formed. In AD 664, the first Bishop of Lichfield, St Chad, moved the seat of the diocese to Lichfield from Repton. The 99th Bishop of Lichfield, the Right Revd Dr Michael Ipgrave, was installed in September 2016. At a special event at Lichfield Cathedral in May 2017, Bishop Michael launched our new direction of travel to 'Come Follow Christ in the footsteps of St Chad' which will be at the heart of our vision for the next five years. In Chad s time the Diocese stretched from the Welsh border to the North Sea; and from Northumberland to the Thames. Despite having shrunk over the years, Lichfield remains one of the largest dioceses in the Church of England. It has almost 600 churches, over 420 parishes and over 200 schools in an area which includes Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, the northern half of Shropshire, Wolverhampton, Walsall, half of Sandwell and even three parishes which straddle the Welsh border. We have recently been working on a vision statement which aims to inspire all we do: As we follow Christ in the footsteps of St Chad, we pray that the two million people in our Diocese encounter a church that is confident in the gospel, knows and loves its communities, and is excited to find God at work already in the world. We pray for a church that reflects the richness and variety of those communities and partners with others in seeking the common good, working for justice as people of hope. Our Diocesan priorities of discipleship, vocations and evangelism will be at the heart of all we do as we seek to minister to parishes, schools, fresh expressions and chaplaincies. 2
The Lichfield Diocesan Board of Education The LDBE s focus is to: 1. promote an holistic, values-based education (founded on the teachings of Jesus Christ) that is both distinctive and inclusive; 2. develop our schools that are rooted in their communities, celebrating diversity; 3. honour the history and tradition of individual schools in their local contexts; 4. work with and alongside converting schools, in order to develop strategies for change and improvement that are relevant and likely to work in a particular school s context; 5. build on strength; support the weak; enable all members of the school community to flourish. 6. work with partners to ensure that the curriculum and all aspects of school life and experience are appropriate to the needs of the school community; 7. work with partners to ensure sustainable high standards and outcomes for all pupils, so that schools and academies become beacons of good practice that are able to support other schools in turn that need help; 8. build leadership capacity for all staff and pupils. The LDBE has particular expertise in promoting the Christian distinctiveness of its schools which includes collective worship, religious education, mission and the new SIAMS agenda. Its strong links at the strategic level with Local Authorities, the DfE and the Church of England Board of Education enables it to act as an advocate and champion for Church schools and academies. Additionally it is able to act as a broker and conduit for the range of services that CE academies and maintained schools might wish to access. The Church has a particular vision of education as a life-changing experience. Whilst it accepts that schools must prepare their pupils and students for work, it also believes that schools must prepare young people for life. The Church believes that all people are made in the image of God, and therefore they have the capacity to grow towards full maturity as human beings, as God intends. Our philosophy of education is based on a Trinitarian theology; 1. God the Father (Creation): The establishment of a happy, harmonious and safe community based explicitly on Christian values. Defining/establishing boundaries and a clear moral framework in which children can flourish. 2. God the Son (Incarnation/Redemption): Modelling Christian values: embodying the distinctive Christian character within the life of the school. Proclaiming God s love for all humanity in the world. Welcoming all, including those from other religious traditions. 3. God the Holy Spirit (Transformation): Enabling all children (and colleagues) to achieve their full potential. Changing lives. Building capacity. 3
Our LDBE vision and values We relate our vision to the Church of England Vision for Education. Deeply Christian, Serving the Common Good and its four elements: Wisdom Community Dignity Hope and Aspiration Our vision also relates directly to the new SIAMS schedule 2018 and its seven key strands: 1. Vision and leadership 2. Wisdom, knowledge and skills 3. Character development, hope aspiration and courageous advocacy 4. Community and living well together 5. Dignity and respect 6. Impact of collective worship 7. Effectiveness of Religious Education Our values relate to our Christian faith and practice. Integrity Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honourably in every way (Hebrews 13:18). Love But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness (Psalm 86:15). Wisdom God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore (1 Kings 4:29). Respect In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets (Matthew 7:12). Service Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you (John 13:14-15). Compassion This is what the Lord Almighty says: Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other (Zechariah 7:9). Diligence Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God to those who love him (James 1:12). 4
Job description The Director s key tasks fall under the following five sub-headings: Strategy and Standards Be called, connected and committed to deliver the Church of England Vision for Education. To deliver a relevant and forward thinking Christian vision and strategic plan that will support, challenge and maintain the Christian distinctiveness in our diocesan schools/academies. To be informed of current educational thinking from the DFE, SIAMS and Ofsted perspectives and have the ability to disseminate this to relevant parties. To influence educational strategy at the local, regional and national level, both church and secular. To take the lead on defining the role that the Lichfield Diocesan Board of Education (LDBE) has towards the diocesan priorities of Discipleship, Vocation and Evangelism. To develop, and lead on, a clear strategic plan that is visionary, creative and challenging to enable the DBE to respond effectively and reflectively to the demands and opportunities that arise. To hold together the family of all church schools and academies in the diocese ensuring that appropriate challenge, professional and pastoral support is offered to school leaders as appropriate. To have the ability to empower and equip others to strive for excellence in all things and provide a high quality of education that brings about positive outcomes for all pupils and adults within a context which is distinctively Christian. To be the secretary and senior adviser to the LDBE putting forward proposals for the Board s strategy, policy and practice, implementing the Board s decisions and intentions, and enabling all its work under the terms of the 1991 DBE Measure. To clearly articulate educational success within the Church of England context. To offer a theology of education which enables all members of our diocesan school communities to flourish. To challenge the tribal, denominational and political factors which can limit the Christian distinctiveness within our schools and academies. To promote the recruitment of church school leaders at all levels, supporting the national agenda for CPD and providing a mechanism of support and partnership for all adults involved in church school education. Relationships To provide dynamic leadership and support, that has Christian beliefs and values at its heart, for the staff of the LDBE and its consultants. To build strong and effective relationships with all MATS in the diocese with the intention that they contribute towards the diocesan direction of travel DVE. To seek to maintain an effective and mutually strengthening partnership with St Chad s Academies Trust and its CEO. 5
To provide support and challenge to the LDBE, schools and their governors, academy trusts, parishes and local authorities. To represent the work of the LDBE to the wider diocese and to encourage all parishes and their clergy to relate responsibly and creatively to all schools, particularly church schools. To empower churches and clergy in supporting their local schools thus providing them with the opportunities to engage with the diocesan DVE strategy. To represent the diocese and the LDBE in local and national settings, including Local Education Authorities, the Regional Schools Commissioner and their team, the Department for Education, the National Society for Church Schools and the Diocesan Directors of Education national network, through strong and effective structures and partnerships. Mission To ensure that every aspect of the LDBE s work is underpinned by Christian distinctiveness. To set the work of the LDBE in a context of prayer and worship. To make strategic connections with other departments of the diocese ensuring that education plays a key role in the diocese s mission. To participate in the diocesan officer s monthly meeting and to contribute to the ongoing development of cross departmental working to enhance discipleship, vocations and evangelism at all levels of diocesan life. To actively contribute towards the mission of the Church that brings together church schools, academies, local churches, clergy, chaplains and the communities they serve. To ensure that all our schools and academies have as their priority the spiritual, emotional and physical wellbeing of children, young people and adults in their care. To provide support and advice to deaneries, parishes and chaplaincies on educational issues, promoting and encouraging schools engagement across our diocese. To direct and facilitate the training of lay people and clergy in the governance, worship and spiritual life of our schools. Governance To exercise statutory authority in school governance under the terms of the 1991 Measure. To oversee the creation of a pool of diocesan nominees (members and governors) that will be equipped to serve on trust boards and local governing bodies of schools and academies. Resource Management To work with the Diocesan Secretary and Director of Finance to ensure the needs of the LDBE are represented in the diocesan strategy and budgetary processes, ensuring effective use of resources, including financial resources, and report to the Bishop s Council/Diocesan Board of Finance and Diocesan Synod as appropriate. 6
To put in place and manage effective processes which ensure that the LDBE works strategically, making the best of the opportunities and resources available to it. To oversee the diocesan provision of educational and building services to schools, ensuring that they provide excellent support in a cost-effective way and to budget. 7
Person Specification Qualifications Essential Desirable University Degree Further Professional or leadership qualifications Experience of the education sector Values Skills School leadership experience at a senior level together with a wider role, outside school, as part of the school led system Committed to the principle of enabling all people within Diocesan Schools and Colleges to have an encounter with Jesus Christ. Passionate about seeing young people fulfil their potential Prayerful and reflective Christian Commitment to the Church s mission and to the Christian ethos and distinctiveness of Church of England schools. Highly approachable, relational and collaborative, able to embrace interdependence, demonstrate compassion and embody service to others humbly. Sees communications as a key tool for success Enjoys being a team member as well as a leader, able to sustain and encourage all parties. To exude energy and passion in all that they do; inspiring confidence in the team. Able to articulate a strong and inspirational rationale and vision for the church s involvement in education and to bring about its implementation. A change manager who sees the importance of winning hearts and minds, someone who can develop, inspire, challenge, lead and manage a Experience of working with Church of England schools or academies Capable of working in a fast changing and dynamic environment Commitment to life-long learning 8
Essential professional team. Able to effectively manage available resources. Able to negotiate, build and maintain strong relationships and strategic partnerships at all levels with multiple stakeholders, including central and local government, while also providing challenge where necessary. A creative approach to solving problems and willingness to have difficult conversations. Able to manage risk effectively. Able to inspire respect from other education professionals, and local clergy. Able to engage theologically across the spectrum of Anglican tradition and with other Christian denominations. Strong effective communicator Able to represent the work of the Board in the public square. Ability to keep confidences and handle sensitive information. Highly self-motivated tenacious, and resilient. Desirable To be able to take long-term decisions and not be easily swayed by shortterm changes of policy and procedure. 9
Knowledge Other Essential Desirable Thorough understanding of the Understanding of the current educational landscape, the structures and systems opportunities open to schools and the operating in the Church of pressures under which they operate England with regard to all its Knowledge of the ethos and schools. distinctiveness of Church schools, Understanding of regional, school governance, developing school Local Authority and schoolled arrangements affecting effectiveness and the SIAMS and Ofsted inspection agendas schools within the local Full understanding of the implications Diocesan area. of safeguarding affecting all schools. Full DBS clearance and willingness to complete relevant safeguarding training (C3; S3 and C4). Ability to travel extensively and flexibly. (Current driving licence and use of own car is essential.) Willingness to work occasional evenings. Eligible to work in the UK Not disqualified from serving as a director or charity trustee This is a post to which an Occupational Requirement under paragraph 1 of Schedule 9 to the Equality Act 2010 applies, the requirement being that the post holder is a practising Christian. Terms and Conditions Accountable to: The Bishop of Lichfield together with the Chair of the Diocesan Board of Education with a dotted line reporting to the Chief Executive of the Diocese. This seeks to ensure fully joined up working relationships with the other Officers and the CEO of the Diocesan MAT. Key relationships: Chair of the Diocesan Board of Education (DBE) Bishop of Lichfield The Diocesan Chief Executive Officer and other Directors The DBE Senior Leadership Team Local Authorities The National Church of England Education Office Anglican Diocesan Directors of Education Association (AADE) Ofsted The DfE including the Regional Schools Commissioner 10
The St Chads Multi-Academy Trust and their CEO Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs), CEOs, Members and Directors Church of England Schools Salary: Hours of work: Place of work: Holidays: Pension: Probation period: Notice period: Travel: circa 65,000 negotiable according to experience 35 hours per week but noting the need for some evening and weekend work. Time off in lieu will be granted for this. Three Spires House, Lichfield, Staffordshire 25 days per year + 8 statutory bank holidays + Christmas shut down (usually 2-3 extra days) Membership of the Church of England Pensions Builder 2014 scheme 12% employer contribution with matched AVC s up to a further 3% percent. Six months Three months Lichfield is a large Diocese and we are passionate about serving our parishes and schools as effectively as possible. This means the post holder will need to be willing to travel widely across the Diocese as well attending national and regional events. Applications Please telephone Jo Durber on 01543 306067 for an application form. Application forms, with a covering letter no more than one side of A4 describing what attracts you to this role should be returned to Human Resources either by post to St Marys House, The Close Lichfield WS13 7LD, or by email to jo.durber@lichfield.anglican.org Applications must be received by noon on Monday 5 November. Shortlisting To ensure the fairness of the selection process, shortlisting will be based upon the information which you provide in your application and assumptions will not be made about your experience or skills. We will look for demonstrable evidence that you meet the criteria set out in the person specification. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of the shortlisting process. Information provided on the application form will be viewed by HR, and the interview panel. Interview Interviews will take place in Lichfield on Wednesday 21 November. Further details regarding the selection process will be communicated at the time applicants are invited for interview. 11