Naureen Khalid @5N_Afzalwww.governingmatters.wordpress.com

Appointing a HeadteacherAll you wanted to know about the GB’s role in the recruitment process, but didn’t know who to ask!

Governors are• Responsible for appointing Heads• Involved in appointing SLT

Why do governors get to appoint ?• Employers • Responsible for vision• Strategic

Headteacher Appointment Process• Starts way before the advertisement appears!

Re-examine vision Decide the direction of travel Look at recruitment agency options Appoint a panel

SLT Appointment Process• Head is involved• GB with input from Head may want to re-

examine the present structure and see if fit for purpose• Head invites governors to be part of the panel

Headteacher Appointment- in more detail

• GB may re-examine vision• GB appoints panel• GB decides if a recruitment agency is to

be appointed

Why look at the vision again?

• A Head is not just for Christmas!• GB needs to be clear where it wants

the school to be in next 3-5 years• The direction of travel and the

destination will inform the recruitment process Need potential head to ‘buy in’

• Panel members have to be governors Staff Governors role

• Usually 5, odd number is best• Panel delegated the appointment process

GB ratification• Recruitment agency advises/runs process:

DOES not have a vote

The Panel......work behind the scenes

• Person specification and the job specification Informed by Vision

• Essentials and desirables• Advertisement• Application pack • Short listing process• Interview process

Job SpecThe Core Purpose of this Role is:Strategic Direction and Shaping the FutureLeading Teaching and LearningDeveloping Self and Working with OthersManaging the OrganisationSecuring AccountabilityStrengthening Community

Person SpecMeasured By Essential or Desirable

ExperienceAt least 3 year s as DH in secondary school

A E

SLT experience in a post 16 setting

A D

Skills, Abilities and KnowledgeAbility to further develop the vision

A,I E

Personal QualitiesValues diversity A,I EEducationGood honours degree A ENPQH or LPSH A D

You’ve seen the ad, now what?

• School tours. Do go along If not mentioned in Ad, ask for one!

• NOT an informal interview• Chance to see the school

Decide if you’d like to work there And inform interview prep

• Visit IS confidential

What would you look at while going around the school?

• Make sure the school and the job is for you• Ask questions if something is not clear• Make sure your vision matches that of the

governors

You liked the school. Now what?

• Ask for Application Pack• Look carefully at the job spec and the person

spec.• Don’t be put off if you don’t have one or more

of the Desirables• Do pay particular attention to the Essentials

What should you look out for when filling in the application?

• Take time over it• Answer the questions!

But look for an opportunity to tell your story

• Proof read it • Then proof read it again!

Short listing.

•Person Spec•Essentials•Desirables

• Governors don’t want to waste your or their time.

• Short listing means you have every chance of getting the job.

• Internal candidates?!

The Interview: Day 1

• Various tasks to check for different strengths Data Finance Interaction with students Writing Presentation Learning walk

• Specific panel interviews ie Leadership and management Teaching and learning

The Interview: Day 2

• Presentation• Full Panel Interview

Then:

• Panel deliberations• GB meeting to ratify• CoG contacts you and formally confirms

the job

What do you think of the interview process?

You’ve got the job!

First few months as Head• You will use the first few months to

know your students, staff, parents and discuss your plans• Build up a relationship with the

governors• GB is there to support you

•Mentor?

You didn’t get the job

• Ask for feedback• Don’t let it affect your confidence• Use it as a learning exercise• Growth mindset!

Stand out from the crowd!• Make sure you know that school and its

context so governors can see you leading it• Be prepared to answer the questions,

“Why this school?” and “If offered the job, will you accept it?”• Learn about budgets and budgeting• Let them see you want the job. If they feel

you don’t want it then they probably won’t want you.

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QUESTIONS