Chief Executive Officer

The SABDEN Multi-Academy Trust, based in East Sussex, is an aspirational and supportive Trust aiming to create a warm, caring, stable, supportive environment in which all staff and pupils feel safe.

After 28 years of service, our extremely successful C.E.O. is retiring and we are looking to appoint a new inspirational energetic and dynamic leader to take us onto the next phase of our exciting, yet no doubt, challenging journey.

About Us

Currently and for some considerable time, the majority of our Trust’s schools have been identified by OFSTED as ‘Outstanding’. Pupils are encouraged to reach their full potential through personalised pupil-centred programmes, quality teaching of a broad and balanced curriculum, substantial enrichment opportunities and positive relationships with staff.

Calm environments and quality resources enable pupils to feel secure, confident and able to achieve. Expectations and aspirations for pupils are high, and expected behaviours are role modelled by staff at all times. Social and emotional development is as important as academic achievement, pupil wellbeing and welfare is paramount. Partnerships with parents/carers, services, schools and the local authorities underpins the workings of all the Trust schools.

The Trust continues to grow slowly but steadily. Presently the Trust consists of three special schools and two Alternative Provisions and delivers education within a secure facility, across East Sussex. One of the A.P.s is a new Alternative Provision Free School called "The Workplace", which was opened in September 2020. A new SEMH school, based in Kent, is currently in the pre-opening phase and is due to open in September 2022.

Shared systems and infrastructure scaffolds the workings of the Trust’s schools and a culture of support and challenge is encouraged. Continuous improvement and shared accountability permeates all Trust schools and leaders are determined, inspirational and effective. The Trust continuously develops its infrastructure, policies and systems, to ensure equity, effectiveness and efficiency.

About You

The successful candidate will have the necessary leadership and commercial experience to lead a complex multi-site organisation, as well as the gravitas and advocacy skills to ensure the Trust remains a leader in its field.

You will be a dynamic and inspirational leader, who will be able to define and deliver a strategy and structure to create an environment where all of our young people and staff are able to achieve their full potential.

You will have a proven track record in successful strategic leadership within a M.A.T. and the confidence to utilise and embrace the expertise of the team you build around yourself.

You will have a strong background in transformational change and resource management.

You will be able to build positive relationships with the Trustees and key stakeholders, internally and externally, to help influence and drive the positive impact the Trust makes.

With a passion for continuous learning and development, you will always be seeking opportunities for improvement, both personally and for your wider team, to drive forward business performance and educational outcomes.

You will bring qualities of collaboration: empowerment; consultation and true listening; you will be an exceptional systems leader; working with agility and pace; with the ability to flex and adapt, whilst providing certainty, security and clear direction.

If this sounds like you, then we look forward to hearing from you.

A competitive salary and attractive package of support is available for the successful candidate. The position is available to start from 1st September 2021; however, we would consider an early start date for the right candidate.

If you would like to have an informal discussion (telephone call or MS Teams Meeting), with the current CEO, Mr Frank Stanford, prior to submitting an application form, then please contact Jo Drury, HR Academy Business Manager, at jo.drury@sabden.org.uk or on 07921 457526.

For information on how to apply and further details, please visit the vacancy section of SABDEN’s website here: http://www.sabden.org.uk/216/vacancies

The closing date for applications is by 12 noon, Wednesday 3rd February 2021.

Please send completed applications forms to recruitment@sabden.org.uk

Please be advised that we do not accept CVs.

The shortlisting of applications will take place w/c 8th February 2021

We are planning to hold interviews w/c 15th February 2021

Due to unprecedented circumstances with the coronavirus pandemic, remote interviewing may take place, depending on government guidance when invitations to interview are due to be sent.

The recruitment process will fully take into account the candidate’s application, interview and references for the role of Chief Executive Officer.

The SABDEN Multi Academy Trust has a proven commitment to 'Equality of Opportunity' and actively promotes the welfare and safeguarding of young people. Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced check from the Disclosure and Debarring Service (DBS).