The Appointment

We seek to appoint an experienced, enthusiastic and suitably qualified graduate to demonstrate teaching experience in a curriculum subject, lead the continuing development of the CCF as a core activity in the co-curricular life of the school and inspire and motivate the pupils and staff across all CCF sections. There will be appropriate timetable remission to allow times for this significant co-curricular role.

The Contingent Commander is directly line-managed by the Assistant Head (Co-curricular) but overall responsibility lies with the Head Master.

The successful candidate will provide leadership to a talented and committed team of staff, both teaching and operational.

This exciting position would be ideal for a graduate and teacher who is a recent or current CCF officer and has experience as Head of a CCF service section; or perhaps be an existing Contingent Commander, eager for a new challenge. Applications from Officers with a teaching background who are CFAVs in the other Cadet Forces (i.e. ACF and equivalent) are also most welcome.

Combined Cadet Force

Through structured, military themed and adventurous activities, Lancing College’s Combined Cadet Force, incorporating Army and RAF sections, seeks to develop qualities of teamwork, leadership, self-reliance, resourcefulness and responsibility within our cadets. These are personal qualities which will remain of value throughout the cadets’ lives and will undoubtedly assist in the early stages of their chosen careers.

Our team of enthusiastic volunteer officers train the cadets, who join from Fourth Form onwards, during weekly parades in School, weekend training (during the October, March and June overnight exercises and annual camps during the summer holidays.

Over the course of the CCF Programme, pupils typically learn about weapon handling and safety, drill, map and compass work, field craft, general military knowledge and First Aid. They can also learn to shoot in our outstanding indoor range. Cadets in the RAF section also learn about the theory of flight and aircraft recognition and have an opportunity each term to fly.

Principle Responsibilities

The Contingent Commander is responsible to the School’s Head for the safe, efficient and effective running of the school’s contingent, including leadership and development of the CCF function, ensuring that each pupil is positively encouraged to develop their potential to the full. The core purpose of this post is to manage and develop the School’s CCF; assisting with the running and organisation of the Cadet contingent and to participate fully in CCF activities. If the Contingent Commander is a member of academic staff, (s)he teaches a reduced timetable in their subject area.

The Contingent Commander will have acquired the broader knowledge, experience and outlook to inspire, motivate and manage not just the cadets and NCOs, but also the staff and other adult volunteers. (S)He will also possess excellent organisational and administrative skills to ensure a high-quality experience for all cadets and staff and effective use of resources. In addition to working normal working commitments there will be weekend and holiday commitments where a willingness to work sometimes long, odd and flexible hours, sometimes away from home, will be necessary.

The Contingent Commander will be supported by a part-time School Staff Instructor (SSI), who will assist with training and will oversee stores, equipment, security, weapons maintenance and administration.

Specific Responsibilities Include:

General

• Lead the co-ordination, development and evolution of the CCF as a central activity in the co-curricular life of the college.
• Line management of the SSI and manage the team of CFAVs.
• Oversee the organisation of the regular CCF activity and chair CCF meetings.
• Plan and oversee arrangements for all exercises, camps and training days; Plan and oversee all aspects of training on a Wednesday afternoon.
• Work in conjunction with the SSI to plan and execute a Training Programme and ensure that all pupils are actively engaged according to School and MoD policy.
• Represent the School at appropriate MoD, and related Committee meetings and keep the Assistant Head appraised of developments within the CCF.
• Report on CCF events for School publications and electronic media.
• Recruit Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) and cadets to the level of the establishment set by MOD and for ensuring that the administration and management of the CCF is carried out as required by MOD regulations.
• Maintain the overall discipline of cadets while undertaking training.
• Regular liaison with the single service cadet training team supporting the contingent’s section and with affiliated and sponsoring regular or reserve units.
• Produce and annually update a Development Plan for Basic Recruit cadets, NCO’s and Officers/Staff in the CCF.
• Keep staff and parents informed of activities in which pupils are engaged
• Be responsible for keeping the Contingent’s finances up to date, including preparation of accounts for audit; Expenditure must be in collaboration with the SSI.
• Oversee CCF nominations for National Courses and training.
• Be responsible for all CCF awards and ceremonial commitments for the School;
• Ensure the School is represented at all functions and ceremonial events appropriate to the positive promotion of the Contingent;
• Co-ordinate Continuing Professional Development of staff involved in CCF;
• Plan and manage the annual calendar of events for the Contingent in liaison with the SSI, Senior Officers and Assistant Head.
• Attend camps, field days and additional trips as necessary.
• Attend formal training courses as required and represent Lancing College CCF at various external military meetings and functions.
• Contribute to the overall marketing and development of the College’s reputation and promote the profile of the CCF within the extended College community by publicising CCF activities as appropriate.
• Demonstrate flexibility and an understanding of how to promote the CCF alongside the other activities that take place at Lancing College
• Take an active role in promoting the benefits of outdoor education to students in and outside the CCF.
• Foster and maintain appropriate affiliations with sponsor units and stations.
• Responsible for all buildings owned or utilised by the CCF, and for all equipment owned by or loaned to the CCF.
• Co-ordinate and manage sensitively the awarding of CCF prizes.
• Work with the SSI for the:
• Centralised bidding for MoD ranges and training areas from the relevant agencies;
• Transport from the MoD Transport Agency;
• Training stores for camps and exercises
• Officers and cadet courses;
• CTT support.

Governance

• Be the contingent Delivery Duty Holder (DDH) and being responsible for risk to life activities;
• Oversee security and maintenance of MOD issued loan equipment in accordance with appropriate MOD rules and national legislation;
• Ensure that the MOD’s inspection and assurance requirements are met including appropriate remedial action where standards in the CCF contingent fall below required levels;
• Oversee that all attendance of cadets and CFAVs are recorded accurately and in a timely fashion on the appropriate CMIS by the SSI;
• Ensure that accurate attendance registers are taken weekly and recorded on the school MIS so that HMMs can follow up in a timely manner. Follow up all absences and action sanctions as necessary.
• Ensure that the SSI is recording Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) numbers and disclosure dates for all CCF CFAVs on the CMIS and ensure that this clearance is renewed every 5 years in line with MOD policy;
• Oversee the safe weapons handling testing of all personnel 6 monthly in each weapons system used;
• To plan and organise the Annual and Biennial Inspections and to ensure that the SSI has completed the administrative checks both physically and online to ensure a satisfactory pass.
• Ensure appropriate insurances are in place to support Contingent activities .

Safety

• Publish appropriate safety and security orders for all potentially hazardous activities.
• Oversee the School partnerships and liaise with Senior Management, Staff, Parents and Cadets of the partner schools to ensure the safe training and development of their cadets.
• Ensure that the contingent complies with the appropriate MOD and school safeguarding policies.
• Ensure that all suitable safety and control measures are in place covering legal compliance, in areas such as: health & safety; fire risk assessments; testing of staff and ensuring qualifications held are in date and current.
• Ensure, through effective personal administrative organisation and delegation where necessary, compliance with school and MOD Health and Safety and Safeguarding policies and guidelines in all CCF activities.
• Ensure that all officers are in possession of and conversant with the Cadet Training Safety Precautions and that they operate within its guidelines.

Security

• The Contingent Commander will work with the SSI and named staff to provide ‘alarm cover’ for the armoury when the SSI is not available. This is a shared, year-round, responsibility which requires the appointee to work a call out rota to ensure staff are available to attend if the armoury alarm activates.
• Ensure, through effective delegation where necessary, the security of buildings, weapons and ammunition in conjunction with the SSI.
• Be responsible for the security of all weapons and ammunition, personnel and documents, and for ensuring that all measures determined by Army Formation Headquarters for their security, are implemented effectively.
• Line manage the SSI who, as Unit Security Officer, is to attend and update USO’s course every four years.
• Assist the SSI with the security of the armoury and stores’ keys.
• Liaise with the SSI on routine changing of the security keys every six months, with those held by CTT and changing and recording blister lock combinations.
• Share the call out cover with other staff during term time and the School holidays.

Armoury and Ammunition Management

• Oversee and liaise with the MoD, outside agencies and the SSI on the maintenance and operation of the armoury (weapons stores).
• Assist the SSI and Training Officer with collection of ammunition from the CTT and the return of brass (staying abreast of changing policy guidance).

Rations

• Oversee the SSI in the maintenance and operation of the ration account and the collection of ORP from MoD to ensure stock rotation and storage.

Staff

• Promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young persons for whom (s)he is responsible, or with whom (s)he comes into contact will be to adhere to and ensure compliance with the School’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy at all times.
• Be responsible for overseeing the work of the SSI.
• Lead and manage a team of teachers, support staff, instructors and the SSI.
• Instil confidence in those within the contingent and Inspire and motivate the pupils and staff across all CCF Sections.
• Be able and willing to work towards adventure training qualifications, i.e Walking Leadership awards to benefit the CCF and DOE expeditions, as available.
• Delegate appropriate responsibility to the officers in the CCF.
• Encourage and support CCF staff in their professional development and ensure the provision of appropriate CPD opportunities for CCF Officers.
• Process staff commissioning procedures including submission of all personal career documentation.
• Assist in recruitment of additional Adult Civilian Volunteer Instructor/Officers as required to aid in delivery of an expanding programme.

Pupils

• The Contingent Commander must comply with the school’s Safeguarding and Child Protection policy at all times; they must report any concerns to the School’s Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• The Contingent Commander must undergo Safeguarding and Child Protection training as directed by the Line Manager.
• Oversee cadet recruitment and retention and present the CCF to students, outlining the opportunities and benefits.
• Oversee the planning and delivery of the Contingent training programme, ensuring regular review and recommendations for improvement are considered and implemented.
• Communicate, as required, with parents in relation to CCF.
• Deal with pastoral issues regarding cadets in conjunction with other relevant staff.
• Ensure structures and systems are in place to enable effective monitoring of cadets’ progress.
• Promote a growing sense of leadership and independence amongst older pupils, delegating responsibility as appropriate.
• Promote the benefits of service and support to those wishing to pursue a career in the armed services.
• Provide appropriate proficiency testing and also NCO training in order to give all cadets the opportunity to develop their leadership potential.
• Provide a disciplined organisation within the school, which enables students to exercise responsibility and leadership.

Administration

• Ensure, through effective personal administrative organisation and delegation where necessary, that all MOD standing orders are current and adhered to and that changes in policy are communicated to staff.
• Oversee the planning of the contingent’s inspections and reviews.
• Ensure, through effective personal administrative organisation and delegation where necessary, that all the appropriate school and MOD paperwork is accurate, produced in a timely manner and is up to date.
• Ensure, through effective personal administrative organisation and delegation where necessary, appropriate supervision of the finances of the CCF by managing MOD and school budgets and accounts.
• Oversee through effective personal administrative organisation and delegation where necessary the writing of risk assessments for all activities and making sure that these are adhered to by all staff involved, including liaison with the Lancing College H&S Manager.
• Promote and protect children’s welfare in all aspects of their contribution to College.
• Be ICT literate and have experience of using Westminster and or Bader software.
• Be highly organised and able to communicate effectively with all relevant stakeholders in a timely manner.

This job description sets out the main duties at the time it was drawn up. Such duties may vary occasionally but without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibility entailed, and the candidate will be required to carry out any reasonable requests required by their Line Manager.

Key Skills and Qualities required

Essential

• Educated to degree standard or equivalent.
• Knowledge of working with relevant Health and Safety legislation and regulations.
• Clear understanding of the importance of effective safeguarding.
• A thorough understanding of the risk to life activities being undertaken by all parts of their contingent in accordance with MOD Duty Holding (DH).
• Experience of planning, prioritising and organising resources to tight deadlines under pressure.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to develop and maintain effective professional working relationships and networks with a wide range of stakeholders and use these relationships to improve service effectiveness and deliver outcomes.
• Ability to produce reports and convey information that needs explanation or interpretation.
• Confidence and the ability to promote high professional standards with the CCF team and challenge actions that go against protocol.
• Familiarity with the Westminster Informational Management System.
• Relevant experience of managing equipment.
• Relevant experience of the CCF.
• Previous experience of working with children and pupils.
• Motivational skills to encourage participation in CCF activities.
• Excellent communication skills when dealing with pupils, staff, parents and external organisations.
• Ability to work effectively both as part of a team and independently.
• Ability to prioritise effectively and without direct supervision.
• Excellent people skills, enthusiasm for working with young people.
• Flexible with a ‘can-do’ approach.
• Promote a caring community ethos of the School and its teamwork approach.

Desirable

• Knowledge of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
• Proven experience of planning events and organising trips both within the UK and abroad.
• KGVI Course (or equivalent) qualification in planning and running exercises.
• Proven experience of managing stores.
• Experience working with relevant Health and Safety legislation and regulations.
• Experience in managing and developing a complex outdoor education programme.
• Adventure training qualifications i.e. Mountain Leader, climbing, canoe/kayak and sailing.
• First Aid Certificate.
• Membership of relevant professional bodies.
• MIDAS minibus training or HGV licence.
• Qualified ECO; Range Qualifications; SAA Instruction Qualifications; AT Qualifications.

Application Procedure:

Applications should be made using the application form. Candidates are asked to add a covering letter setting out, as succinctly as possible, their reasons for applying for the position at Lancing.

Application forms are available from the College website www.lancingcollege.org.uk.

Please send any emails to recruitment@lancing.org.uk

A full curriculum vitae and the names, addresses and telephone numbers of a minimum of three referees, one of whom should be the candidate’s current or most recent employer should be included with the application.

Informal conversations about the post may be arranged with the Assistant Head (Co-Curricular), Karen Andrew: kea@lancing.org.uk

Closing date: 21 April 2025

Interviews: w/c 28 April 2025

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £32,971.00-£67,377.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person