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- Tasks: Lead the Portsmouth Education Partnership to enhance educational outcomes for children and young people.
- Company: Join a collaborative network focused on improving education in Portsmouth since 2016.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time role with a competitive day rate, plus opportunities for impactful community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while working with passionate partners in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in education with a proven track record of successful transformation.
- Other info: Contract for up to 15 days per academic year; interviews via MS Teams.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
The Portsmouth Education Partnership (PEP) is seeking to appoint a part-time Independent Chair, over a two-year period initially, in order to provide supportive leadership for continued education improvement in Portsmouth and build on the legacy of the Priority Education Investment Area (PEIA) programme.
Background
The Portsmouth Education Partnership was established in November 2016 as a vehicle through which Multi Academy Trusts, schools, academies, early years settings and post-16 providers in Portsmouth could collaborate to secure faster improvement of attainment and progress for children and young people. The Board oversees the delivery of a three-year strategy which is currently in place for 2023 to 2026 with seven key priorities.
The role
We want to build on what the Partnership has achieved so far and the commitment that schools, MATs and other stakeholders have shown in getting behind ‘team Portsmouth’, taking collective action to address the priorities that matter to us all. We want to appoint an Independent Chair for a minimum length of two years to drive forward the work of the PEP and implementation of the current strategy and the development of a new three-year strategy 2026 - 2029. Specifically, the Chair will:
- Chair the PEP Strategic Board which meets on a termly basis, allocating additional time for the preparation of those meetings, supported by officers from the council.
- Proactively work with key partners in the city, notably Multi Academy Trusts, the Local Authority and the DfE Regional Director to support the drive to improve outcomes for children and young people.
- Ensure that the PEP has a clear strategy for recovery and school improvement and a system for measuring progress and sharing good practice ensuring available support is appropriately co-ordinated, targeted and utilised.
- Host an annual event to celebrate success and forward plan.
- Attend Headteacher briefings as and when necessary to help with key messages and implementation of the PEP priorities.
- Attend three termly meetings of the Council’s Health and Wellbeing Board.
In order to cover this work, we aim to agree a contract for up to 15 days each academic year. The day rate would be negotiated with the successful applicant.
The person
We are looking for a person with senior leadership experience in the education sector that can demonstrate successful experience of educational transformation which has had a positive impact on schools and outcomes for children and young people, whether as part of a Multi Academy Trust, a Local Authority or as a cluster of schools. Candidates will need to have an in-depth understanding and knowledge of the complex educational landscape we are now working in and demonstrate evidence of how they have delivered success in spite of the complexity and challenges. Partnership working is critical to this role and the candidate will need to be able to demonstrate strong influencing, negotiating and collaborative skills. An understanding and commitment to inclusion is a crucial dimension to the role building on the excellent work that has taken place in the city to ensure we have an inclusive education system that puts children at the heart of the system and ensures no school or any other educational setting is left behind.
Independent Chair - Portsmouth Education Partnership employer: Portsmouth City Council
Contact Detail:
Portsmouth City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Independent Chair - Portsmouth Education Partnership
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Portsmouth Education Partnership's current strategy and key priorities. Understanding their goals will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their vision during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current and former members of the PEP or similar educational partnerships. Engaging in conversations can provide insights into the role and expectations, which can be invaluable during your informal discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your leadership experience in educational transformation. Highlighting measurable outcomes from your past roles will demonstrate your capability to drive improvement effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your collaborative skills by thinking about how you would engage with various stakeholders in Portsmouth. Be ready to share ideas on fostering partnerships that enhance educational outcomes for children and young people.
We think you need these skills to ace Independent Chair - Portsmouth Education Partnership
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Independent Chair position. Familiarise yourself with the Portsmouth Education Partnership's goals and current strategies.
Tailor Your Application: In your application, specifically address how your experience aligns with the requirements outlined in the job description. Highlight your senior leadership experience and any successful educational transformations you've led.
Be Concise and Relevant: Since you have a two-page limit, be concise. Focus on the most relevant experiences and skills that demonstrate your suitability for the role. Use bullet points where appropriate to enhance readability.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership roles in the education sector. Highlight specific examples where you have successfully driven educational transformation and improved outcomes for students.
✨Understand the Local Educational Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current challenges and opportunities within Portsmouth's educational system. Demonstrating your knowledge of local Multi Academy Trusts and partnerships will show your commitment to the role.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since partnership working is crucial, be ready to provide examples of how you've effectively collaborated with various stakeholders. Discuss your influencing and negotiating skills, and how they have led to successful outcomes.
✨Commitment to Inclusion
Articulate your understanding of inclusion in education. Share your vision for ensuring that all schools and educational settings are supported, and how you plan to put children at the heart of the educational system.
