Dame

### Role Introduction The role of the Dame is wide-ranging, and they play a key role in the running of a boarding house, assuming responsibility for the house in the House Master’s absence. Together with the House Master, they are responsible for the wellbeing of every pupil in the house and play a pivotal role in caring for and nurturing them, helping develop a culture based on kindness, courtesy, dignity and respect, and an environment where individual differences and the contributions of all members of the house are recognised and valued.

The Dame has particular responsibility for pupils’ health and provides first-line medical care, as well as the administration of medicines. In addition, they are responsible for the supervision and presentation of pupils in the house.  They monitor the overall standards of cleanliness and catering (if relevant) within the boarding house and work closely with the Supervisors and Heads of these central teams to ensure that standards are maintained.

They work with Buildings and maintenance departments to ensure that the fabric of the building is well maintained. They also help plan, organise, and manage the many and varied house events that take place every year. They line-manage their two Dame’s Assistants.

Key Accountabilities:

* Provide high levels of pastoral care to pupils, including effective first-line medical care;
* Contribute to building a high performing house-team, including effective management and development of Dame’s Assistants;
* Day-to-day responsibility for monitoring the overall standards of cleaning and catering (if applicable) within the house, working closely with the central teams to ensure that these are maintained;
* Work in conjunction with departments across the College to help ensure that the house is fully compliant within the Dame’s areas of responsibility;
* Sound management of the house budgets for which the Dame is responsible.### Main Duties
** Responsibilities to the House
** Pupils:
* Provide a sympathetic presence in the house, working closely with the House Master to provide a high level of pastoral care to pupils, liaising closely with other relevant staff as necessary, including those in the Safeguarding Team, the Stephenson Centre for Wellbeing, and the Health Centre;
* Promote and safeguard the welfare of pupils, adhering to the school’s Safeguarding procedures and Child Protection Policy and processes at all times. Reporting any concerns regarding actual or potential risks in line with the school’s policies.
* Work closely with the House Master to ensure high standards of cleanliness and presentation of pupils, as well as helping to uphold the disciplinary ethos of the house;
* Work closely with the House Master to ensure high quality pupil recruitment, admission and induction processes are in place; contributing to the interviewing of prospective pupils and their families, as well as induction arrangements for new pupils, including meeting with them prior to their arrival;
* Be a highly visible presence around the school, regularly attending fixtures and events in support of pupils;
* Liaising with the House Master, Dame’s Assistants, and central catering as necessary to help plan, organise and manage the many and varied house events that take place;
* Be present at meals ensuring regular pupil attendance and overseeing behaviour;
* Being available overnight on some occasions over the week.

Staff:
* Contribute to building a collaborative, supportive and high-performing team within the house.
* Lead and line-manage the Dame’s Assistants; holding regular meetings, and providing appropriate direction and support, as well as helping to manage their workload;
* In conjunction with the Boarding Leadership Team, manage the…