ArtForms is the music and arts service for Leeds, working with children, young people, adults and schools. We are proud to support music education in 94% of Leeds Schools, academies and trusts in addition to running 6 city-wide music centres and City of Leeds Youth Music groups for talented young musicians. In this Assistant Head of Service role, the right candidate will thrive on providing opportunities that will enable children and young people to reach their musical potential.
We are proud to be a service within Leeds City Council, one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.
About you
As an Assistant Head of Service, you will bring to the role:
* Experience of working as part of a leadership team
* Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate positively and effectively with children, young people, parents/carers, and colleagues
* Ability to lead, manage and motivate staff, as well as deliver services of high quality in a timely way
* Ability to work both as part of a team and independently
* Knowledge and understanding of music service and music hub structure, function and purpose
You will need a ‘can-do’ attitude and should have the creativity and vision to inspire and lead change but also the focus to ensure successful outcomes are reached. The role needs a compassionate and strong leader who can hold staff to account whilst being accountable yourself. Above all, you will share the passion and belief that children and young people, their musical learning and developing their potential are at the heart of all decisions.
If you have an outstanding track record as a senior or middle leader together with the determination to maximise the opportunities available then this role offers an excellent opportunity to challenge yourself.
About the role
Your role will be varied and exciting, overseeing our provision in schools and ensuring that we are able to maintain our high standards through implementing an inspiring workforce development programme. As the strategic and delivery partner in Leeds for the West Yorkshire Music Hub we are immensely proud of the breadth and impact of our work across the city.
As a member of the Senior Leadership Team for ArtForms, you will have a vital role in ensuring that our service continually improves and develops to meet the needs of our stakeholders. You will support the Head of Service in both the strategic leadership and day-to-day operations of this highly effective and forward-thinking Music Service, ensuring the continuing delivery of high-quality music education and creating opportunities for musicians in Leeds.
What we offer you
We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:
* a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
* membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
* flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
* a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
* a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further
How to apply
Please complete the online application form. Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.
If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Paula Brookes, Head of ArtForms. Call 0113 3782850 or email Paula.Brookes@Leeds.gov.uk
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds. Leeds City Council is ranked 70 on the Stonewall Equality Index 2023. We are also an age-friendly employer, a Mindful Employer and a Disability Confident Leader.
All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period.
Job Profile
Directorate: Children and Families
Service Area: ArtForms Music Service
Job title: Assistant Head of ArtForms
Grade: PO6
Conditions of service: NJC
Reports to: Head of ArtForms
Responsible for: Line management of specific managers and project leaders
Special conditions: This post is subject to a higher level check with the Disclosure & Barring Service. Please note that a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining employment; this will depend on the circumstances and background to any offence.
Job purpose
As a member of the Senior Leadership Team for ArtForms, the post holder has a vital role in ensuring that policy and practice is continually improved and developed to better meet the needs of our stakeholders. The role will support the Head of Service in both the strategic leadership and day-to-day operations of this highly effective and forward-thinking Music Service, ensuring the delivery of high-quality music education and creating opportunities for musicians across Leeds.
Responsibilities
* Take strategic responsibility for ArtForms programme of activity (service level agreement and direct billed provision) for schools and implement changes to ensure its future success
* Develop and maintain excellent relationships with all stakeholders, including schools and parents ensuring that all communication is consistently clear, timely and effective
* Work collaboratively to support schools to develop their School Music Development Plan and promote the work of ArtForms and WYMH and other services available that would best meet their needs
* Take strategic responsibility for the development of instrumental and vocal teaching in ArtForms, ensuring effective systems and activities are in place to enable the needs of children and young people to be met
* Lead on CPD and curriculum development for ArtForms’ workforce ensuring that the curriculum reflects the needs of learners in the city
* Take a lead role in the recruitment of new teachers, carrying responsibility for the induction of teachers and tutors within the service
* Monitor the supervision and appraisal of staff in line with associated policies and procedures
* Ensure that high standards of instruction and learning are always maintained in the service through leading and implementing an effective performance management system and robust quality assurance processes
* Lead on the allocation of work and timetabling of ArtForms teaching staff
* Take a lead role in developing the ArtForms communications strategy including media content
* Lead staff and middle management meetings as required, ensuring that all are productive, managed effectively and records maintained
* Line manage middle managers and project-based lead roles
* Support and develop the work of the West Yorkshire Music Hub, by working collaboratively with organisations from across the region and take a lead on Hub projects as required.
* Safeguard children and young people and undertake Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) training
* Be required to attend external events that fall outside your normal working week and represent ArtForms. This may include meetings, concerts and developing new relationships on behalf of ArtForms and/or West Yorkshire Music Hub
* Developing key strategies and policy development to ensure the organisation continues to innovate
* Have a clear understanding of the financial needs of ArtForms Music and support the Head of Service to enable a financial resilience for the service in the future, contributing to the setting of charges for provision in schools
* Role model high standards in what constitutes outstanding music teaching and leadership and be prepared to step into both planned and unplanned teaching situations when required
* Develop and maintain the ethos and culture of ArtForms Music in delivering a high-quality service which enables access, promotes inclusion, embraces diversity, and encourages lifelong learning to children and young people in Leeds.
* Contribute to the strategic development of ArtForms Music to support continuous service improvement, working closely with other senior managers to implement day-to-day strategies and solutions.
* Be a visible and effective advocate for the value of music education and for ArtForms Music, and to encourage others to see what is possible.
* To role model a positive approach to service improvement and to be committed to finding solutions which keep children and young people at the heart of what we do.
* The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.
Qualifications
It is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria. Candidates will only be shortlisted if they can demonstrate that they meet all the essential requirements.
* Qualification to degree level or equivalent with a professional qualification in music or music education
* Knowledge and understanding of music service and music hub structure, function and purpose
* Experience of working at a senior level as part of a leadership team
* Experience of line management of staff, including their performance management
* Ability to lead, manage and motivate staff, as well as deliver services of high quality in a timely way
* Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate positively and effectively with children, young people, parents/carers, and colleagues
* The ability to inspire and enthuse children and young people within a positive learning environment
* Good time management and organisational skills
* Ability to show initiative and be proactive
* Ability to work as part of a team and independently and deputise for the Head of Service when required
* Support progression and inclusive practice throughout the organisation
* Create opportunities for colleagues to aid their progression
Essential behavioural and other characteristics
* Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon
* Be aware of and be able to understand and observe Leeds City Council policies.
* Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety.
* Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities
* Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
* Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
* Be aware of and support difference ensuring equality for all, working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding equality & diversity.
* Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person
* The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.
It is desirable that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria. Candidates are not required to meet all the desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between candidates.
* Proven record of leading and developing change and Service improvement
* Understanding of exam board requirements for academic and practical music qualifications
* Experience of working within a music service or music hub
* Experience in working with a wide range of stakeholders, including schools, parents and community organisations
* Knowledge of funding streams and experience in writing successful funding applications
* Ability to manage budgets and resources effectively
* Of contributing to the wider musical community through membership of professional bodies, participation in national and international events etc.
* Full driving licence and access to transport
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