The origins of Leeds Trinity can be traced back to two Catholic teacher training colleges, Trinity College and All Saints College, founded by the Passionist Sisters and the Catholic Education Service in 1966. Their mission was to provide the best educational opportunities possible for the children of the poor and to actively support social justice – aspirations that Leeds Trinity still maintains.
The Institute of Childhood and Education was formed in 2015 by bringing together the previously separate departments of Teacher Education (Primary and Secondary) and Children, Young People and Families. We work with sector agencies operating in Children’s Services and Education to develop innovative, research-based approaches to practice in this challenging area.
The University is renowned for its excellence in teacher training. It is one of the most respected teacher training providers in the UK, working in close partnership with over 600 schools to offer students a variety of pathways into teaching. Students benefit from high-quality teaching and research-informed practice, delivered by experts that are fully committed to improving the lives of children, young people and families.
The primary function is to provide strategic leadership across the institute and further develop effective ways of working making maximum use of available resources and processes, whilst facilitating a collegiate and productive working environment across the Institute. This will be exercised within the context of wider strategic and operational plans of the University and of emerging priorities. The postholder will have a key role to play in ensuring the quality of the student learning experience and staff performance. They are also expected to play an active role in the wider business of the University, identifying the potential for new opportunities and to work closely with key senior colleagues.
Key Accountabilities:
The Director is ultimately accountable for the below responsibilities, but may devolve authority for decisions to other colleagues in the Institute.
Corporate Responsibilities
1. To contribute to the fulfilment of the University’s Mission, Vision & Values and Strategic Plan.
2. To participate in the University’s decision-making processes and accept responsibility for the
implementation, at Institute level, of agreed University policies, priorities and strategic initiatives.
3. To ensure that the work of the Institute is underpinned by appropriate Research and Scholarly activity.
4. To make a significant personal contribution in developing research, scholarship and other related
activities across the Institute and wider University.
5. To encourage and promote the generation of income including the diversification of income streams
through knowledge exchange and consultancy.
6. To promote and facilitate programme and short course developments across the Institute and across
other departments.
7. To provide intelligence and analysis of external policy initiatives and drivers in the areas of Child and
Family Services and Education in order to assist the Executive in decision making.
8. To support the further development of the University and respond effectively to the needs generated by a diverse student body and the external environment.
9. To be responsible for ensuring that the operations of the Institute are conducted in accordance with the Data Protection Act and the University’s policies for Health and Safety and Equality and Diversity
Academic Leadership
1. To provide leadership of the academic provision including pedagogy, research and knowledge exchange
and curricula development. This will involve fostering an appropriate ethos and culture within the
Institute resulting in effective, innovative academic practice and effective working relationships.
2. To determine and manage an effective Institutional, organisational and committee structure and
managing this structure to ensure fitness for purpose.
3. To maintain and enhance the on-going quality of all Institute activities including the implementation of
quality assurance processes and the maintenance and enhancement of academic standards in line with
the requirements of the QAA, OFSTED and other relevant PSRBs.
4. To represent the Institute to the University, and discharge an ambassadorial role by maintaining and
enhancing the standing and reputation of the Institute to external academic, professional and employer
communities and to potential students.
Strategy and Policy Development and Implementation
1. To establish, implement and review Institute strategic and operational plans in line with University
strategic plans, with reference, for example, to key strategies in relation to learning and teaching, student support, research and knowledge services, curriculum and resource and financial management.
2. To be instrumental in establishing, implementing and reviewing local policy within the wider University
framework and seeking compliance with general University policies and regulatory framework in relation to, for example, finance, health and safety, equal opportunities, employment matters and information technology.
Quality of Student Learning Experience
1. To be responsible for the quality of the student experience from initial marketing and recruitment
stages through to graduation. This will include responsibilities for the provision and review of appropriate support arrangements, of relevant programmes and effective learning opportunities designed to promote the academic development of students, the quality and effectiveness of communication with students and actions in response to student feedback.
Resource Management:
1. To be responsible for the acquisition and management of resources (academic staff, finance, space and
equipment). The management of academic staff will involve ensuring that effective annual staff
appraisals are conducted, managing performance against agreed objectives, workload plans completed
and staff development plans implemented.
2. To manage and review budgets, producing financial and investment plans, encouraging income
generating activities and managing the Institute infrastructure and equipment needs.
Risk Management:
1. Directors are responsible for assessing and managing risk within the scope of the role, in line with the
University’s Risk Management policy and to escalate matters where necessary. They are also
accountable and responsible for health and safety as defined in the Health and Safety policy.
In addition, the postholder will be required to undertake any other duties, commensurate with the grade of
the post, as directed by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor after due consultation.
The postholder is required to apply the University’s Equality and Diversity Policy in the postholder’s own
area of responsibility and in his/her general conduct.
This job description is current on the date shown below. It is liable to variation by the Vice Chancellor in
order to reflect or anticipate University developments and changes in the requirements of the post.
Essential:
Qualifications: A PhD/Professional Doctorate or significant high level professional experience in a related field. Higher degree in appropriate discipline or equivalent academic or professional qualification.
Experience: A proven track record of senior leadership across a broad portfolio in a diverse organisation.
A record of academic achievement and evidence of continuing research and scholarly activity or policy development in the field of Education, and/or Childhood Studies.
Experience of working in, and leading both multi and inter disciplinary teams.
Proven ability to develop and deliver strategic plans.
Proven ability to contribute to institutional strategic goals through the development and delivery of detailed operational plans.
Understanding of the national and international context for Higher Education.
Understanding of the changing national context for schools, school leaders, teacher training, children’s and family services and early years provision.
Experience of chairing committees and meetings.
Experience of line management and/or academic leadership relating to course and curriculum development and administration.
Skills/Attributes/Attitudes:
Excellent management and leadership skills and the ability to delegate responsibilities effectively.
Ability to plan strategically for the management of all resources and processes (staffing, finance, space and equipment).
Ability to facilitate a collegiate and productive working environment within the Institute.
Ability to produce clear, concise documentation and the ability to communicate to a range of individuals and groups, within and beyond Institute and the University.
Ability to apply analytical and problem solving skills to a range of contexts.
Ability to represent the Institute or University externally.
Ability to provide appropriate intelligence to the University Executive in relation to developments in the areas of Child and Family services and Education.
Ability to network externally and facilitate partnership working with all relevant stakeholders including local councils, schools, colleges and international partners.
Excellent team working, interpersonal and presentation skills.
Other Requirements
Commitment to the development of high-quality teaching, research, knowledge transfer and scholarship.
Commitment to supporting staff in the Institute and to providing a high-quality student learning experience.
Commitment to supporting educational aspiration and attainment in the local community.
Must also have:
Good IT skills;
A willingness to undertake and lead appropriate staff development and training.