Applicant Information Pack
Director of Sport
A
foreword from our Principal and Chief People Officer
Berkhamsted has led the way in pursuing a ‘foundation structure’ As a group of six schools, it combines scale of resource with individual attention and development of pupils – and staff We start with our values: we aim for excellence – aiming high with integrity –in all that we do. We are ‘adventurous’, and support development, research, and experimentation in teaching and learning. We ‘ serve others’ – at both pupil and staff level: ours is a non-hierarchical school in which the opinions of all matter, and in which we all share in the support and contribution to our local community.
Above all, we are committed to developing remarkable people, both our pupils and our staff We are looking for highly committed, ambitious and adventurous people to join a thriving staff body, whom we can support to flourish here, and whom we can help to grow. Our staff are so important that we have a Chief People Officer as one of our most senior members of staff
Evans - Chief People OfficerOur staff are our biggest asset at Berkhamsted, and so investing in not only their professional development but also their wellbeing, is a key priority. We foster a working environment that supports staff both professionally and personally We offer a wide range of staff wellbeing initiatives Colleagues can easily access financial, physical, emotional and social well-being support from school.
We seek to enable all members of the school community to achieve their full potential in an environment characterised by equality respect and opportunity. We work hard at Berkhamsted, but we also know how to come together as a community and enjoy downtime, building relationships which simply last a lifetime.
Richard Backhouse - Principal
Tracey
History of Berkhamsted Schools Group
Berkhamsted School is situated in the historic Hertfordshire town of Berkhamsted, a prosperous community surrounded by Chiltern countryside and within easy reach of London. With Her Majesty the Queen as the School’s patron, Berkhamsted is a leading Independent School for pupils aged 3 to 18 years, the foundation of which dates back to 1541 (when John Incent, the Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral, successfully applied to King Henry the VIII for a license to purchase a piece of land for a ‘freescole’)
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In 1888 a Girls School was founded in Berkhamsted under the same governing body, and the Boys’ and Girls’ Schools merged to form a diamond school in 1997. The Prep School was also integrated at this stage, and the School became Berkhamsted Collegiate School
In 2011 the School merged with Heatherton House, a small independent day School for girls in Chesham Bois, and became the Berkhamsted Schools Group. Operating as a satellite Prep School, Heatherton provides a feed of Girls to the Berkhamsted Girls School every year. In 2012 Berkhamsted Schools Group acquired Haresfoot, a small proprietary prep school in Berkhamsted. This site now houses the Berkhamsted Pre-Prep and Berkhamsted Day Nursery Limited, and Berkhamsted Prep takes children from age 7-11.
Berkhamsted is the only School in the Herts, Beds and Bucks region, and one of only a small number of Schools in the country, to offer a ‘diamond’ structure that combines the best of both single-sex and co-educational teaching Boys and Girls are taught together until the age of 11 (Berkhamsted Pre-Prep and Prep), separately from the age of 11-16 (Berkhamsted Boys and Berkhamsted Girls), before coming back together again in a joint sixth form (Berkhamsted Sixth).
Berkhamsted Schools Group Sports Department focuses on sport for all. Our programme includes maximum opportunities to engage in sport, physical activity, and exercise at the appropriate level for each pupil We are regular national finalists in our top performing sports across all age groups, including National Championship titles in Eton Fives, Football, Lacrosse, Netball, Rugby, Tennis. Additionally, we have pupils reaching county, regional, national and international representation across our 13 competitive sports.
Job Description
Purpose:
The Director of Sport will be responsible for the overall strategy, leadership and management of the Sports Programme (External) and the line management of the Assistant Director of Sport, Heads of Sport, Head of Prep Sport and Physical Education Department. The role will work closely with other school colleagues on a professional level to establish and maintain productive relationships, and ensure an appropriate balance of pupils’ timetable loading.
Hoursofwork:830am-5pmMondaytoFriday,allyearround
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Operational and Strategic
Provide inspirational leadership and development for all areas of sporting activity, including coaching, operations and facilities management.
Prepare a Sports and Facility Development Plan in line with agreed strategy.
Continue to develop and improve the whole school pathway in sport by working closely with the Head of Pre-Prep & Head of Prep Sport.
Develop and embed a programme of sporting excellence that will enhance and improve Berkhamsted School’s local, national and international reputation for sport, making it an attractive choice for boys and girls with strong sporting ability
Ensure provision of programmes to cater appropriately for all levels of ability, and to support the development of individual talent.
Ensure the provision of appropriate sports and activity programmes geared at maximum engagement for all pupils in games sessions and other recreational sports activities. Ensure that all teams in all sports play an appropriate number of quality fixtures.
Job Description
Hoursofwork:830am-5pmMondaytoFriday,allyearround
Produce the Sports Tour Schedule (10 year plan). In partnership with Heads of Sport ensure that pupils are provided with regular opportunities to tour. Ensure that the standards of kit and equipment are in line with expectation and promotes the Berkhamsted School brand. Oversee Sports Scholars’ selection and develop an effective Sports Scholarship programme. Work with the Heads of Sport to enable the school to be competitive at Regional and National level Work closely with the Marketing Department, actively contributing to marketing and pupil recruitment, encouraging links with partner agencies and Feeder Schools.
Management
Ensure appropriate articles are written for publications and e-communication as agreed with the Marketing Department Promote and publicise the schools sporting aims/ethos and policies internally and externally; including responsibility for the sports section of The Berkhamstedian Publication. Work closely with the School Nurse & Health & Safety Officer to ensure that the provision of medical support, including physiotherapy is appropriate within the school community and during matches. Maintain and develop further links with community clubs and external sporting bodies. Provide inspirational leadership to both pupils and staff promoting excellence and maximising participation.
Have direct line management of the Assistant Director of Sport, Heads of Sport & Head of Prep Sport.
Job Description
Ensure that sports risk assessments are completed, and that Health & Safety standards are monitored and maintained
Hoursofwork:830am-5pmMondaytoFriday,allyearround
Manage the department and sports hospitality budget Produce and oversee an on-going plan to include major/minor funding for equipment and facilities alongside the Chief Operating Officer. Chair Head of Sports’ Department Meetings and attend and contribute to Head of Department, Staff and Senior Management meetings as requested. Represent the school at external meetings and conferences e.g. HMC/GSA, Haileybury Group meetings.
Monitor and develop the standard of teaching and learning/quality of coaching within the department
Manage departmental appraisal system and department bar point applications in accordance with school policy.
Responsible for the professional welfare and development of the PE & Games department. Liaise with Commercial & Operations Manager, Commercial Services, HR, catering and facilities management as required.
Liaise with school grounds staff and KJSC Manager to ensure that all sports facilities are suitably prepared, maintained and timetabled.
Take responsibility for the appointment of all new department staff, GTA’s, external coaches Oversee and implement the induction of all new department staff Ensure that the Deputy Head Co-curricular, Heads of School and Principal have regular information on all the school’s sports activities. Collate governor ’ s reports from Heads of Sport and produce Governor’s report as required.
Oversee colours & reward system ensuring that pupils are recognised for their achievements in sport.
Hoursofwork:830am-5pmMondaytoFriday,allyearround Job Description Organise the end of term Sports Assemblies & the Annual Sporting Celebration evening, liaising with the PE Department concerning termly and annual awards. Field internal & external complaints/grievances from parents, pupils and staff Responsible for the sports section of The Berkhamstedian Publication. Teach Physical Education and games lessons and coach sports teams Perform duties within the School’s policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with the Health and Safety Policy and the School’s Child Protection procedures. Undertake such other tasks as commensurate with the role level and pay grade A recognised teaching qualification An appropriate degree in Sport, enabling the teaching of Physical Education. Demonstrable experience of working at management level Proven track record of developing and managing successful sports programmes Experience of working with Sport and Physical Education in schools. Experience of working with children of a wide ability range Experience of enhancing development of skills and talent. Other Person Specification ESSENTIAL Qualifications: Experience:
Hoursofwork:830am-5pmMondaytoFriday,allyearround Job Description Leadership, coaching & management skills A team player and the ability to work flexibly with a range of stakeholders Ability to lead and inspire pupils of all ages and levels Excellent communication skills Excellent interpersonal skills Excellent organisational skills Ability to prioritise workload and comply with tight deadlines Professional manner Results driven Desire for continual development and improvement, ensuring excellent in sports Collaborative approach Shared responsibility approach Positive “ can do” attitude Resilient Personable and approachable A willingness to enter into the spirit of the school, and contribute to the wider life and work of the school Committed to safeguarding Experience of operating at Director of Sport level Skills: Attitudes and approach: DESIRABLE
BenefitsBenefits
We boast a competitive salary structure, alongside other benefits, which includes access to a comprehensive pension scheme
The wellbeing of our staff is a priority. We have a developed programme for staff with initiatives and support in the areas of Economic, Physical, Emotional and Social wellbeing.
Free classes and advisory services. memberships and discounted rates in local establishments, together with cycle to work scheme, free on-site parking, free daily lunch, and fee reduction for staff's children are examples of some of the non-contractual benefits on offer in this programme.
Watch our video
Watch our video and hear from our colleagues why they enjoy working at the Berkhamsted Schools Group. Find out more about what it is really like to be a member of the community.
BenefitsSafeguarding and Child Protection
Berkhamsted is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and visitors to adopt a child centred and coordinated approach to child protection and safeguarding.
A copy of the School’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy can be found HERE
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and visitors to adopt a child centred and coordinated approach to child protection and safeguarding. Berkhamsted Schools Group is a registered charity dedicated to education: 310630.
Application and Next Steps
The closing date for applications is 24 January 2023 Interview date - 1 February 2023
It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children; applicants must be willing to undertake a number of safeguarding checks including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring (DBS) This post is also subject to receipt of written references which must be satisfactory to Berkhamsted Schools Group along with documentary evidence of qualifications.
Successful applicants will need to provide confirmation of permission to work in the UK Please note that under the Immigration Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, the school has an obligation to ensure applicants have the right to work in the UK prior to commencement of employment. (If it is found that those documents do not meet the legal requirement, an offer of employment will be withdrawn)
Where the successful candidate has worked or been a resident overseas in the previous five years, such checks and confirmations as the school may require in accordance with statutory guidance
We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and we are determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race.
Candidates with a disability who are invited to interview should inform the School of any necessary reasonable adjustments or arrangements to assist them in attending the interview.
If you have any questions relating to this role please contact the HR department at recruitment@berkhamsted.com
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