Meet Jocelyn Sumner

When did you start at SET and in what role?

I started at Alderman Jacobs School in February 2015 as Headteachers Assistant and Governance Clerk.

What has been your career journey so far?

My initial role gave me many opportunities to learn about educational operations through my daily tasks through supporting the Headteacher and attending Trustee meetings. I successfully applied for the role of Finance and Operations Manager in 2018 and moved to my current role of COO in 2023.

What support, training and/or qualifications have you had to do for your job or wanted to do?

I took the opportunity to complete the Level 4 School Business Management qualification through ARU whilst in my role of Headteachers Assistant and Governance Clerk. Continued CPD has been available through e-learning platforms, through external organisations (ISBL, RPA, VWV Law, ESFA, Azets Accountancy) that provide support to the education industry and signing up to regular briefing emails from the DfE, Confederation of School Trusts etc. It has always been clearly communicated that should I want or need to undertake a further qualification that it is ok to ask and investigate qualification opportunities.

What do you most enjoy about your job?

The opportunities to make a difference, improvements and developments whilst working with like-minded people who care about the schools they work in.

What qualities are most needed to do your job?

Effective communication skills and the ability to inspire and motivate teams to reach their highest potential whilst remaining empathetic. Its also important to have good organisational skills to balance and juggle a variety of strategies.

Where do you think your career in education will go in the future?

To continue to develop my skills and knowledge to reach my own highest potential.

How do you think working at SET is making a difference to pupils and other schools?

Supporting leaders to understand their compliance responsibilities and how to consistently meet them through aligned processes but still able to recognise what is specific to their school context and meet those needs too. Therefore, providing support to ensure pupils and staff have the best environment and opportunities possible to reach learning and development potential.

Is there anything else you would like to tell others about your career/aspirations? Any top tips?

Take all opportunities to learn and develop, be confident in your ability to deliver whilst being confident to ask for support/development opportunities.