Application Pack

Finance Director


Contents

Welcome

About Salisbury Diocesan Board of Education

Job Description

Person Specification

General Terms of Employment

Living and Working in Wiltshire

Additional Information

Welcome

Dear Applicant

Thank you for your interest in the post of Salisbury Board of Education Finance Director. We hope the following information inspires you to make an application.

Our vision is for each school and academy within the Diocese of Salisbury family to become an outstanding, distinctively Christian learning community – achieving world class provision in all aspects of school and academy life, built on a foundation of Christian values.

We are looking for an experienced and innovative Finance Director to join our small friendly team at the Diocesan Education Centre in Wilton to take responsibility for the following key areas:

  • To be responsible to the Board of Education Trustees for the business planning and financial management of the Diocesan Board of Education.
  • To be seconded in as Finance Director to our new Multi Academy Trust DSMAT, contracted by the Department for Education to sponsor primary schools.
  • To bring an entrepreneurial approach to resource generation through our trading company SALED.
  • To be responsible for DBE investments; the Uniform Statutory Trusts and other diocesan Educational Trusts.

Salisbury Diocesan Board of Education

The Diocese of Salisbury extends over 2000 square miles, with a population of just under 860,000 and covers most of Dorset including the unitary authority of Poole, three-quarters of Wiltshire and small parts of Hampshire and Devon. It is mainly rural with many small villages and a few areas of urban development. There are 4 Archdeaconries, 19 Deaneries, 155 Benefices and 460 parishes with a total of 196 schools and academies serving 42,000 children.

The Salisbury Diocesan Board of Education (SDBE), with roots which go back 200 years to 1812, is one of the oldest formal diocesan bodies. Many of our schools were founded before that date, and the Board, or Council as it was called then, was formed to support their work and to promote new schools. The Salisbury Diocesan Board of Education consists of a multi-disciplinary team, providing services to all church schools, academies and parishes.

The church school and academy performance profile is strong with 89% of schools being judged by Ofsted to be good or outstanding. Similarly Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) judgements show 91% of schools to be good or outstanding.

In 2011/12 in full consultation with headteachers we developed a three year strategic plan, set within the context of the 2010 Academies Act and the 2011 Education Act, which are bringing about an unparalleled diversification of the school system. We intend to be a leading contributor to the national development of a self improving school system, and we are co-constructing with the heads of outstanding schools and academies, a schools’ and academies’ partnership strategy. This work has begun to facilitate collaboration and interdependence, and crucially, systematic support for schools that are failing - a system led by confident, autonomous headteachers and governors, who value their role within the church school and academy family and are leading a local solutions approach to improvement. We welcome the strong partnership with Mott MacDonald and the experience and expertise in school to school partnership working that they bring to the DSMAT and to the SDBE intent to establish strong links between the DSMAT and outstanding diocesan schools.

Why has the Diocesan Board of Education become a sponsor of a Multi-Academy Trust?

We have become a sponsor because the Salisbury Diocesan Board of Education (DBE) has an absolute commitment to honour our responsibilities and accountabilities for each school that is expected by the DfE to become a sponsored academy. We have entered an exciting and innovative partnership model of co-sponsorship with Cambridge Education, the ‘education wing’ of the international company Mott MacDonald; together we have gained approval from the DfE to establish the Diocese of Salisbury Multi-Academy Trust (DSMAT).

In June of 2012 the SDBE were approached by the DfE and asked to consider our view on the long term future of a small number of schools within the Salisbury Diocese. Each school was expected to reflect on the DfE view that sponsored academy status was a requirement to ensure accelerated school improvement.

The schools sit within two LAs and were at very different points on their school improvement journey. As a Diocese we entered into detailed conversations with the Chair of Governors of each school and subsequently the governing bodies, about the decisions ahead. As a diocese we wanted to offer these schools, and other schools into the future, the opportunity of sponsorship through our diocese, ensuring that the new academies remained within the family of church schools.

The governors of the schools have worked with dedication and care, and each formally asked to become members of DSMAT. The journey to being granted sponsorship status concluded in February 2013 with the first schools being approved by the Schools Minister, Lord Nash, to enter the Multi-Academy Trust. We expect Whitesheet and Southbroom to join DSMAT on 1st December 2013 and The Dunbury to join the Multi-Academy Trust on 1st January 2014. We expect that several more schools will join DSMAT over the course of the next year; the Executive Principal will take responsibility for up to 5 schools.

Job Description

JOB TITLEBoard of Education Finance Director

RESPONSIBLE TODirector of Education

RESPONSIBLE FORBuildings Manager, Academy Finance Officer, HR Officer, Diocesan Education Centre Manager

KEY PURPOSETo be responsible to the Board of Education Trustees for the business planning, accountancy and financial management of the Diocesan Board of Education (DBE), maintaining regular interaction with the Diocesan Board of Finance.

To be seconded in as Finance Director to our new Multi Academy Trust DSMAT, contracted by the Department for Education (DfE) to sponsor primary schools.

To bring an entrepreneurial approach to resource generation through our trading company SALED.

To be responsible for DBE investments; the Uniform Statutory Trusts and other diocesan Educational Trusts.

KEY ROLE A:Business planning, accountancy and financial management of the DBE

  • Working within the 3 year strategic development plan, draw up, monitor and evaluate the strategic business plan for the DBE.
  • Work closely with the Director, Chair and Trustees to ensure each staff team is properly supported by an efficient range of secure financial and operational information which forms the basis for strategic planning, and decision making.
  • Oversee the daily financial operations of the DBE, continually improving procedures to ensure strong financial probity, and control of a wide range of identified risks.
  • Coordinate the annual budget setting for DBE & SALED working with the Finance and Staffing Committee, supporting budget holders with forecasts and liaising closely with the Board of Finance accountant.
  • Regularly provide advice and monitoring and evaluation financial reports to the Director of Education and DBE Trustees on the financial management of DSMAT.
  • Remain abreast of the developing implications of government policies and educational trends, and ensure the Director, the Deputy Director and Trustees are kept fully aware of changes to company law, tax and accounting standards and potential developments which provide opportunities for the Trust, or which counter any threats.
  • Ensure both DBE and Saled meet statutory requirements by providing reports and accounts to HMRC, Charity Commissioners and auditors
  • Through Finance Committee, Trustees and Bishops Council provide assurance to Diocesan Synod of the financial probity of the Board’s operation
  • Maintain the Board’s risk register, monitoring the ongoing financial and reputational risks of our operation and ensuring the risks associated with new proposals are assessed and managed.
  • Deal with a range of complex correspondence, engaging relevant individuals in producing timely responses, procuring succinct and confidential reports and information as required.

KEY ROLE B:Finance Director of Diocese of Salisbury Multi Academy Trust - DSMAT

  • Support the financial planning for DSMAT Trustees in establishing all the operational core services needed to run a number of successful Church of England academies across the diocese.
  • Support the Executive Principal to formulate and establish a business plan and financial strategy that will ensure viability of the Multi-Academy Trust and enable it to operate in an efficient and effective manner.
  • Provide professional advice and support to the Trust, the Executive Principal, the Academy Principals and Local Governing Boards, on all aspects of finance and business management and ensure that all external accounting and reporting requirements are met.
  • Manage all funding agreements with the DfE and support the trustees to complete all necessary financial returns in a timely manner.
  • Prepare the overall budget, scheme of delegation and individual delegated academy budgets for each Academy. Work with the Executive Principal to maintain and develop the scheme of delegation of financial responsibilities to Local Governing Boards within each Academy.
  • Oversee with the Academy Finance Officer the production of quarterly management accounts and produce timely, accurate and appropriate reports and financial forecasts for the Trust, and for each Academy, responding to any queries and providing additional financial information to assist with their decision making.
  • Prepare the year end statutory accounts and the audit file for the year end audit of DSMAT accounts, liaise with the auditors to reach signoff and filing of annual company accounts according to DfE and HRMC guidelines.
  • Research and bid for additional funding to DfE for the Multi-Academy Trust and in support of individual Academies and assist with the financial monitoring of projects as they are agreed.
  • Develop the Trust’s risk management strategy and procedures to ensure that key business risks are identified, assessed and managed.
  • Lead, manage and develop a high quality, responsive, efficient and effective corporate support function working alongside the HR Officer and including line management responsibility for the Academy Finance Officer.
  • Working with the HR Officer administer employment records and payroll for DSMAT, and ensure VAT and PAYE/NI returns are completed accurately and submitted to HMRC on time.
  • Manage the effective purchasing and procurement of services for the Multi-Academy Trust, and negotiate, manage and monitor contracts, tenders and agreements for the provision of support services, to include; School Improvement, Payroll, Facilities Management, ICT, and Insurance, all to be procured in line with DfE guidance.
  • In consultation with the Academy Finance Officer develop work specifications and manage all service contracts, commissions and service level agreements with third parties/private providers, ensuring regular and appropriate review and evaluation in order to ensure value for money is being secured at all times.
  • In consultation with Local Governing Boards and the DBE Building Manager support the Trust’s strategic Asset Management planning of the maintenance of Academy sites and buildings to ensure high quality learning environments are provided, and well maintained.

KEY ROLE C: To bring an entrepreneurial approach to resource generation through our trading company SALED

  • Be responsible for the financial management and administration of SALED Ltd, the SDBE Trading Company.
  • Undertake role of Director/Secretary for SALED Ltd, including dealings with accountants, bankers, solicitors and other parties involved in development of non-core activities of DBE
  • Administer employment records and payroll for SALED Ltd, ensure VAT and PAYE/NI returns are completed accurately and submitted to HMRC on time.
  • Line manage the Buildings Manager to support the effectiveness of the building services operation; project management of £10M annual spend on building developments at 100 VA schools building, the procurement of architectural, QS and project management for typically 2 new schools each year, monitoring the performance of our team of surveyors.
  • Line manage the work of the Diocesan Education Centre Manager to manage our facilities providing high quality conference, meeting and training facilities.
  • Work with the Buildings Manager to provide the business case for the development of redundant property.
  • Negotiate contracts for services supplied to or delivered by DBE and SALED Ltd.
  • Ensure all necessary insurance (buildings, employers’ liability, public liability, legal expenses etc) is adequate.
  • Develop sound financial models to bring about maximum income generation and capacity use of the Diocesan Education Centre, working with the Centre Manager as line manager.
  • Provide the financial model to underpin sales of an outstanding Partnership Support Agreement (PSA) with all our schools and academies.
  • Advise the Director on the opportunities to increase income streams to SALED and the DBE, by extending the reach of the PSA offering or brokering services for schools and academies, by increasing sales or developing new resources for schools and parishes.

KEY ROLE D: To be responsible for our investments; the Uniform Statutory Trusts and other diocesan Educational Trusts in total around £8.5M

  • Be financial manager for the Board’s Trust Funds, responsible for accurate maintenance of all financial records.
  • Present quarterly and annual statements to the Trustees. Prepare financial records for Auditors, ensuring returns are made to Companies House and the Charity Commissioners
  • On behalf of the Trustees liaise with the Trust Investment Managers and Accountants to ensure optimum performance and best value are achieved.
  • Exercise day to day trustee responsibility for 90 Trust Funds. Advise Trustees on parameters for the contribution the income may offer to Board budgets. Prepare financial statements for 12 Registered Charitable Trust funds for submission to Charity Commission.
  • Oversee the accuracy, cataloguing, accessibility and safekeeping of Trust Deeds, taking action to remedy gaps and inconsistencies and providing information and interpretation where necessary.

KEY ROLE E: Carry out such other tasks as deemed appropriate by the Director

Person Specification

1. Qualifications and Experience

The post holder will have experience at a senior level in one or more of the following areas:

  • Accountancy/Financial management - a recognised accountancy and/or business management qualification – preferably a chartered or certified accountant with at least 5 years post qualification
  • Schools/Academies business management - understanding of standard accounting procedures for schools and Academies
  • Trusts and Trusteeship
  • Public Sector funding, policy and administration
  • Business management and administration
  • Property and other asset management
  • Experience of the role of company director/secretary

In addition the post holder will have:

  1. Experience of planning and implementing strategy
  2. Experience of business planning and financial management
  3. Experience of managing financial data and intelligence to inform decision making
  4. Experience of project management
  5. Experience of line management and holding others to account to improve outcomes
  6. Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
  7. Knowledge and understanding of government policy and impact on schools, academies and Diocesan Boards of Education
  8. Experience of marketing, fund raising to maximise income generation
  9. Experience of the purchase and procurement of services
  10. Experience of the financial management of services e.g. consultants; service level agreements
  11. Experience of managing risk
  12. Experience of continually improving operational procedures to improve outcomes
  13. Experience of liaising with professionals e.g. Trust Investment Managers; Accountants; Bank Managers to secure optimum financial performance

Personal Competencies and Attribute

Whilst there is no formula, the following personal qualities would all contribute to a successful appointment:

  • Commitment to, and understanding of, Church schools.
  • ICT confident
  • Communication and interpersonal skills
  • Self-starter
  • Advocacy skills
  • Team working
  • A well developed sense of humour

General Terms of Employment

EmployerSALED Ltd

Probationary and

Notice Periods There is a 6 month probationary period during which one month’s notice applies. Following probation the appointment will be subject to three month’s notice in writing on either side.

SalaryThe salary band is £45,000 to £50,000. SALED Ltd offers a non-contributory pension scheme, once probation is completed, based on 15% of salary that can be increased by 3% if a matching 3% contribution is made by the employee.

Hours of WorkThe normal working week is 0830hrs to 1600hrs Monday to Friday with half an hour for lunch. There is no payment for overtime worked, but time off in lieu is granted for attendance at any meetings outside normal office hours.

HolidaysThe annual leave entitlement is 24 days plus 12 office closure days including Bank holidays, Easter and Christmas.

LocationThe Diocesan Education Centre, Wilton, will be the office base. There is a non smoking policy in the Diocesan Offices.

Travel ExpensesThese are paid up to an agreed limit on Diocesan scale.

Living and Working in Wiltshire

Living and working in Wiltshire

Where else in the UK will you find England’s first safari park, the highest concentration of prehistoric sites in Europe and the UK’s tallest cathedral spire? It’s got to be Wiltshire with the safari park at Longleat, the World Heritage sites of Stonehenge and Avebury and the cathedral spire in Salisbury!

Explore historic houses and gardens including Stourhead and Bowood, spot White Horse hill figures and shop ‘til you drop at the Swindon Designer Outlet and the vibrant city of Salisbury and discover some of Wiltshire’s Conservation Churches too.