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, but sometimes this is not possible. We are often asked to help find a suitable replacement to fill the role, sometimes at very short notice.

The Locum Leader Scheme supports the national strategy for school-to-school improvement and succession planning. Locum leaders will work in schools to develop and sustain good leadership and can help provide local solutions.

From 4 September 2014 placements can be negotiated with Norfolk Governor Services (NGS) acting as broker at a cost of £350 per placement. This fee will include all the statutory requirements of the recruitment process, DBS checks (when required), request for references and ensuring Locum Leaders keep their Safer Recruitment & Safeguarding training up to date.

NGS will recruit new Locum Leaders on a termly basis to ensure there is a good selection of suitable candidates to cover all areas in Norfolk.

The Benefits

While proving to be of enormous benefit to schools in difficult situations, it has also given successful headteachers, deputy headteachers and senior leaders the opportunity to broaden their experience, demonstrating their capacity to respond to the challenges of new and unfamiliar situations. This is a valuable form of professional development that also adds value to their work in their own school when they return. Evidence suggests that this helps in raising standards.

Governors' recognise that in providing such opportunities they are promoting their own reputation for enhancing others careers. This 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, to help minimise disruption and to assure continuity.

How the register works

Once successful candidates have been accepted, their names will be placed on the 'Locum Leader Register'. Norfolk Governor Services Strong>(NGS) will then act as 'broker' for schools seeking an interim leader at senior or headship level.

The process is:

1. The Chair of Governors or Headteacher will contact NGS to articulate their leadership need.
2. NGS will give access to the online register for up to three weeks
3. NGS will advise on the recruitment process that must be followed. The Governing Body will be required to identify a small selection panel to take delegated responsibility throughout.
4. The governors' selection panel will read the application/pen portraits of those candidates who best match their requirements and shortlist for interview. The selection panel could suggest a visit to the school prior to interview. The responsibility for the final selection will rest with the panel.
5. The formal agreement from the governors of both schools must be sought and recorded. This must include discussions about the needs of both schools and the financial and contractual arrangements for supporting the placement. 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 from a few weeks to two or three terms depending on the situation.
8. Schools must inform NGS of the outcome. Schools will only be charged the £350 fee on successful recruitment of a Locum Leader from the register.

Please contact:
Liz Buckland, Business Support Officer, Norfolk Governor Services on (01603) 222901 or email for further information or to arrange access to the register.