AN INDEPENDENT CO-EDUCATIONAL DAY AND BOARDING SCHOOL FOR PUPILS AGED 7 TO 18 IN THE HEART OF SURREY
Premises Manager
Information for prospective staff
About Freemen's
Our
mission is to
inspire our people to learn, to lead and to make a difference.
We believe that if we can motivate pupils and staff to always give their best, the School will continue to grow and thrive. Community engagement and our impact on the world beyond our walls are at the forefront of everything we do at Freemen’s.
The School was founded in Brixton in 1854 to provide an education for the orphaned children of Freemen of the City of London before moving to the present site, Ashtead Park, in 1926. We have a magnificent site with modern buildings alongside the original Main House set in a stunning 57 acres of parkland. This idyllic setting further supports the wellbeing of our students and staff, as being here, in the park, makes coming to work a pleasure. It looks striking in every season and we are lucky to have a vast array of wildlife living in our woods.
Today, Freemen’s is an independent day and boarding school for students aged 7-18, with a strong ethos of community and service in accordance with the values on which the School
was founded. We are proudly co-educational and have been since 1854, which was radical at the time, and we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible with our forward-thinking, progressive approach.
You can expect stellar exam results and academic excellence, but that’s not all. The focus within the School is on every individual finding a path which is appropriate for them, be that in the classroom, on a sports pitch or in one of the many co-curricular activities we encourage our young people to throw themselves into. Our mission is built upon four pillars of the Freemen’s education: pastoral support, House activities, academic achievement, and our varied cocurricular programme (including sport) to ensure every student realises their potential to be able to learn, lead and make a difference. Freemen’s is a place where students are keen to learn and eager to engage in the wider aspects of life at our School.
Teachers at Freemen's embody our principles for excellent classroom practice, offering innovative and forward-thinking approaches, enabling us to be a beacon of learning and teaching. We take risks in the pursuit of excellence by being brave and radical, willing to challenge the status quo. Through our 1-1 iPad programme, we
About Freemen's
aim to create discerning users of technology, so that staff and students can thrive in the modern dynamic world. We do all of this, in an environment where staff feel supported, by investing in life-long learning through research-led enquiry and building learning communities. The emphasis in the Junior School is on Kindness, Honesty and Fun and the Senior School picks up that message with a pastoral programme that emphasizes the importance of a strong, supportive community in which every member, staff and student, feels respected, supported and valued. As a result, we are able to support our young people to successfully navigate the tests of life they face every day.
The School is one of four independent schools managed by the City of London Corporation (The City). The City provides financial support in the form of bursaries and scholarships. Other links with the City of London and the Livery Companies are strong, which presents opportunities for staff to attend events at Guildhall and elsewhere in the City, as well as the possibility of gaining the honour of the Freedom of the City of London.
Transport links are good; the School is a mile from Ashtead station with regular services to Epsom and London and south to Leatherhead and Guildford. The M25 junction 9 is a sevenminute drive from the School.
Operations Department
Operations at Freemen’s
The Operations team is diverse and multifaceted, consisting of maintenance, Grounds and Commercial departments, with contracted services provided for Catering and Soft/Hard Services. The role holder will work closely with the Head of Grounds and Gardens and the City Surveyors Team to ensure the physical aspects of the site are maintained to a high standard in line with Health and Safety requirements.
The 57-acre Freemen’s estate at Ashtead Park has a broad breadth of facilities with a range of buildings including a Grade II* listed manor house, music recital hall, award winning swimming pool, theatre and beautiful grounds and sporting facilities.
"This friendly, grounded and well-run school takes the pressure off getting academically bright young things into senior schools and seems to a knack of making challenging work seem fun."e Good Schools Guide
Information about the role
Reporting to:-
Director of Estates and Operations
Purpose of Post
• To be responsible for all aspects of the School’s facilities, services, management and staff to ensure the safety and security of the School buildings at all times, whilst focussing on quality of service delivery and ensuring best practice.
• To support and lead the management of all Hard Services including Asset Management across M&E plant, Buildings & Equipment and PPM scheduling.
• To facilitate the School’s maintenance and minor works programme using the Corporation’s contractors in close liaison with the City Surveyor’s Department.
• To manage the Facilities Team so that the School site and residential properties used by the School are maintained to the highest standards possible, To be responsible for the delivery and maintenance of the FM Helpdesk (ServiceDesk) and systems.
• In cooperation with the Director of Estates and Operations manage the security of the site, including CCTV and access control.
• To undertake emergency out-of-hours call-out services when necessary.
Main duties and responsibilities
Manage
• Line manage the Maintenance team and set appropriate duties, work programmes and training regimes.
• Conduct recruitment and appraisals in accordance with the City’s processes and deal with welfare, first-line discipline and other appropriate management responsibilities for the staff and posts managed.
Facilities Maintenance
• To contribute to and manage the planned and reactive maintenance and upkeep of the premises and equipment including the required safety checks.
• To liaise with contractors as required.
• Maintain, monitor and record any machinery, equipment or associated services connected with the premises in conjunction with the City’s maintenance contracts, including water systems, heating, ventilation, energy and the testing of portable appliances and prepare tenders/negotiate contracts as necessary.
• To oversee the management of all plant and machinery, including services to the swimming pool and lifts, advising on usage, maintaining logs, providing of written guidance and recommending and overseeing major improvements or replacements of mechanical or electrical plant when required.
• Assist with the planning and coordination, with the Director of Estates and Operations, City of London Corporation’s City Surveyor’s Department and Property Facilities Manager, the maintenance of the School’s buildings, plant, machinery, and other facilities. This will include supporting the provision of termly, annual and 5-year maintenance schedules, their revision and updating accordingly.
• Manage the Building Management Systems (Trend, Continuum and EcoStruxture) at the School to their maximum efficiency.
• Maintain the master records for fire safety checks (e.g. fire doors), water flushing checks, door keys and security codes.
• Ensure all ServiceDesk works requests are dealt with efficiently and in a timely manner and communicate the resolution process as appropriate.
• Track building upkeep as well as anticipated long and short-term improvements and maintenance by undertaking a ‘general’ annual condition survey of all the School's premises and report back to the Director of Estates and Operations with the findings. These findings will be incorporated into the annual Summer works package. Separate condition surveys will also be provided through an external supplier.
• Arranging through City Surveyors or independently for all non-PPM and City FM contract related equipment to be serviced and tested to ensure high technical safety standards are maintained (e.g. Sports eqpt).
• Liaising with the General Services Manager (Catering/cleaning and Housekeeping) regarding planned work services, providing details of anticipated dates, times and names of contractors.
Health and Safety
• Actively seek to implement the City of London’s Occupational Health and Safety Policy in relation to the duties of the post, and at all times give due regard to the health and safety of both themselves and others when carrying out their duties.
• Reporting all accidents to the Director of Estates and Operations via the City’s Accident/Incident Report Line procedure. Informing the Head of Operations of any concerns regarding Health & Safety and safe working practices.
• Liaising with advisors (e.g. City Officers, Health & Safety Executive, Consultants) about safe working practices and undertaking induction sessions with relevant workers regarding site specific health and safety matters, safe systems of work and risk assessments.
• Making regular inspections of M&E plant and machinery, including handheld tools to ensure necessary safe operation and that the legislative requirements are met regarding powered equipment, machinery, chemicals etc.
• Responsible for ensuring that the School’s ladders and mobile scaffold are maintained in a safe condition and overseeing and training, as necessary, staff who have a legitimate use of the equipment.
Information about the role (cont…)
• Undertaking risk assessments in accordance with Corporation guidelines and procedures.
Fire
• Under the direction of the Director of Estates and Operations support the School’s Fire policy, acting as the Deputy Emergency Officer and manage systems and equipment in these areas in accordance with any corporate or legal requirements.
• To ensure the maintenance and periodic checking of fire and other safety equipment by specialist contractor.
• To undertake the operational and periodic checking of the fire alarm system and equipment as detailed in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
• To support and record regular fire alarm tests and drills.
Security
• To assess and continually review the provision of a safe and secure environment for pupils, staff and visitors, establishing and enforcing security policies and procedures and assessing staffing resource requirements.
• To manage School security operations and systems to safeguard pupils, parents, staff, visitors and property, including monitoring and advising on any serious breaches of security.
• In conjunction with the Director of Estates and Operations support contract preparation and management of any new security procedures or systems, completing risk assessments and making appropriate recommendations to the Head of Operations.
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Transport
• Manage the Facilities vehicle fleet, ensuring vehicles are serviced, taxed and MOT’d when necessary and complying with the requirements of the City’s transport division for all drivers requirements.
Budgets
• Provide a budget and forecast for financial performance for facility requirements and expenses to maintain appropriate equipment and transport whilst ensuring cost effectiveness.
• Use best business practices to manage and reduce operational costs.
ISI
• With support from the Director of Estates and Operations, be responsible for ISI inspections on statutory inspections and regulations including Health and Safety matters.
Energy
• Acting as the School’s Deputy Energy Conservation Officer, advise staff and management on ways in which energy saving measures can be introduced and awareness increased, and representing the School on appropriate outside agencies or committees.
• Maintaining the City’s central log for energy consumption across all the utilities.
Meetings
• Be prepared to attend the School's Health and Safety Committee as Health and Safety Coordinator (in place of The Director of Estates and Operations when unavailable), directing all aspects of the Health and Safety at Work Act legislation within the School.
• Be prepared to support the Director of Estates and Operations in liaising with City of London Corporation officers and departments and represent the School
on City of London Corporation and external bodies (e.g. Departmental Safety Managers’ Forum and Facilities Services Category Board) as necessary in the course of performing the duties of the post and in general to ensure the successful furtherance of the business of the School.
Other Duties
• Advising the Director of Estates and Operations of any maintenance problems which might affect the efficient running of the School.
• Actively seek to implement and comply with the School’s Safeguarding policies and procedures and to demonstrate a commitment to the safety and welfare of pupils.
• Actively seek to implement the City of London’s Equal Opportunity Policy and the objective to promote equality of opportunity in relation to the duties of the post.
• All leave is to be agreed in advance with the Director of Estates and Operations.
• The appointee needs to be flexible and adaptable and capable of occasional manual lifting, within H&S regulation limits and on occasional basis and above all diplomatic when dealing with staff, pupils and the public.
• The appointee is required to hold a clean driving licence in order that they may drive the School vehicles.
• To undertake any other duties that may reasonably be requested appropriate to the grade.
Other points
• Actively seek to implement the City of London’s Occupational Health and SafetyPolicy in relation to the duties of the post, and always give due regard to the health and safety of both themselves and others when carrying out their duties.
• Reporting all accidents to the Chief Operating Officer via the School’s Accident Report Form procedure.
• Informing the Chief Operating Officer of any concerns regarding Health & Safety and safe working practices.
• Actively seek to implement the City of London’s Equal Opportunity Policy and the objective to promote equality of opportunity in relation to the duties of the post.
• To undertake any other duties that may reasonably be requested appropriate to the grade.
• Some weekend work or evening work will be required.
Revision of Job Description
• According to the development and requirement of the school, job descriptions may need to be reviewed and updated periodically after consultation with the job holder.
Person Specification
Experience required
Please find below the qualifications, experience and technical skills required to undertake this post. Each criterion will be assessed at application (A), interview (I) or test (T) as indicated below.
Professional qualifications, relevant education and training:
• Educated to Degree level and/or able to demonstrate experience at an equivalent level
• GCSE English (first language equivalent) C/5 or above (or equivalent)
• GCSE Maths C/5 or above (or equivalent)
• Recognised training/qualifications associated with premises management
• Health and Safety qualification – desirable
• Pool plant maintenance qualification –desirable
• Valid, clean driving licence
• Experience in a building/site maintenance role including forward planning and problem solving
• Experience of managing a team in an area of work relevant to this post
• Experience of working in a School or educational environment is an advantage
• Knowledge of basic site maintenance and environment matters
• Thorough knowledge of building maintenance works (fabric and internal systems, i.e. heating, plumbing, carpentry, electrical etc), and best practice.
Technical skills:
• Proven building maintenance skills
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Sound planning, negotiation and influencing skills,
• Ability to gather information, analyse data and problem solve
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• Strong ability to prioritise and manage workflow whilst maintaining a flexible approach to respond to urgent requests
• Ability to manage different stakeholders
• Committed to City values and behaviours
• An understanding and affinity with the independent education
• Committed to operating as part of the School community
Other relevant information:
• This is a full time, year round position working 37.5 hours per week and there will be a requirement to work early or late shifts on rotation and to be flexible and at various times during the academic year you may be required to work additional hours.
• You will occasionally be required to work into the evening to assist with school events, and some Saturdays for Open/Exam days.
• On call emergency out of hours as required (on a rota basis)
Note to applicants:
The qualifications, experience and technical skills will be used in the decision-making process for recruitment. Please give examples of how you have exhibited these behaviours in your previous role(s). It is essential you address the criterion marked as (A) on your application form in the section for supporting information. Be as specific as possible, we will assess your application solely on the information provided. Try to provide evidence, by examples, where possible, of skills,
Professional expectations of staff
Safeguarding
Staff will be kind, fair and respectful to students and each other, challenge others when they are unkind, unfair or disrespectful and have the highest regard for the students’ safety and their safeguarding duties, whether on or off the school premises.
Appearance
Smart professional dress, or appropriate co-curricular clothing, at all times.
Availability
Prompt attendance during the School’s operating hours and a commitment to completing School business is expected.
Awareness and use of Freemen’s policies
Staff will be able to access and use policies as necessary, and read and act upon them appropriately.
Behaviour
Staff will establish Freemen’s as a place of learning and will determine clear boundaries of behaviour, based on mutual respect and trust. Staff will have high expectations of students and will manage their behaviour effectively.
Collective responsibility
Staff share collective responsibility for Freemen’s standards, reputation and property, should treat them with respect and care, and insist others do likewise.
Communication
Staff will expect high standards of communication from students and will, in turn, demonstrate accurate, timely and appropriate communication when dealing with students, parents and colleagues.
Ethics and behaviour
Staff will uphold public trust in the profession and the reputation of Freemen’s by maintaining high standards of ethics and behaviour, within and outside School. They will be respectful and tolerant of the rights of others, including colleagues, and not undermine fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. They will ensure that their personal beliefs are not expressed in ways which exploit pupils’ vulnerability or might lead them to break the law.
Learn, lead and make a difference
Leaders
Staff will be leaders in the School, exercising good judgement and modelling the behaviour and habits that are expected of the students.
Learners
Staff will show and share a passion for their subject or discipline(s). They will seek to develop as professionals and as specialists, will be open to feedback and will seek opportunities to collaborate with colleagues and engage with relevant research.
Planning
Teaching staff will have a sense of where the lesson fits within the scheme of work and plan well-structured lessons using an appropriate range of pedagogies.
Use of feedback
Staff will seek to use feedback for themselves and if appropriate, their students and will complete assessments and reports in a timely fashion in the appropriate manner and style.
How to apply
Applicants should send a completed application form to CLFS-Recruitment@cityoflondon.gov.uk, by 9am on Friday 1st November.
Interviews will take place at the school on Friday 8th November. Candidates are asked to note that Freemen’s retains the right to interview and appoint at any time during the application process.
Freemen’s acknowledges receipt of all applications, if you have not received confirmation of the safe receipt of your application within two working days please call the School or email CLFS-Recruitment@ cityoflondon.gov.uk to check on its status.
The successful candidate must be able to satisfy the City of London’s health requirements and a confidential medical assessment by the City of London’s Medical Officer is required.
The City of London Freemen’s School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees to share this commitment.
The successful applicant must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (Enhanced Disclosure).
"Friendly was the single most uttered word used to describe the school by students, while parents report that their offspring are happy. ‘Kind’ and ‘non-judgemental,’ we also heard, with support on tap."
Your benefits
Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
Contributory defined benefit
Family friendly
Significantly enhanced maternity, adoption and shared parental leave entitlement
Free lunch and refreshments
The option to join Supper Club at a subsidised rate
City of London benefits:
• CityBenefits - discounts and cashback.
• Wellbeing resources.
• Sponsorship to become a Freeman of the City of London.
Sports and Leisure:
• Discounted gym membership.
• Free use of the fitness suite.
• Staff social and sporting opportunities including pilates, yoga and five-a-side football.
• Free staff swimming and weekend family swimming for staff.
Annual Leave 25/29 days (subject to grade) plus bank holidays increasing with service.
Cycle to work scheme
Up to £3,000 salary sacrifice
Season Ticket Loan
Wellbeing:
• Up to 2 days’ paid leave for volunteering.
• Cash back on private health care treatment.
• Access to on-site Medical Centre.
• Staff Wellbeing Committee.
Learning and Development:
• In-house and externally run CPL
• Enquiring Schools project
• Support for professional development appropriate to the role including Apprenticeships/Masters.
Free parking on site
Access to on-site facilities
• Confidential Employee Assistance for staff and their families.
Campus Map
01. Visitor parking
Reception
Philp House
Science and Technology
Medical Centre
Art and Design 07. Stable Block 08. Ferndale Theatre 09. Dining Hall 10. Haywood Centre 11.Junior School (Kemp House) 12. Boarding (Walbrook House)
13. Music School and Recital Hall
14. Main House 15. Sports Hall
Swimming Pool
Cricket Pavilion
Tennis and Netball Courts
Astro Pitch
Cricket Nets
Cricket Pitch
Italian Garden
Rugby and Football Pitches
Green Room
25. Fire Assembly Point 26. Bus Stop 27. Upper Car Park 28. Lower Car Park
29. Service Gate (KT21 1JB)
Click here to view 360 Tour of campus
"A down-to-earth, friendly school that’s comfortable in its own skin rather than relentlessly trying to show off its most polished side – and is all the better for it. Just the ticket for parents after a high-quality, stress-free route for their academically bright sons
and daughters from age 7
