Q&A

In this interview, Charity Main, Chief Operating Officer of Anglian Learning, talks about what it is like to work at Anglian Learning and why this is a great time to join the organisation.

What have you learnt in your time with Anglian Learning and what would be the biggest piece of advice you would give to someone coming into the organisation?

That there is never a dull moment!  I think that those working outside the public sector sometimes think it is a dull backwater where nothing happens.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  We have to respond to the day-to-day challenges that come with over 7,000 pupils and 900 staff as well as lead our strategic direction and respond to government policy.

I’ve had the opportunity to work on exciting projects including a new school and a number of complex capital schemes as well as supporting the implementation of new systems.  Best of all, I’ve been part of an organisation making a difference in our communities.

My biggest piece of advice would be to come ready to contribute ideas.  We are an exciting, growing organisation and there is the chance to help shape how we work.

What are the strategic goals for Anglian Learning over the next 3-5 years?

Our strategic priorities are:

An Aspirational and Fulfilling Education

This includes ensuring achievement for all by focussing our work on key areas including supporting those with special educational needs and disabilities.  Our Trust is working on an ambitious curriculum and strengthening teaching and learning using digital technology.

Transforming Together

The Trust is establishing a professional learning centre for all staff, supporting inspiring and innovative leadership, and working on staff engagement, alignment, and wellbeing.

System Influence, Improvement and Growth

We are working on supporting the educational sector more widely, growing the Trust including through the opening of the Marleigh Primary Academy in September 2022 and working on individual school priorities including capital expansion at Sawston Village College (with the Department for Education) and at Joyce Frankland Academy Newport.

How would you describe the culture at Anglian Learning and how do you ensure people live by these values?

Our culture is summarised in our core values:

• Aspirational for all those in our community to be the best they can be.
• Ambitious of ourselves and of others to deliver excellence.
• Inclusive of children of all abilities and from all backgrounds.
• Respectful in our relationships, always underpinned by mutual support and trust.

We have a strong and supportive team-working culture, within the central team and more widely across the whole Trust.  The Financial Controller will be a key member of the Trust Central Leadership team and will have the opportunity to input into key blueprints and frameworks which drive the Trust forward.  Your thoughts and ideas will be valued.

What prospects do you envisage for the successful appointee? 

This is a key post for the Trust.  The postholder will have the opportunity to work across all aspects of finance including core financial accounting, budget setting, capital, systems development, and project work.  It is not just a ‘numbers job’ (although they are important!) and those who make a success of this type of role go on to be Chief Financial Officer or Chief Operating Officer in the growing multi-academy trust sector and beyond.