The key purpose of the Director of Education’s role is to promote and manage the educational work of the Archdiocese by providing effective leadership and direction to the Education Service in the development and implementation of a strategy and on-going management of the team, which delivers on the Archbishop’s core principles of Catholic education. 

Director of Education

JOB PROFILE:  Diocesan Schools Commissioner (DSC) / Director of Education

LOCATION: Curial at Central London (SE1), Education Service at Orpington office plus travel within the Archdiocese.

REPORTING TO:​ Episcopal Vicar for Education and the Chief Operating Officer (COO).

JOB PURPOSE:​ The key purpose of the Diocesan Schools Commissioner role is to act on behalf of the archbishop, who holds canonical responsibility for the provision of all Catholic education within the diocese. The person will lead the Education Service in the diocese to support the schools and colleges and ensure they are conducted in accordance with the teaching and disciplines of the Catholic Church and establishing the strategic direction of the service. This is a senior role within the Archdiocese and as such is expected to work collaboratively and flexibly with all other senior managers within the Archdiocese to meet the requirements of the archbishop and support the diocesan strategy.

LEAVE:​ 34 days, including the 8 statutory bank holidays.

Full Job Description and details

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Please note that this list is not exhaustive:

The Director is responsible to the Episcopal Vicar for Education regarding canonical oversight and Chief Operating Officer for:

Canonical Responsibilities

• Implement the Archbishop’s responsibilities in Canon law especially those of curriculum content, supervision, visitation and inspection of Catholic schools.
• Implement the Archbishop’s vision for education in the Archdiocese.
• Operating within the trust deeds of the Archdiocese.
• Report regularly to the Education Committee and direct to the Archbishop where necessary.
• Complete reports to contribute to Diocesan quinquennial visits.
• Ensuring that there are sufficient and suitable places in Catholic schools and colleges where they are needed.
• Ensure school admission policies are compatible with the provision of Catholic education.

 

Strategy

• Developing and implementing the education strategy of the Archdiocese, including the Academisation of Southwark’s Catholic Schools.
• The strategic development, promotion and effectiveness of Catholic education in the Archdiocese.
• Ensuring the quality of provision and standards of Catholic life, Religious Education and Collective Worship in the schools and colleges.
• Developing processes for close working and scrutiny of archdiocesan Catholic Academy Trusts.
• Ensuring the recruitment, formation and induction of future and current Catholic school leaders.
• Ensuring effective delivery in the Archdiocese of the national Catholic Schools Inspection process.
• Overseeing the recruitment and training of Academy Directors and Foundation Governors.
• Providing support and challenge as required to those delivering the Diocesan vision in schools and colleges e.g. CEOs and HTs.
• Preparing, presenting and implementing an agreed annual budget and working within that budget during each financial year.
• Incorporate into the strategy, changes in current education legislation, policy and practice, including inspection identifying opportunities, risks and challenges appropriately.

Operational

• Monitoring and maintaining the efficiency and effectiveness of the Education Service.
• Promoting safeguarding and health and safety matters as required
• Developing a strong, effective and efficient team including skills reviews, staff appraisal and development.
• Implementing effective communication systems including social media and press relations
• Liaising with other Diocesan agencies and departments as appropriate.
• The provision of accurate and regular management information about key performance indicators in education within the Archdiocese and the impact of changes, trends, etc on the strategy
• Supporting the appropriate provision of school chaplaincy.
• Ensuring all legal requirements on schools are met where under the administration of the Diocese.

National

• Safeguarding and promoting the interests of the schools and colleges of the Archdiocese.
• Engaging positively with other dioceses, Religious Orders and the Catholic Education Service.
• Developing a good working relationship and liaison with public bodies including the DfE and its departmental staff, Ofsted, London Councils Association, local authorities, professional associations and other national and local bodies as required.
• Ensuring appropriate representation on LA committees and forums.
• Representing the Archdiocese externally, as agreed with the Episcopal Vicar for Education and COO.
• Contributing to the wider work of the Archdiocese and Catholic Church in England and Wales.
• Acting at all times as an ambassador for the Archdiocese.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates must complete an application form.
To request a copy, please email: recruitment@rcaos.org.uk

Please note: Applications submitted with only a CV and covering letter will not be accepted.

Closing date: 15 September. Interviews will take place on 29 September