Deputy CEO with responsibility for School Improvement

Derby Diocesan Academy Trust (DDAT) is a Multi Academy Trust that comprises of thirty-two schools, including primary, infant, junior, secondary and nursery provision, across Derbyshire and within Derby City. Established in 2014 by the Diocese of Derby, DDAT is committed to providing high quality education for all children in their academies based on clearly established Christian values and principles. With a healthy pipeline of schools who are in the process of joining the Trust, the Deputy CEO with responsibility for School Improvement will play a pivotal role in the next stage of the Trust’s development.

Due to the retirement of the current post-holder, DDAT Trustees are seeking to recruit a professional who will provide highly effective leadership and can support the CEO to ensure the best outcomes for the communities we serve as well as sustainable growth. The successful candidate will already have considerable experience at a senior level both strategically and operationally, with a proven track record of successfully supporting schools to improve and building strong professional relationships and partnerships with both internal and external stakeholders.

The school improvement team at DDAT is comprised of professionals who have had significant impact on our family of schools, many of which have made significant gains as evidenced through inspection and pupil outcomes. The successful candidate will be a driven and ambitious leader who will empower others within the Trust and will be able to build on our comprehensive training offer to ensure that DDAT is an employer of choice. Working closely with our Headteachers, Governance and the DDAT Central Team you will support our communities, pupils, staff and leaders to flourish and excel. It is essential that the successful candidate can demonstrate they will embrace the vision, values, and ethos of DDAT.

As well as an alignment with our vision, values and ethos, the successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Substantial leadership and management experience at headteacher or similar level and has the ability to work in a team that sets itself and schools high standards based on Christian values and principles, sometimes in challenging circumstances.
• Experience of effectively managing a complex and varied workload.
• Familiarity with managing good business practices – business planning, compliance, risk management, quality assurance and governance.
• Current/recent HMI or Ofsted Inspector experience.
• Successful track record of bringing about school improvement in terms of strategic planning, growth, and financial management.
• Involvement and impact on business growth and acquired successful bids/grants.
• Capacity to contribute to the ambition we have for all our schools to become outstanding.
• An understanding of good governance and the ability to work successfully with a Board of Trustees.
• The ability to support, challenge, and work in collaboration with senior colleagues and executive teams whilst displaying empathy and purpose.
• A highly effective and resilient leader, with a passion for developing others.

In return, DDAT will offer you:

• Support from an experienced CEO to ensure the post-holder receives the necessary professional development to be successful in the role, and have impact across the Trust
• Opportunity to lead a team of school improvement officers with substantial and current experience of inspection and adding value to our schools
• An opportunity to work as part of a supportive wider team.
• A competitive salary and LGPS pension contributions.
• Benefits including but not limited to; Free onsite parking at Bakewell Head Office, Cycle to Work Scheme, free eye tests and a contribution towards a pair of glasses for employees using VDU’s, Employee Assistant Programme & an opportunity to work flexibly.

Application information

To apply for this position, please complete a DDAT application form and submit it to HR@ddat.org.uk by the closing date.

If you would like to arrange an informal discussion with the CEO, Dr Sarah Clark, about this post, please email HR@ddat.org.uk in the first instance.

Discussions: 8th and 12th January

Closing Date: Sunday, Midnight Sunday 21st January 2024

Potential Interview Date: Wednesday 7th and Thursday 8th February 2024