Management Information Sheet

Background

There are occasions when schools suddenly need support because of unforeseen circumstances, such as the illness of the headteacher or another senior leader. In some cases an existing member of staff is able to undertake the post holder's duties until the situation is resolved. In others, where this is not possible, we are often asked by governors to help find a suitable replacement to fulfil the role, sometimes at very short notice.

For seventeen years, the Local Authority has kept a register of experienced and successful headteachers, deputy heads and middle leaders who are willing to be called upon in these circumstances and many have been deployed to schools in need.

In 2013 the scheme was updated to support the national strategy for school-to-school improvement and succession planning. Locum leaders continue to work beyond their own school to sustain good leadership and to provide local solutions to intractable problems. Placements are now negotiated at governor level with Norfolk Integrated Education Advisory Service (NIEAS) acting as the broker.

Of the thirty-one Locum Leaders recruited since 2013 there are only twelve now available to deploy. This demonstrates that the service is viable and worthwhile to schools. A further application round will therefore take place this term so that there is sufficient capacity to meet the likely demand.

The Benefits

In addition to being of immense help to schools in difficult situations, supporting another school in this way gives successful headteachers, deputy headteachers and teachers the opportunity to broaden their experience and demonstrate their capacity to respond to the challenges of new and unfamiliar situations. This is a very valuable form of professional development that adds value to their work in their own school when they return and there is sufficient evidence to suggest that this will subsequently result in rising standards.

Experience tells us that governing bodies recognise the benefit of this for the staff involved, but also for the staff who have the opportunity of 'acting-up', and thus gaining experience and assuming extra responsibility in the absence of the headteacher, deputy or other staff member. Governors' also recognise that in providing such opportunities they are promoting their own reputation for enhancing careers which in turn makes it easier to attract and retain a high calibre workforce. The best governing bodies make strategic plans to accommodate changes in leadership at short notice as this minimises disruption and assures continuity.

Making an Application

The locum leader role is likely to interest serving headteachers, deputies and assistant heads, recently retired headteachers and other aspirant leaders such as those in the Norfolk Talent Pool. However, applications are invited from all those with the relevant experience, competencies and personal qualities.

If interested, please make an application by clicking on the above link to download and complete a pen portrait. Please email the completed document to liz.buckland@norfolk.gov.uk by Friday 9 May 2014.

Successful applicants will be given further details including an invitation to attend a short interview. Interviews will take place on Wednesday 21 May 2014 at the Professional Development Centre, Woodside Road, Norwich.

How the Register Works

Once successful candidates have been identified and quality assured through the interview process, their names will be placed on 'The Norfolk Locum Register of School Leaders'. NIEAS will then act as a 'broker' for schools seeking an interim leader at senior or headship level. The process will be:

1. The Chair of Governors will contact NIEAS to articulate their leadership need.
2. NIEAS will advise on the recruitment process that must be followed. This will require the Governing Body to identify a small selection panel to take delegated responsibility throughout.
3. NIEAS will then enable access to the online register and suggest up to three people who may best meet the stated need.
4. The governors' selection panel will read the pen portraits of those nominated by the NIEAS (plus any others that they find viable and available) to find the best match of leader for their context and circumstances. The responsibility for the final selection will rest with the panel.
5. NIEAS may then broker an introductory meeting between the selection panel and the leader of their choice and their Chair of Governors to agree the locum arrangement. This must include discussion about the needs of both schools and about the financial and contractual arrangements for supporting the placement. The formal agreement from the governors of both schools must be sought and recorded. The appropriate LA officers and HR consultants can advise on how best to achieve this.
6. Where a leader is identified and the recruitment process is successfully concluded, the selection panel must recommend the individual to the full Governing Body who will ratify their decision.
7. Placements will usually be negotiated for one term at a time, but may last for anything from a few weeks to two or three terms depending on the situation.

Although full information is being released to schools at this, the recruitment stage, it is anticipated that the Locum Leaders on-line register will become live by the end of May 2014. Therefore, a further reminder will be sent nearer the time to give specific details on how to access the site.

For informal enquiries and further details please contact:
Helen Wardale - Head of Norfolk Governor Services on 01603 303356
Simon Morley - Senior Adviser on 01603 307788