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Appointment details

Oak National Academy Board

Summary

Organisation
Oak National Academy
Sponsor department
Department for Education
Location
Various
Sectors
Education
Skills
Change Management
Number of vacancies
6
Time commitment
20 day(s) per annum
Remuneration
£300 per day
Length of term
3 years
Application deadline
11pm on 13 March 2023

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Timeline for this appointment

  1. Opening date

    14 February 2023

  2. Application deadline

    11pm on 13 March 2023

  3. Sifting date

    30 March 2023

  4. Interviews expected to end on

    29 June 2023

Timeline dates are only an estimate and can change

About the appointment

Introduction from the Minister

A high-quality curriculum is hugely important, as it enables children from all backgrounds to receive the best education possible. Every child should benefit from a broad, ambitious, knowledge-rich curriculum, taught by highly skilled teachers. This is essential to the task of spreading opportunity and levelling up. It is crucial that every school has a well-designed and well-sequenced curriculum, which ensures children build knowledge in a broad range of subjects before going on to specialise after the age of 16, developing the skills for further education and training. 
So, building on the success of Oak National Academy’s work during the pandemic, the Government has established a new Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB), working independently of government and collaboratively with the education sector. It will work with thousands of teachers to co-design, create and continually improve packages of optional, free, adaptable digital curriculum resources and video lessons.
 These optional resources will align with the curriculum in England, helping teachers deliver a high-quality curriculum. This sector-led approach will draw on expertise and inputs from across the country, involving teachers, schools, trusts, subject associations, national centres of excellence and educational publishers. A collection of stretch materials will also be developed, aimed at pupils across the UK. 
We are seeking to appoint high calibre Board members who can shape the direction of this new NDPB as it establishes itself in the sector, helping to achieve its objectives. Offering support and challenge to the leadership team, Board members will be central to supporting executive decision-making and providing strong strategic direction.
 My Department is seeking applicants who have exceptional leadership skills and significant experience and expertise to contribute to Oak’s successful pursuit of its mission: to improve pupil outcomes and close the disadvantage gap by supporting teachers to teach and enabling pupils to access a high-quality curriculum.
 This is an exciting moment to shape the Board as, under the leadership of its new Chair, it works to establish the new NDPB as a high performing, well respected sector organisation that maintains a ‘by teachers for teachers’ approach, contributes to the growing understanding of curriculum best practice, is strategically aligned with, but operationally independent from, government, and delivers excellent value for money. 
My Department is focused on equality of opportunity and I am committed to ensuring that public appointments better represent the views of the communities which they serve. I particularly encourage applicants from under-represented groups, those based outside London and the South East and applicants who have achieved success through non-traditional educational routes.
 If you want to support Oak National Academy in delivering its aim to support schools and teachers deliver a high-quality curriculum, and you have the skills and experience we are seeking, I hope that you will apply. 
 If you wish to have an informal and confidential discussion about this appointment, please contact Josh Beattie, Oak National Academy Sponsorship Team Lead, at josh.beattie@education.gov.uk.
Yours sincerely, Rt Hon Gillian Keegan MP Secretary of State for Education

Appointment description

We are aiming to recruit at least six high calibre individuals to join the Oak National Academy Board. Most importantly, we are looking for experienced, strategic, pragmatic and collaborative individuals with the skills necessary to support Oak to establish itself successfully within the education sector. 

Board members need to be able to shape the strategic direction of the organisation and to provide relevant challenge and guidance to Oak’s executive team. You will be expected to support Oak’s aims and objectives and act as ambassadors for the organisation.

 We will be recruiting at least one Board member into each of the following positions:
• Serving primary teacher
• Serving secondary teacher 
• Curriculum expert 
We are also looking for additional Board members with experience and skills in the following areas: 
• Digital/technology
• Finance 
• HR 
Candidates should specify on their application the position(s) for which they wish to be considered and set out their relevant experience as part of their application.

Organisation description

Oak National Academy was created in April 2020 by a consortium of volunteers from the education sector as a rapid response to the coronavirus pandemic, which led to schools being closed to the majority of pupils. Since its launch, more than 40,000 online resources have been developed, with video lessons in a broad range of subjects from Reception up to Year 11. Specialist content for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is also available. Building on this success, we have established Oak as a new NDPB, working independently of government and collaboratively with the education sector. 
 Oak National Academy: 
 • Works with schools, teachers, and the wider education system across England to create, develop and support the use of free, optional, high-quality and knowledge-rich full curriculum packages that are available to teachers and pupils through a robust, accessible digital education platform.
 • Provides a national contingency for remote education should it be needed in the event of disruption.
 • Will oversee the sharing of new, improved resources, that will be created through partnerships with a diverse range of educational suppliers, selected through an open procurement process.
 • Will provide a package of connected stretching materials for teachers and pupils through the same digital education platform that is available across the four nations and draws on content and expertise from all areas of the UK.
 • Aims to establish itself as a high performing, well respected sector organisation that: maintains a ‘by teachers for teachers’ approach; contributes to the growing understanding of curriculum best practice; is strategically aligned with, but operationally independent from government; and delivers excellent value for money.
 Curriculum design is complex, and we want Oak to share the very best practice so that teachers can draw inspiration from examples of evidence based, carefully sequenced curriculum design that can be used or adapted as required. This will help reduce workload so that teachers can concentrate on delivering lessons, creating new resources only when there is a reason to do so.
 Board members will collectively:
 • Support the new NDPB to establish itself effectively and build a positive reputation across the education sector.
 • Work together to develop a successful strategy which ensures that the NDPB has a positive impact and achieves its objectives as agreed with the Secretary of State.
 • Monitor performance against agreed targets.
 • Ensure that the Board operates within the limits of its authority, including in accordance with the code of conduct for Board members of public bodies and abiding to conditions relating to the use of public funds. This includes being politically impartial and consideration of conflicts of interest
. • Ensure that high standards of corporate governance are observed at all times. 
• Participate in and/or chair committees of the Board, as required by the Chair. 
 The Chief Executive is responsible for developing and implementing the strategy and aims of the organisation, in close consultation with ministers, the Chair and the Board. They also serve as the Accounting Officer, being responsible to parliament for safeguarding public funds and ensuring value for money for the taxpayer. 
 In line with Oak National Academy’s Articles of Association, the Secretary of State can appoint up to five Board members, including the Chair. The Board can co-opt up to an additional four board members; candidates must be approved by the Secretary of State. 
 There will be a minimum of four board meetings per year. Board meetings will be held flexibly either virtually or in person where this is beneficial. Meetings are held between normal working hours, Monday to Friday. Meeting length will vary according to the agenda but meetings are usually between 2-3 hours in duration

Person specification

Essential criteria

The successful candidates must be able to demonstrate the following essential criteria:

  • The ability to think strategically, independently and in an evidence-based way.
  • A commitment to the aims of Oak National Academy and its role in ensuring that pupils have access to a high-quality, knowledge-based curriculum.
  • Exceptional communication skills to support the ability to build effective relationships at senior level and/or between organisations.
  • Experience and knowledge in at least one of the following areas: experience of primary or secondary school leadership; experience of designing, implementing or advising on a knowledge-rich, evidence-based curriculum; experience of leading innovation and use of new technologies; senior leadership experience in finance or HR (not necessarily via a functional finance or HR role); working with government; risk and assurance.  Please note that candidates will be expected to demonstrate relevant experience for each position for which they wish to be considered.

Desirable criteria

The following is desirable:

  • The ability to drive forward the work of an organisation at non-executive level, with a successful track record in the public, voluntary or private sectors of ensuring that strategic objectives are achieved.

Application and selection process

How to apply

Please submit the following documents by email to: Oak.PUBLICAPPOINTMENTS@education.gov.uk and Stephanie Macwilliam at  stephanie.macwilliam@education.gov.uk

1.    A candidate application form. 

2.    A completed evidence template - you will need to demonstrate clearly how you meet each of the essential criteria (max 300 words per criterion – if this is exceeded only the first 300 words will be considered).

3.    A CV no more than two sides of A4 in Arial font 12.

4.    A diversity monitoring form.

Please include ‘Oak National Academy Board Member application’ in the subject box and submit each document as a separate attachment. 

The Department is happy to accept applications in alternative formats from applicants who, for reasons of disability, may find it difficult to fill in the standard form.

 If you would like to have a conversation with us regarding reasonable adjustments, please contact us at:

Oak.PUBLICAPPOINTMENTS@education.gov.uk

Please note the following:

  • The Department cannot accept applications submitted after the closing date.
  • Applications will be assessed solely on the documentation provided; please refer to the advert and checklist above to ensure you have provided everything requested.
  • Applications will be acknowledged upon receipt.
  • The Department cannot provide feedback at application stage; feedback will only be given to candidates unsuccessful following interview.
  • If a large number of applications are received, a preliminary sifting exercise will be conducted. You should be aware that in this situation, your application might not be considered in full by all the members of the panel.
  •  For successful candidates invited to interview, the cost of a standard travel ticket to the venue will be reimbursed. If the interview cannot be attended in person, a remote option will be available.

Advisory Assessment Panel (AAP)

Panel 1 : Panel Chair - Stuart Miller: Departmental Official: Director, Curriculum and General Qualifications Schools Group
Panel 2 : Ian Bauckham -Representative of Organisation :  Interim Chair of Oak National Academy 
Panel 3 : Clare Wagner: Independent member : Head of the Henrietta Barnett School
Advisory Assessment Panels (AAP) are chosen by ministers to assist them in their decision-making. These include a departmental official and an independent member. For competitions recruiting non-executive members of a board (apart from the Chair), the panel will usually include a representative from the public body concerned.
AAP’s perform a number of functions, including agreeing an assessment strategy with ministers, undertaking sifting, carrying out interviews in line with the advertised criteria and deciding objectively who meets the published selection criteria for the role before recommending to ministers which candidates they find appointable. It is then for the minister to decide who to appoint to the role.

Additional information for candidates

Principles of public life

Holders of public office are expected to adhere to and uphold the Seven Principles of Public Life https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-7-principles-of-public-life/the-7-principles-of-public-life--2. These are:

  1. SELFLESSNESS - Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family or their friends;
  2. INTEGRITY - Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might seek to influence them in the performance of their official duties;
  3. OBJECTIVITY - In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit;
  4. ACCOUNTABILITY - Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office;
  5. OPENNESS - Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands;
  6. HONESTY - Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest;
  7. LEADERSHIP - Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.

Code of conduct for board members

The Government expects all holders of public office to work to the highest personal and professional standards. In support of this, all non-executive board members of UK public bodies must abide by the principles set out in the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies. The Code sets out the standards expected from those who serve on the boards of UK public bodies and will form part of your terms and conditions of appointment.

Remuneration, allowances and abatement

You can claim reimbursement for reasonable travel and subsistence costs via Expenses.

How to complain

Please contact the Department for Education’s Free Speech team if you would like to make a complaint regarding your application at

fos.BILLTEAM@education.gov.uk

We will acknowledge your complaint upon receipt and respond within 15 working days.

Contact details

Work will be undertaken remotely with travel to London or other locations as required.

Attachments