Harris Institute Head of Apprenticeships in London

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

To lead the Harris Institute Apprenticeship division and provide strategic and operational leadership across the Harris Institute as part of the extended Senor Leadership Team.

The post-holder will actively recruit new schools and trusts to our Apprenticeship provision and ensure the Harris Institute training provider, apprentices and their leaders implement the mandatory requirements for their apprenticeship effectively by providing appropriate support to apprentices throughout their training and assessment. This role will report to the Harris Institute Senior Director responsible for the apprenticeships function.

WORKING WITH US

The founder and sponsor of the Harris Federation, Lord Harris of Peckham, opened our first school in 1990. We have, over the past thirty years, implemented ideas and initiatives that have transformed the opportunities of pupils from working class and disadvantaged backgrounds. Harris academies are widely recognised as a force for social mobility. We are immensely proud of the role that our alumni are now beginning to play in the world and of what we believe our current generation of pupils will go on to achieve.

We now have over 50 schools educating more than 40,000 young people across London and Essex, and employ over 5,000 staff across our academies and head office. With the majority of our academies located in areas of high socioeconomic disadvantage, a high-quality education is key to the futures of the pupils we serve.

As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.

Our work will impact many generations to come, and our staff come from all backgrounds and walks of life, coming together to inspire young minds. We promote an inclusive culture that embraces the valuable and enriching contribution that all of our community make. We continue to be proactive in uplifting and supporting all voices at Harris.

To discover more about our culture, ethos and what it is like to work here, visit the Why Work For Us page.

MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Leadership and Management

• Lead the design and implementation of the Harris Institute apprenticeship strategy.
• Lead on all Harris Institute apprenticeship programmes by providing clear direction and support to all coordinators, facilitators, tutors and administrators.
• Lead on the digital strategy ensuring effective relationship management of the online platform provider and Harris Institute contract holders, driving continuous improvement and user satisfaction.
• Lead on the business continuity plan, including regularly liaising with the Harris Institute finance team and central support on the annual Apprenticeship Finance handbook, quality assuring ILR submissions and PDSAT reporting, managing SLAs for external consultants and facilitators, assessing and eliminating risks and identifying efficiencies that deliver value for money.
• Line Management of the Apprenticeship Coordinator, Apprenticeship Administrators and SLA management of external consultants.
• Review and contribute to the writing and implementation of the required apprenticeship policies such as Safeguarding, Complaints, Health and Safety, PREVENT, Equality. Diversity and Inclusion, Whistleblowing, Academic Misconduct, Learner Code of Conduct.
• Safeguarding and general welfare of all learners and where necessary managing complaints.
• Ensure that records are maintained in line with contract requirements and GDPR and Cyber Security.
• Organise, attend and produce reports for the Apprenticeship Steering Group and Governance meetings.
• Represent and develop the Harris Institute brand across all professional development programmes and services.

Delivery

• Work closely with the Harris Institute teams to prepare and deliver the requirements of the Apprenticeship PD programmes.
• Provide training on Harris Institute apprenticeship systems, processes and quality standards to Harris Institute teams,
• Apprenticeship employers, Apprentices and other partners where required.
• In partnership with the Harris Institute Directors, deliver an apprenticeship offer that meets the needs of schools and trusts.
• Engage in effective marketing with our existing partners and wider networks to attract new school-based partnerships.
• Engage in effective communication with school networks, apprenticeship associations and peer review to drive innovation, share best practice and disseminate new knowledge to our wider teams
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with schools and trusts so that apprenticeships are considered a core part of their workforce strategy.
• Organise venues and resources and co-ordinate schools, staff and participants to deliver in-person and online training according to plans.
• Continuously improve the quality of curriculum and assessment materials and resources to support schools and participants.
• Oversee and report on the recruitment and onboarding process, programme delivery and support, and retention of all apprentices through assessment and completion.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• The ability to quality-assure delivery and programme experience across multiple programmes.
• The ability to manage and motivate a high-performing team.
• A pro-active, entrepreneurial approach and the ability to thrive in a start-up environment.
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
• Outstanding track record of development and delivery against tight timelines.
• A commitment to the aims of the Harris Institute
• An interest in the education sector and a belief in the value of teachers and school leaders
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills
• Proficient in the use of MS Office software packages, such as Word, Excel and Outlook, as well as search engines and online databases

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

Harris has a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level.

You will also have access to a variety of benefits, support programmes and initiatives including:

• Excellent opportunities for continuous professional development and career progression
• Annual loyalty bonus
• Pension scheme (Teachers' Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme) with generous employer contribution
• 26 days' annual leave (inclusive of our Christmas Eve closure day) plus bank holidays, rising to 27 days after 2 years' service, or equivalent for staff on term time contracts
• Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan including cover for routine and specialist healthcare
• Employee Assistance Programme for free and confidential advice
• Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme
• Wide range of shopping, leisure, and travel discounts
• 20% off at Tapi Carpets, exclusive to Harris employees
• Interest-free ICT and season ticket loans

For most non-teaching staff based at our Head Office in East Croydon, we also offer lifestyle friendly working arrangements including flexible start and end times, and hybrid working with two days from home and three days on site.

APPLYING FOR THIS POSITION

If you would like to discuss the opportunity further, or if you have any questions, please contact us via email to arrange a conversation.

Before applying please ensure you download the job pack from our careers website, this will help with completing your application. Please note that we only accept applications submitted online before the closing date.

When applying, you will have the option to import your CV or use a LinkedIn profile which will auto populate the online application.

A reminder to check your junk mail for our email communications and add us to your safe senders list to ensure all future email communication is received.

OUR VISION & VALUES

Our vision, from the start, has been to provide the structure and services needed for our schools to amount to more than the sum of their parts, and to free-up our teachers and leaders to focus on one thing and one thing only: the outstanding education of all their pupils. Our young people and communities are at the heart of everything we do. Our core mission has always been to close the educational gap between young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers. Our ambition is one where every child in London, no matter their background, has equal access to high quality education, giving them the same opportunities and potential to succeed.

We know there are many challenges facing our young people and the communities we serve, and that’s why we need determined people like you to help us tackle those inequalities. Whilst each of our academies has their own unique cultures and values; as a whole Federation, we have four core values which are central to successfully achieving our vision: Excellence, Collaboration, Support, and Innovation. We are proud of our values because they guide us in how we work allowing us to achieve the best possible outcomes for our young people, communities, and colleagues.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.

Equal Opportunities

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.