1. Suffolk Association of Secondary Headteachers (SASH), Home based
2. £400 per day, plus travel and accommodation expenses.
3. Part-time – up to 80 days per year during term time only
4. Fixed term contract (reviewed annually)
5. Reference: 0577
About Suffolk Association of Secondary Headteachers (SASH)
‘Supporting Secondary Headteachers to lead world class education in Suffolk’
As an association, our main aim is to establish a school-led, sustainable self-improving system for Suffolk, to deliver the best learning environments for all children and young people in our schools. We do this by facilitating close collaboration between secondary schools and primary schools by working strategically with the local authority and other key partners.
SASH is the voice of Suffolk headteachers and has a central role influencing strategy, policy and planning school improvement in Suffolk.
SASH works closely with Suffolk Primary Headteachers Association (SPHA) and Suffolk’s Chief Executive Officer Network (CEON), together we support the strategic development of system leadership, school-led school improvement, teacher development and training, SLIN and several other local and national initiatives.
SASH Aims
6. To provide professional support for Headteachers and School Leaders with the aim of improving outcomes for young people in Suffolk
7. To form a cohesive professional learning community based on trust
To achieve these aims our objectives are:
8. to build coherent communications
9. to provide information and alerts
10. to share data for the express purpose of school improvement under agreed protocols
11. to provide shared CPD and leadership development
12. to provide support for new and existing headteachers
13. to actively promote partnership working in order to improve the attainment of young people.
The role
Primary responsibilities include:
14. representing the views of SASH to policy makers, senior officers and officials of relevant organisations
15. representing SASH at key, strategic meetings including Suffolk Learning & Improvement Network (SLIN), School to School Support Partnership, Raising the Bar Awards Judging Panel, Schools Co-ordination Group, Suffolk Safeguarding Board, Festival of Learning, Families of Schools data and other groups as required. Other key Local Authority, DfE, Regional Commissioners meetings, as required, to support the work of SASH and the Chair
16. maintaining and developing positive relationships with Suffolk LA, other headteacher organisations, including SPHA, CEON and the area’s Regional Commissioner
17. supporting the development of networks that will benefit the work of secondary Headteachers. across the Local Authorities in the Eastern Region
18. being a point of support for Heads and being able to provide confidential advice on matters of concern in including Ofsted, LA & DfE interventions
19. encouraging and securing new and returning SASH members, through induction events and conferences
20. keeping up to date with national developments by following, for example, the DFE, Ofsted, Ofqual, ASCL and NCTL and then disseminating information directly to Heads
21. leading CPD for Heads and senior leaders that provides timely, accessible information on current and pending matters of importance
22. maintaining and developing excellent communication with Heads by use of the SASH website, newsletters and social media
23. planning termly SASH Conferences taking into consideration the annual SASH Priorities and member’s needs. Sourcing relevant high quality speakers, sponsors and exhibitors
24. supporting Heads with the recruitment of staff by working with agencies, identifying trends in recruitment and exploring initiatives to recruit and retain teachers
25. other activities as required by the Executive Committee.
The person appointed will work closely with the SASH Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, Finance Officer/Executive Assistant as well as with the SASH Executive Committee, representatives from SPHA and the wider SASH community. The Executive Director attends all meetings of SASH Executive Committee.
Skills and Experience
In making the appointment of Executive Director, we see the following list of characteristics and experiences as essential:
26. Commitment to the aims and ethos of SASH as an organisation that represents all secondary Headteachers in schools across Suffolk
27. An established track record as a successful, secondary Headteacher
28. Strong inter-personal skills that will enable the development of positive relationships including with Heads requiring support and advice
29. A clear understanding of issues that face secondary Headteachers nationally and locally
30. Confident knowledge of key areas such as curriculum, examinations and assessment, finance
31. Ability to develop sound professional relationships with external agencies. the Local Authority, whilst critically holding the LA and its Officers to account on behalf of SASH Members
32. Experience of leading CPD both within school and, preferably, to a wider audience.
Renumeration
The Executive Director of SASH will work in the role of a consultant to our organisation and will be required to work for up to 80 days per annum (flexible working during term time). Contract to be reviewed annually.
The administrative work is supported by a Personal Assistant/SASH clerk, with a group of school leaders in addition to the Chair on the SASH Executive group. Currently the role is paid on a day rate of £400, plus travel and accommodation expenses.