Interim Head of EA C2k (EA Employees Only)

The EdIS C2k Head of Service is responsible for the strategic leadership, management and continuous improvement of the EdIS C2k service and for ensuring the effective integration of services delivered by Education Authority teams and public and private sector partners. The post holder will ensure that secure, reliable and high-quality education technology, technical, school management information and user-support services are delivered to meet the current and future needs of schools and the wider education system in Northern Ireland.

The post holder will work closely with the EdIS Programme Director and other EdIS workstream leads to maintain continuity of existing EdIS C2k services while supporting the design, procurement, implementation and transition to future EdIS service provision. They will provide assurance that effective processes, governance and controls are in place; that agreed outcomes, milestones and performance targets are achieved; and that risks, issues, dependencies, decisions and escalations are actively managed.

The EdIS C2k Head of Service has the following leadership responsibilities for this portfolio of services:

·       Be the strategic lead for EdIS C2k.

·       Work closely with the workstream leads of the EdIS programme to ensure a collaborative outcome to the procurement of new service provision and delivery.

·       Line manage the EdIS C2k Management Team.

·       Contribute to the design of procedures to establish appropriate directions for service implementation to meet the Education Technology needs of schools in NI.

·       Assist in the development of the implementation strategy for the delivery of the Project's services ensuring that rollout of systems/upgrades and subsequent user training are sufficiently incorporated.

·       Ensure that the EdIS C2k services and systems continue to be supported, maintained and upgraded (as necessary) in all schools.

·       Ensure that all technical services / systems continue to be implemented, maintained and upgraded (as necessary) in all schools.

·       Oversee the control of all third party service suppliers following EA procurement guidelines and ensuring effective ongoing service delivery.

·       Monitor and review developments in technology to support the development and renewal of all EdIS C2k services.

·       Co-ordinate strategic and business planning procedures including risk management.

·       Support the on-going management of the Directorate’s budget and financial reporting arrangements.

·       Co-ordinate and prepare EA Board papers as required.

·       Co-ordinate responses to Assembly Questions, Freedom of Information requests and complaints relating to the work of the Directorate. 

·       Liaise with internal and external stakeholders as required.

·       Contribute to emerging service developments and service reviews as required.

·       Undertake such training as may be required for his/her own personal and professional development

This job description will be subject to review in light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.

In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times.

PERSON SPECIFICATION 

·       Work with the Programme Director to establish, maintain and communicate a clear and compelling strategic direction for the EdIS C2k service.

·       Contribute to the development of a strategic plan for the Programme Director and lead on the development and implementation of the planning and management of the EdIS C2k projects falling under their remit.

·       Translate the EA vision into service-specific direction.

·       Lead the regionalisation and transformation of the service, and all related processes and procedures.

·       Contribute to the development and implementation of new policies in line with strategic direction.

·       Anticipate future service, technology, workforce and contractual requirements and provide high-quality, evidence-based advice to the EdIS Programme Director, SRO, Programme Board and senior stakeholders.

·       Challenge conventional approaches, harness emerging technology and service innovation, and identify opportunities to improve outcomes, and maximise efficiencies.

·       Manage service delivery effectively to ensure that the service achieves the highest possible standards of performance and focuses on the needs of internal and external customers.

·       Agree service performance targets with the Programme Director and provide regular progress reports.

·       Develop, agree and implement a robust operational plan for Workstream delivery of service.

·       Delegate responsibilities and deploy staff according to their skills and abilities to meet the needs of the service.

·       Regularly monitor and review plans and make adjustments as required.

·       Manage and continuously improve the service to ensure delivery against performance targets, and to ensure that best value for money is achieved.

·       Ensure that the service contributes to overall Directorate and Corporate performance as appropriate and provide update reports as required.

·       Ensure that the Programme Director receives high quality service-specific advice.

·       Apply resources effectively across the workstream to maximise the delivery of programme objectives.

·       Consider the financial implications relating to effective models of service delivery and contribute to the successful achievement of the Savings on Delivery Plan.

·       Ensure compliance with relevant legal, regulatory and statutory performance requirements.

·       Manage the programme budget in accordance with all relevant financial policy and procedures.

·       Monitor the financial position of their programme workstream and report regularly to the Programme Director.

·       Follow agreed measures to deliver the programme within budget, and take immediate corrective action as required.

·       Contribute effectively to quality and performance management systems and ensure that the service is being managed as per the requirements of these systems.

·       Ensure that employees within EdIS C2k team are provided with clear structure, roles and responsibilities and are supported to work in an integrated way.

·       Focus on addressing key workforce issues including recruitment, employee engagement, retention and training and development.

·       Investigate all complaints and adverse incidents where outcomes are below expected standards.

·       Establish effective and rigorous quality assurance systems to maintain high standards.

·       Ensure that communication is prompt and effective and that the process for involving all stakeholders is robust and inclusive. Manage relationships effectively and seek to establish commitment and support of colleagues from stakeholder organisations.

·       Work closely with the Programme Director to provide the Workstream with leadership and direction ensuring that corporate, directorate and service performance standards are achieved.

·       Promote the ethos and values of the authority and ensure that the service is focused on customer needs.

·       Foster a culture that supports achievement of the authority’s Strategic Plan by role modelling core values and leadership behaviours to staff in the service.

·       Lead/manage and communicate change and improvement initiatives within the service.

·       Lead, manage and develop staff within the service.

·       Encourage staff involvement and engagement in the strategic development and operational delivery of the service.

·       Actively encourage teamwork and self-development, and create opportunities to maximise individuals’ potential, stimulate innovation and connection at all levels with front line services.

·       Promote a positive culture of performance management within the service through individual and small-team accountability. Foster a culture of constructive feedback and learning, and a genuine commitment to regular and effective appraisals.

·       Prepare and deliver reports on behalf of the Authority as required.

·       Provide leadership to all staff involved and ensure that proper and accountable management is in place across all areas.

·       Manage tasks to ensure effective engagement with, professional and respectful stakeholder and Schools. Represent EA at meetings as required.

·       Ensure efficient and effective internal communication with staff in the service.

·       Work closely with partner organisations, the Programme Director and colleagues to benchmark services and lead/manage and monitor change.

·       Build and maintain effective working relationships and clear lines of communication with other Workstream leads within the Directorate and in other Directorates.

·       Develop and maintain clear lines of communication and effective working partnerships with relevant external stakeholders and service user groups

·       Lead on/manage engagement with staff, schools and the public on major changes in the service that may affect them.

·       Work with external agencies; for example, education sector partner organisations, to identify opportunities for joint working that might bring greater consistency across the sector, and/or improve efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery.

 Our Values

Through the selection process we will also seek evidence that the personal values of candidates align with those of the EA. This will include evidence of commitment to equality and excellence in service delivery. These reflect our aim which is to meet the needs of all our children and young people equally, removing barriers to learning and ensuring equality of access to excellent education services so that every child can develop to his or her full potential.

DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND

The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’. 

In the event that you are recommended for appointed to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background.  Please note that you WILL be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate.  Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre-employment stage.

Further information can be accessed at NI Direct or the Department of Justice.

APPLICANT GUIDANCE NOTES

To view the applicant guidance notes, please click here.

For more information, the candidate information pack can be viewed here

To learn about the many great benefits of joining the Education Authority, click here

 The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.