Head of Estates and Compliance

Head of Estates & Compliance 

Chatsworth Schools are creating an outstanding schools’ group to enable outstanding futures for the children of today and tomorrow.  Founded in 2017, it has the drive and expertise required to lead outstanding learning in independent schools, nationally and internationally.

Our duty is to build the most amazing learning experiences for our students, so they can embrace their inner wisdom and strengths. Through innovative, caring and student focused education, we must nurture every student to enable their voices to be heard, for their hearts to be fearless and for them to change their world. 

Our values centre around our commitment to Integrity, Resilience and Passion – as individuals, as a group and in the nurturing of our children.

By engendering Integrity we focus our thoughts on our Purpose, our Principles and our Intentions – no matter how educated, talented, rich or attractive a person may be, how they treat people is the ultimate differentiator.

By engendering Resilience we focus our abilities to “bounce back” from adversity, to develop our abilities to deal with life’s inevitable obstacles and to have the skills to adapt in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or stress.

By engendering Passion we focus our feelings on our purpose, that we are on the right path in life and that we have hope for a happy, exciting and fulfilling future.

Our schools are creative and dynamic environments where people flourish and where all children are nurtured - their individual talents and personalities celebrated and where all are encouraged to be not only the best they can be but to make the world a better place for all.

The mission of Chatsworth Schools is to enable children to acquire key knowledge and vital skills, learn about themselves and how to treat and work with others across the globe and develop awe and wonder for the world around them.

Our schools are welcoming, exciting, rigorous and fun with learning experiences developed to prepare children for life-long learning in an uncertain and ever-changing world.

The Head of Estates & Compliance will inspire colleagues and manage a variety of functions across the Chatsworth Schools Group to the highest of standards, helping to ensure that our pupils achieve results that exceed their expectations and those of their parents, our investors and our staff such that we confirm the Group’s reputation as a leader in learning.  The Head of Estates & Compliance will be able to forge excellent links as a team player with the Heads, External Agencies and all members of Chatsworth Schools central office. 

The role involves supporting the function of the Director of Operations. The successful candidate is expected to be a self-motivated and a self -starter. They will be ambitious and forward looking, but at the same time be sensitive to the needs of others. They will need to have an eye for detail, be loyal, patient and honest. The Head of Estates & Compliance’s place of work will be at our Great Tew office. However, it is also anticipated they will make regular visits to all our schools/nurseries and be a ‘hands on’ team player. They should will need to be self-reliant and prepared for the unexpected. They will need to be prepared to travel and on occasion start early and work late. They will  be highly IT literate and assist with the management of both digital and physical document storage.

We seek someone to join our team who will ‘add value’ and makes the lives of all our children and staff better, therefore whilst competence is essential, so is a high degree of emotional intelligence.

The Head of Estates & Compliance main objectives, in conjunction with the Director of Operations, will be to:

• ensure the Estates Teams (Caretakers, Facilities Managers, Site Managers) have the necessary skills, knowledge and capacity. 

• ensure all premises are safe and well-maintained with appropriate teaching facilities to develop a positive pupil experience. 

• develop an “Estate Strategy” for all premises to assist with long-term planning.

• annually review emergency and business recovery plans.

• in conjunction with the Business Mangers/Bursars, manage assets, including maximising income opportunities. 

• regularly visit all schools to Develop a strong understanding of each school’s estates, property, maintenance, repairs, capital spending, compliance needs and priorities, through regular visits and communication.

• ensure safety and security of pupils and staff.

• ensure delivery of Planned and Preventative Maintenance programmes to budget.

• engage with professionals for any major reinstatement works required.

• monitor and manage the estates and maintenance budget(s), prioritising expenditure and ensuring value for money.

• review third-party contracts (e.g. maintenance, facilities management, professional support & advice), and centrally procure services where cost reductions can be achieved.

• prepare and advise on capital projects, identifying improvements leading to revenue savings (e.g. energy efficiency, reduced maintenance costs).

• manage capital projects as required to specification, timescale and budget.

• meet the requirements of any statutory bodies and the emergency services. 

• ensure all premises comply with their legal responsibilities, and regulatory compliance via preventative maintenance, statutory inspection, and testing, etc. 

• support as required on matters of insurance.

• adhere to statutory guidance for schools.

• have a strong grasp on the Checklist for The Independent School Standard Regulations

• ensure familiarity with the ‘The management of safeguarding’.

Qualities, Knowledge, Skills & Attributes 

Experience:

• Operational and facilities management

• Project management of major building works, including track record of sound budget management

• Managing operations teams and working effectively with staff and management at all levels

• Liaising effectively with building users, external consultants and contractors

• Contract management, and negotiation of best value services

• Basic building maintenance and providing facilities services within business premises

• Due diligence and mobilisation of new projects (e.g. buildings, systems)

Qualifications and Knowledge:

• Health and Safety qualification(s) e.g. NEBOSH, IOSH or equivalent

• Extensive knowledge of relevant Health and Safety legislation/regulations with proven ability to manage and monitor

• Good level of IT skills (Microsoft Office products)

• Committed to keeping abreast of best practice and relevant legislation

• Familiarity with Independent Schools ISSR regulations (desirable)

Attributes:

• Excellent organisational skills with an ability to plan, prioritise and meet deadlines

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Competent and personable

• High degree of personal drive and motivation

• Ability to work calmly under pressure and multi-task

• Willing to be flexible and work outside normal working hours as required

• Ability to work individually or as part of a team

• Ability to demonstrate, initiate and to lead from the front

To apply, please complete the application form and provide a covering letter/statement outlining why you wish to be considered for the role