0.4 Part-Time – Flexible (14 Hours Per Week)
Home/Remote Working
Initial 2 Year Fixed Term Contract
Starting Salary: £22,000-£26,000 Pro Rata
28 Days Leave Pro Rata (plus Bank Holidays)
Closing Date: Monday 21st August at Midnight
The British Educational Leadership, Management and Administration Society (BELMAS) has celebrated over 50 years as an independent voice supporting quality education through effective leadership and management. Ideas and practice, and the relationship between them, are what interest us. Our members are a mixture of practitioners in schools, colleges and universities and working academics, encouraging a unique perspective which brings together the theoretical and the practical and encourages stimulating debate at our conferences and events.
BELMAS members work as school or college leaders and academic leadership and policy researchers mostly throughout the UK but also in 75 different countries around the world. We are united by a common interest in how research and evidence can inform and enhance practice.
The majority of our members are either school leaders or academics. Others work in leadership roles in local authorities and further education colleges or are research students. We actively welcome new members who share our interests and would like to join our community to research, share or disseminate knowledge and good practice.
BELMAS’s unique contribution is our ability to bring together practitioners and academics as well as representatives from all sectors of education in a context in which no particular interest is represented. Members generate and debate ideas that make a difference and discover, understand and disseminate good practice.
We aim to be a distinctive, independent and critical voice in the pursuit of quality education through effective leadership and management. We encourage and facilitate mutual support amongst our members in their research and practice through our annual and smaller conferences, publication of two journals devoted to leadership research and practice, interest groups with a range of foci, targeted small grants and links with fellow organisations.
I wanted to start by saying thank you for expressing an interest in BELMAS; we are delighted to present this opportunity to you and showcase why BELMAS is an incredible place to work.
We have been on a significant journey over the last 18 months that has seen us adopt a new Strategic Plan (what we do, and how we’re going to do it), change our legal status (from a charitable company to a charitable incorporated organisation) and bring in a host of new policies that aim to be supportive and rewarding for our members and our employees… We even give you an additional day off for your child’s first day at school!
In September 2022, we moved our employees to permanent remote working. This doesn’t suit everyone, but we provide substantial support and benefits to ensure we get the very best out of you. Please do read up on all of our employee benefits for details.
There are skills and experiences in this recruitment pack that we clearly ask for, but if you do not meet all of the criteria, please do not be put off from applying. What is important to us, and to me personally, is that we recruit good people who are keen to learn, develop and be part of a small team that supports each other.
I also want to use this opportunity to be honest about our challenges as an organisation, with my golden rule being “no surprises”. As we move through change and our Strategic Plan, there will be times when we have to try new things and jump in with two feet, with positivity, hope and as much supportive evidence as possible. Sometimes these things work, and other times they don’t – and that’s OK! At BELMAS we believe that with drive and creativity there should be room for error providing we learn from our mistakes and we all learn together; it’s the scholarship value engrained in the organisation.
BELMAS can also be a very busy place to work, particularly in June and the beginning of July for our Annual Conference, which was held in Belfast this year. We get through these times by working together, and there is largely a culture and expectation for everyone to “muck in” and support others To be successful here, you need to be a team player.
If this sounds like a bit of you, then we would love to hear from you. Everything you need to know is in this pack, but of course, if you do have any further questions, please contact me directly on ryan@belmas.org.uk . Hopefully we will speak to you very soon!
Ryan Beasley Executive Officer BELMASOur mission is to be the place where research meets practice in Educational Leadership, Management and Administration.
Our vision is to be an innovative, globally recognised and respected Learned Society for the development of Educational Leadership, Management and Administration.
Integrity: We are transparent, honest and hold ourselves and others to high standards
Scholarship: We are a global learning community that embraces difference of opinion
Social Justice: We are brave and equitable
Inclusion: We recognise many voices and celebrate diversity in all our work.
BELMAS is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and avoiding unlawful discrimination. We have an Equal Opportunities Policy that is intended to assist putting this commitment into practice. We are also committed to ensuring that the work environment is free of harassment and bullying and that everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
BELMAS is a small but effective team; while each of our employees have specific duties, they all support each other to ensure the job is done. Below is an organisation chart showing the key accountabilities of each employee in the organisation.
Responsible for: Delegated authority by the Board to deliver strategy and organisation KPIs, policy, employee matters and HR, and overall finance.
Responsible for: Finance data input, wages and pension, data production for management accounts, finance committee, digital filing of all HR matters including annual leave, new starter checklists.
Responsible for: Online engagement and website maintenance, admin support for research interest groups, membership events and membership renewals. Lead support for Awards, Bursaries & Grants.
Responsible for: Supporting the Membership Engagement Manager in the front-facing functions of the organisation including events, website and social media and any other activity directly working with our members.
Ryan Beasley Executive Officer
Nicola Mellor Membership Engagement Manager
Kelly Ruston Finance & HR Officer
Here at BELMAS we value our people. We strive to ensure you feel appreciated, valued and supported and believe as a company that offering great benefits is key to our success. Benefits help to attract and retain top talent, boost morale, energy and productivity and contributes to healthy and happy employees who without, we wouldn’t be able to operate successfully.
We’re pleased to be able to offer the following benefits package to all employees:
We want to keep you at BELMAS for as long as possible, and to help us achieve this we try to look after your future as well as your present. This is why BELMAS offer a sector leading double matched pension with AVIVA. Employees put in 5%, while the organisation puts in 10%.
This benefit includes outpatient cover, cancer cover, therapies including mental health, physiotherapy etc, with £0 excess fees. Coverage and claim eligibility is subject to BUPA’s policy terms and conditions.
In addition to Private Medical Insurance, BELMAS recognise that there are occasions when you may have ad hoc health costs, e.g. visiting the dentist. Employees are eligible to join the BUPA Health Care Cash Plan, which allows employees to claim up to a specific allowance for a number of health treatments/tests from dental to physio.
This benefit is designed to pay out a £50,000 lump sum to a person of choosing, in the event of an employee passing away. We hope that this doesn’t happen, however we want to ensure financial support is provided at an incredibly challenging time.
If you find yourself ill and signed off on long term sickness absence for longer than 13 weeks, we offer Group Income Protection with Canada Life. This consists of 65% salary paid for 3 years, however please note, this is subject to claim acceptance by Canada Life. This also includes Digital GP Service, Second Medical Opinion, Mental Health Support, Get Fit Programme, Nutrition Advice and Financial Guidance.
We work remotely and believe this offers positive work/life balance for our employees, but we do love to see our people too! So we will occasionally get together where possible for strategy days, board meetings, training or just to socialise. We promise to give plenty of notice so you can plan for this and will cover travel expenses. For any BELMAS related business, we will also cover any out-of-pocket expenses including breakfast, lunch and dinner which are all outlined within the Expense Policy.
We support all aspects of wellbeing but recognise that you know best more than anyone what helps you feel your best. We offer employees the option between the 2 below benefits, so that you can select a benefit right for you.
Option 1: Monthly membership to a fitness and wellbeing club with either Village Gyms or Virgin Active.
Option 2: A monthly wellbeing allowance of £40 to spend on anything that helps you to feel good, whether that’s life coaching, a spa treatment or yoga classes.
We recognise the importance of having access to learning, networks and support for your professional development but also to help you in your role. BELMAS will pay annual membership fees to a professional body, providing it contributes to your role at BELMAS.
We value the importance of social events for employees as a space for development, reward and wellbeing. This is why we provide funds for one fully-paid social event per year, which is usually held around Christmas and at the end of the financial year.
Alongside the Annual Employee Social, BELMAS will provide an additional day leave with a £50 voucher of your choice to spend with your children/family doing the things you love. We recognise that as a global organisation these roles can, from time to time, take you away from your families, and this is a demonstration of how we repay you for your hard work and commitment in these circumstances.
We believe everyone should have the opportunity to take parental leave regardless of gender and feels financially supported to do so. We offer 3 months full pay, followed by 3 months half pay for all parents following the birth or adoption of their child
• A smooth onboarding experience from offer to day one, this will include completing background checks, letting you know of any significant business changes and just checking in to tell you how excited we are to have you on board and answer any questions you may have.
• A Contract of Employment and Employee Handbook sent to you via email setting out our policies, ways of working, benefits and support.
• An introduction email from your onboarding buddy who will be on hand to help you settle in once you join the team.
• Details of your first day at BELMAS. This will include start date, location for initial meetings and what your first week will look like.
• Any essential equipment ordered and delivered to you before day one.
• Email and phone system set up before you start so you’re ready to go!
• Informal virtual conversation with your manager to ensure we understand any additional needs and or support needed.
• Finally, a warm welcome to the BELMAS Team over a beverage! (Virtual Coffee)
• Enthusiasm to get started.
• Openness and honesty about any additional needs or support you may need, to help you be your best in your new role.
• Be ready to embrace the values of the organisation and learn about who we are and how we serve our members.
• Complete new starter forms and provide information needed for background screening promptly to avoid any delay in your start date.
During your first week at BELMAS, you can expect the following:
• Opportunities to get to know the team in both team meetings and on a 1-2-1 basis.
• As you will work from home full time, we will share how this works in practice and how we work effectively in our roles day to day and collaborate as a team.
• An in person three-day induction at a venue nearby to where you are based (details of this will be given with plenty of notice).
• A run through your job description and our “be at your best” plan to set you up for success.
• Plenty of reading to get you up to speed before the real work starts!
• A meeting with your onboarding buddy for a virtual coffee. Your onboarding buddy will be a current member of the team who isn’t your line manager. They will be on hand to help you settle in, navigate the way we work, answer any questions and to learn more about the team culture.
The Membership Engagement Administrator role has been developed to support one of our key Strategic Themes: to grow the UK and International membership. This means that the person appointed to the position will play a vital part of BELMAS’ success over the coming years.
The role itself is varied, but we believe that many skills can be taught What we really need is someone self-sufficient, keen to learn and, most importantly, able to organise many projects at the same time.
The role will administratively support all front membership facing activities – if members see it, you will probably be involved! This will vary from organising online meetings and events, to booking facilities for in-person ones and ensuring everything is well organised, advertised and that all post-event data is collected.
The role is line managed by the Membership Engagement Manager, who will provide support through the “Be At Your Best” Plan and monthly one-to-ones.
BELMAS usual working hours are 35 per week based on a full-time employee.
In the last six months, BELMAS has launched its new flexible working policy which means we are able to be as accommodating as possible to ensure our employees have the right work/life balance.
However, as a globally active learned society, from time-to-time, you can expect to support events held online in the evening as we cater for our members across the world.
While this is a 0.4 role, this can be split across two to four days of the week. We will also consider this role for term-time only
Of course, there are busy and important times in the year which we expect you to be present, for example our Conference, which is spread over three days and includes an overnight stay, or our Strategic Away Day, usually held in the first week of December.
If you have any questions regarding the working hours, please contact the Executive Officer directly for an informal and confidential conversation.
To administratively support BELMAS’ digital and physical membership engagement activities.
Support the administration of membership events including Research Interest Groups (RIGS), Conferences, and other ad hoc events by:
• Organising online meetings via Microsoft Teams or Zoom
• Ensuring joining instructions are sent out in a timely and accurate manner
• Booking facilities such as meeting rooms, lunch and refreshments and travel and accommodation where appropriate.
• Keeping to budget for the event set by the budget holder.
• Supporting members by attending in-person events arranged by BELMAS.
• Keeping accurate post-event records such as attendees of both in-person and online activities.
• Support social media activities ensuring that timely, accurate content is published as part of the wider marketing plans.
• Update membership engagement areas of the website as directed by the Membership Engagement Manager.
• Create in-brand digital designs using the Adobe Creative Suite for the website and social media.
• Help ensure all administrative work is fully compliant with BELMAS policy, legislation, within our insurance policies and GDPR
• Undertake any organisation administrative support duties such as minuting meetings
• Be enthusiastic advocates for BELMAS and the organisation’s values.
• To actively engage in Membership activities of all kinds as required.
• Be administratively self-supporting.
• Maintain own professional networks within BELMAS and the wider field.
• May be required to work some weekends and evenings.
• Undertake any other duties and responsibilities as required.
If you do not meet all the criteria, please do not be put off from applying as we would still love to hear from you. We don’t just use this as a scoring mechanism, we use this to understand you more and see where we may need to support you if you are successful.
Each point is listed as E (Essential) or D (Desirable).
Item E/D
Qualifications Ongoing evidence of continued personal development (CPD)
Educated to a degree level
(We ask this so that you understand the culture of BELMAS and working with our members, but this is not essential, so please don’t panic if you do not meet this criteria)
Experience Working in a faced-paced administration role or environment
Managing multiple projects at any one time
Working experience of Microsoft Teams and/or Zoom
Experience working with, administering, coordinating or managing multi-scale (small and large) online and in-person events
High standard of written English
Understanding of GDPR
Able to communicate clearly and confidently using a range of channels
An understanding of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop/In-Design)
(Don’t panic if you do not have any knowledge or experience in this area as we can provide training. This is not essential)
An understanding of how Charities, Membership Organisations or Learned Societies operate
(We ask this because any previous knowledge will help you navigate the culture of BELMAS. However, this is not essential, and we will help you get up to speed)
Behaviours
Excellent interpersonal skills and a sense of diplomacy
Commitment to being a team player
Strong commitment to, and understanding of, the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion Comfortable in a membership-led democratic organisation
To apply, please write a cover letter addressed to Nicola Mellor, Membership Engagement Manager, outlining how you meet the person specification above.
If it’s easier to create headings of each point, please do, as this is what we will score you against. Your cover letter should be no more than two sides of A4, although we will not penalise you if it is slightly over.
Please submit your cover letter and a copy of your CV on our website here.
Please ensure you submit this by 12 noon on Monday 21st August 2023. Any applications received after this will not be accepted.
We want to ensure that we are eliminating any unconscious bias and are reading applications solely on skill, knowledge and behaviours, and therefore ask that your cover letter does NOT include any of the following:
1. Your age or date of birth
2. Your ethnicity
3. Your gender
4. Your nationality
5. Your picture
6. Your sexual orientation
These can appear within your CV as we will only review these once shortlisting has taken place. All cover letter applications will be anonymised by a person not on the panel.
We guarantee interviews to applicants with a disability who successfully evidence the essential criteria on the person specification.
If you are successful, we will invite you to interview with us. As we work remotely, these interviews will be held online on Tuesday 29th August 2023.
Interviews will be conducted by:
Nicola Mellor, Membership Engagement Manager (Chair) Ryan Beasley, Executive OfficerBELMAS Trustee TBC
We don’t expect you to work and act without preparation, reading and evidence, so we don’t intend to interview you that way. With that in mind and in the interest of inclusivity towards our neurodiverse applicants, we commit to sending all the questions to you the day before the interviews.
The interview will consist of questions relating to you, your experience and your learning and development. Please be assured that none of the questions are designed to catch you out –they are there so we can get to know you!
While we encourage our employees to look ‘presentable’, we do not wear formal suits to work, and therefore we do not expect you to wear one to our interviews.
We celebrate bringing your full self to work and believe this encourages individuality. In some cases, this celebrates diversity when applicants feel comfortable to wear their own cultural clothing, and we welcome this in our interviews.
We really want to get the very best out of you so we can make the right decision in appointment, and we believe that outdated interviewing practices do not achieve this.
We will look to make a decision on the same day as interviews, and for you to start with us as soon as possible.
