Recruitment documentation

Following the conclusion of the consultation process with national union representatives, the updated model employment contracts for schools and academies are now available on the CES website [with the exclusion of the Diocese’s own model contract for the unique role of the Catholic Senior Executive Leader (CEO level equivalent) - see below]

In response to feedback, the models are now provided in fully amendable word format to enable schools and academies to tailor the contracts accordingly.
Whilst amendments are now possible, schools and academies must not amend the main provisions of the contracts but only to make amendments to those paragraphs highlighted in yellow.
If schools and academies deem it necessary to amend more than the sections highlighted in yellow, they must contact the DES for permission and can contact Gerry Dryden for advice if needed.

The updated contracts are now available and should be used.
Please advise your HR providers that the updated contracts have been published.
Please note that new rules come into force on 6 April concerning the contents of written particulars to be provided to employees and the updated contracts take these new rules into account.
These contracts must be used for all employees starting work on or after 6 April.

DIOCESAN POSITION ON PAY POLICIES

If you are thinking of using a search and recruitment firm to support your recruitment, you may wish to consider the following:
Emmaus Leadership: https://www.emmausleadership.me/
or
Satis Education: https://www.satiseducation.co.uk/

Please do liaise with colleagues at the DES as there may be a Diocesan agreed rate with the above or other firms.

Documentation for Appointments

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DES advisory rights for Appointments in Catholic Schools
This document explains when the DES must be involved in appointments in order to comply with the Trust Deed.

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Appointing Leaders Guidance 2016
Helpful advice and documents for use when appointing senior leaders to Voluntary Aided Schools or Academies .
Appointing Leaders supporting documents for Academies

Appointing Leaders supporting documents for VA Schools

Archdiocese of Birmingham Definition of a 'Practising Catholic'

Job Descriptions

Headteacher

Head of RE in a Secondary School

Principal

Deputy headteacher

"PICCLS" in a secondary school

vice principal

Primary RE Curriculum Subject Leader

- This job description applies to the Primary RE Curriculum Subject Leader. Responsibilities for Collective Worship etc are not included in this example.

Person Specifications

Primary principal

secondary principal

Primary Headteacher

Secondary Headteacher

primary deputy headteacher

primary vice principal

secondary deputy headteacher

secondary vice principal

"PICCLS" in a Secondary School

Head of RE in a Secondary School

Primary RE Curriculum Subject Leader

Catholic Senior Executive Leader

Model Role Description for the Catholic Senior Executive Leader as at September 2019

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Model Person Specification for the Catholic Senior Executive Leader as at 20 July 2018

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The Role Description and Person Specification for the Catholic Senior Executive Leader should be reviewed together. These documents should be used as the basis for any future appointments to this role, though in consultation with the DES they exceptionally could be adapted if necessary to meet the needs of the particular MAC. When advertising, it would of course be supplemented with details related to the particular MAC. Please note that a model CSEL contract has also been development, following consultation with the Catholic Education Service, given the unique role of the CSEL in our MACs. Further information about the CSEL role is available at: www.becomingacsel.co.uk

CES Documentation for Appointments

In accordance with the directive from the Bishops' Conference, the following documents must be used by all Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Birmingham.

Please read these documents prior to commencing the recruitment process:

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Model Recruitment Documents and Guidance
The CES document Invitation to Interview Letter and associated recruitment guidance documents ensures that all the legal and safeguarding requirements are met.

Memorandum on Appointment of Teachers to Catholic Schools
This outlines the bishops’ requirements that certain senior posts must be filled by practising Catholics and that the diocese must be notified before any part of the process to recruit to such posts is begun.
The term ‘practising Catholic ‘ is not open to interpretation, but must conform to the diocesan document Catholic Schools and the Definition of a ‘Practising Catholic’.

Application Forms
These and the associated documentation should be used for all teaching and non-teaching posts

Template Contracts
On appointment ALL staff should be issued with CES contracts. Versions for voluntary aided schools and academies are available. Where there are local agreements, there is scope for addressing these in the appendices to the contracts.

Disqualification Guidance

Disqualification Policy

Supporting Acting Headship

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Flowchart for Recruitment and Appointment of an Acting Head

Advice and Guidance for governors and head teachers on acting headship and executive headship