General Background Eton College, which was founded by Henry VI in 1440 for 70 scholars, has over the years become a boarding school for 1300 boys. It is the largest boarding school for boys in the UK. Eton s academic results are excellent. A very wide range of sports, activities and societies is offered and the demand for places at the School is strong. A total of about 900 people work at Eton and in addition to the teachers there are staff working in the 25 Boarding Houses, central dining facility, grounds, security, buildings and others work as swimming pool attendants, technicians, and administrative staff. The School and its immediate grounds and playing fields extend over 400 acres from the north end of Eton High Street to the M4 by Slough. There are some 400 school buildings including staff accommodation and a 2,000 metre rowing lake at Dorney, designated as the London 2012 Olympic venue for rowing and flat-water canoeing. Job Vacancy We are looking for a well organised, practical and understanding individual to join the College as a Dame The Dame is responsible for ensuring the care, management and support of 50 boys within the Boarding House including providing first line medical care for the boys. The role of the Dame is jointly responsible with the House Master to ensure the care, supervision, presentation and discipline of the pupils within the House. The Dame will also be responsible for a team of House staff. To meet the criteria for this exciting role you will have worked in a similar environment. You should have excellent communication skills and have the ability to provide high level pastoral care. In addition to these skills, we are looking for an individual with a strong sense of vocation, values and the authority to act as the House Master s Deputy when necessary. Salary 33,605 per annum, paid monthly via BACS. This rate of pay takes full account of the paid holiday provisions as set out below. Accommodation A flat, including bedroom, sitting room, kitchen and bathroom, would be available for use throughout the year. Currently there is no taxable benefit-in-kind for this provision although there is in respect of utilities used. Dame Job Description and Person Specification/Sept 2014 Page 1
Working Pattern In general a Dame is expected to be available to deal with both routine matters and emergencies as they arise (including overnight); it is therefore not possible to define specific working hours per week. However there will be times of significant and intense activity. Dames are expected to attend meals i.e. breakfast, lunch and dinner and to provide surgeries as agreed. During the remainder of the day, Dames are free to organise their workload and rest breaks accordingly. One 24 hour period off is given per week in the Half. This is a set day off which is arranged with the House Master. Holidays Annual leave will be during the school holidays minus one week for each term (at the beginning and end of each holiday period, staff are cleaning and preparing for the boys departure or for their return) Benefits Pension Scheme Employees who wish to be enrolled into the College s Group Personal Pension Plan can choose either to contribute 4.9% of their salary and the College will contribute 11% or to join the auto-enrolment category where they will currently pay 1% and the College pays 1%. These auto-enrolment amounts will increase gradually over the next few years in line with Government requirements. Death in Service Benefits This is currently 4 x basic salary. Sports and Leisure Facilities Employees at the College enjoy free use of the College Gym, swimming pool and tennis courts with subsidised use of other sport facilities, together with free use of the School Library, and free entry to College theatre and concert productions. Childcare Vouchers Details of the College s Childcare Voucher Scheme are available from the HR Department. Employee Assistance Programme All employees have access to counselling services provided by Health Assured. More information is available from the HR Department. Give as You Earn The College is registered with Give as You Earn. This payroll deduction scheme enables employees to make regular deductions directly from their salary in support of their chosen charity or good cause. Dame Job Description and Person Specification/Sept 2014 Page 2
Application Process Applicants are asked to download and complete the application form from our website and return it before the close date to the Assistant HR Officer or email it to recruitment@etoncollege.org.uk All application forms must be returned by no later than 10th October 2014 Please note that CV s will only be accepted in addition to a completed application form. Any application forms received after the closing date will not be considered. Applicants who are invited to attend an interview must note that references may be taken up before interview. All appointments with the School will be subject to references, medical report and an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service all of which must be satisfactory to the College. In addition the School is required to contact all employers with whom the applicant has worked with children. Dame Job Description and Person Specification/Sept 2014 Page 3
DAME JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title: Responsible to: Responsible for: Dame House Master Team of House Staff Job Purpose Working under the direction of the House Master to supervise and provide care for the pupils, with particular responsibilities for the physical, social and emotional wellbeing and presentation of the pupils in the House. Directing the team of domestic staff in the day to day running of the House, ensuring its cleanliness, tidiness, comfort, health and safety. Duties and Responsibilities 1. To be the junior partner to the House Master 2. To provide a high level of pastoral care for individual boys through direct interest and personal support and through interaction and communication with the House Master, Deputy and Assistants. 3. To be prepared to provide cover for the House Master and assume full responsibility for the House when necessary. 4. To be aware of the difficulties and problems of all members of the House and to help develop a culture of mutual respect within the House. 5. To be familiar with the school's code of practice for health and safety, and its policies and procedures for countering bullying, substance misuse and child protection (as outlined in the document Duties and Responsibilities of Dames). 6. To assist the House Master with the House accounts as deemed necessary. 7. To attend meetings with the House Master, Deputies and Assistants. Dame Job Description and Person Specification/Sept 2014 Page 4
Health and Medical 1. To be responsible for the general health and well being of those in the House, holding formal daily 'surgeries' after each main meal 2. In the case of any doubt or concern, to refer medical matters to the school medical staff. 3. To respond to medical emergencies as well as routine appointments, escorting pupils as needed to the surgery or hospital. 4. To attend any sick pupils in bed in the house ensuring appropriate meals are provided. 5. To ensure that appropriate pupil records are kept up to date and that they are stored securely; to liaise with school medical staff as appropriate, in order to share any health or medical concerns. 6. To administer any medication in accordance with the school's published Medical Care Policy. 7. To hold and regularly update a First Aid qualification as prescribed by the School. Pupils and their Parents 1. To be jointly responsible with the House Master for the care, supervision, cleanliness, presentation of pupils and disciplinary ethos within the House, coordinating and liaising with other boarding staff as necessary. 2. To be aware of the School Dress rules, and to ensure that pupils have all the items they require; to be responsible for the good standard of clothing of pupils, arranging for clothing to be sent to and returned from the laundry; arranging for appropriate repair of clothing, and for the issue of 'chits' for shops etc when necessary. 3. To communicate with parents as necessary, concerning domestic, welfare and medical matters, in consultation with the House Master. 4. To contribute to the induction arrangements for new pupils joining the house; to ensure that any `settling in' problems are resolved. 5. To provide a sympathetic presence in the House, and to be sensitive to those who are having difficulties coping with school life; to liaise closely with other relevant staff in the House concerning the progress and welfare of pupils. 6. The Dame s responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of the boys for whom she is responsible, or with whom she comes into contact will be to adhere to and ensure compliance with the College s Child Protection Policy Statement at all times. Dame Job Description and Person Specification/Sept 2014 Page 5
Domestic If in the course of carrying out her duties, the Dame becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the House or College, she must report any concerns to the House Master, Lower Master or Head Master. 1. To be responsible for the recruitment (in accordance with the Recruitment Guide) of all domestic staff in the House. 2. To be responsible for the instruction and induction of domestic staff in the House; to advise the House Master and Personnel Officer of domestic requirements and problems involving staff. 3. To ensure adequate supplies of cleaning materials and equipment, medical items and other domestic materials, and make adequate provision for their safe storage. 4. In a catering House to be responsible for the operation of the catering arrangements. To ensure the satisfactory provision of meals for the boys, staff and to play an important part in the planning of menus and the ordering and checking of food supplies in liaison with the Head Chef. To have responsibility for the food budget. To make the arrangements for specific House catering functions. 5. It is expected that the Dame will be present at all meals ensuring regular attendance by boys and overseeing their behaviour during that time. To ensure the satisfactory provision of mid-morning snacks and afternoon tea for the boys. 6. To take part in such performance management made by the school, on not more than an annual basis. 7. To take part in appropriate staff cover arrangements for other Dames as required and as organised by the Chairman of the Dames Committee. 8. To carry out such other related duties as may be reasonably required from time to time by the House Master, subject only to the provision that such duties shall fall within the general aim of the post and the provisions of the contract. 9. To gain professional qualifications as deemed necessary by the School. Dame Job Description and Person Specification/Sept 2014 Page 6
DAME PERSON SPECIFICATION ATTRIBUTES ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE Nationally recognised First Aid qualification or willingness to obtain one shortly after appointment Experience of pastoral care for children and young adults Good levels of literacy and numeracy Proven experience in undertaking administrative duties including the use of MS Office Experience of supervising staff Experience in communicating with staff at all levels NVQ Level 2 Health and Social Care or equivalent Current UK driving licence Professional Practice in Boarding Schools Certificate Experience of a boarding school environment Awareness of the Children s Act and Safeguarding and Child Protection Catering knowledge/experience PERSONAL QUALITIES OTHER Ability to work the flexible working pattern of the role Friendly, approachable attitude Passion, resilence, integrity and optimism Ability to lead and work as part of a team Excellent organisational skills Excellent communication skills at all levels including staff, pupils and parents Sense of humour, enthusiastic and with a positive can do attitude Dame Job Description and Person Specification/Sept 2014 Page 7