About the Portfolio Director – Education, Skills and Employment role

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provide expert professional advice to the Chief Secretary and Ministers, and engage with Executive and Legislative Councils, Partners and Colleagues across the Public Service to deliver the strategic vision for the Education, Skills and Employment Portfolio.
2. Support the Chief Secretary and Elected Members in developing and delivering the Public Service’s strategic agenda.
3. Provide strategic oversight of Education, Skills and Employment services ensuring the Public Service is delivering against both statutory and non-statutory responsibilities.
4. Accountable for both the shaping and delivery of the Education, Skills and Employment strategic agenda and the delivery of services which are appropriate, effective, value for money and meet quality standards.
5. Overall accountability for the development of the Education, Skills and Employment provision on the island across primary, secondary, tertiary education and the lifelong learning sector. As the professional lead for education, lead the development of strategy and plans which deliver excellent educational outcomes, learner-focused services and support the effective implementation of corporate objectives.
6. Lead the improvement and development of services to drive effective customer focussed outcomes, compliance with legislative and statutory requirements, and meet the needs of the public, parents and carers.
7. Lead the development of the Education, Skills and Employment Portfolio and ensure resources are utilised imaginatively and cost effectively, enabling a culture of continuous improvement, innovation and evaluation.
8. Provide assurance that the Education, Skills and Employment support system(s) for the local community is fit for purpose. Develop quality assurance systems to enable the improvement of performance standards for all children and learners on St Helena. Ensure that person-centred assessment and planning mean that children with additional needs achieve their full potential and progress into the adult life they want to lead.  Ensure management, review and delivery of a Special Education Needs (SEN) Strategy securing provision to match SEN and disabled learners’ needs. 
9. Build and enhance the capability, capacity and sustainability of schools, the professional teaching workforce and the educational services provided to support schools.
10. Lead a group of services and highly experienced leaders and professionals, setting direction, establishing priorities, building capacity, maintaining focus, and delivering a programme of action to deliver strategic objectives.
11. Provide strategic leadership to ensure the Portfolio’s resources are appropriately managed, including leadership of the Portfolio’s medium-term financial and strategic plan, and planning and delivery of capital or other projects to further meet priorities. Overall accountability for the Portfolio Budget.  
12. Ensure appropriate governance structures are in place and supported to effectively oversee and scrutinise key functions and services within an appropriate quality assurance framework.
13. Build and nurture strong relationships with UK Government departments and agencies and with professional bodies, to promote the interests of the Public Service.
14. Responsible for the effective management and timely resolution of people management issues. Complete Manager Self Service (HR21) processes where appropriate.
15. Manage the efficient and effective use of physical and financial resources to support activities, deliver Portfolio strategy and achieve Public Service objectives. Manage the annual Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) process.