At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting projects to help children with SEND get active and enjoy sports.
- Company: Join Bedford Borough Council, committed to inclusivity and community development.
- Benefits: Part-time role with competitive salary and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Flexible hours and a supportive environment focused on personal growth.
- Why this job: Empower young people and create lasting change in their lives through sport.
- Qualifications: Passion for sports and experience working with children or community projects.
The predicted salary is between 31537 - 34434 £ per year.
Are you passionate about creating opportunities for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) to be more active? Do you want to make a real difference by helping remove barriers to participation in sport and physical activity? We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Sports Development Officer to lead the delivery of an exciting externally funded project focused on improving the quality and access to exercise and physical activity for SEND children and young people across Bedford Borough.
About the Role
- Deliver a targeted programme of Physical Literacy training in relation to sport and physical activity opportunities for children and young people with SEND.
- Develop and coordinate training that increases participation and improves health and wellbeing outcomes.
- Build strong relationships with schools, SEND services, community organisations, clubs, leisure providers and other key stakeholders.
- Support the development of sustainable pathways into local sport and physical activity opportunities.
- Engage with participants, families and carers to understand needs and help remove barriers to participation.
- Monitor, evaluate and report on project outcomes and impact against agreed funding objectives.
- Promote inclusive practice and support partners to increase the accessibility of their provision.
Closing date: 9th August 2026
Interviews: 17th and 18th August 2026
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. If your application is successful you will be required to declare any spent and unspent convictions, adult cautions (simple or conditional) that are not "protected" as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 and 2020).
How to apply
When you are ready to apply, click on ‘Apply for Vacancy’; you will be asked to upload a CV and answer some application questions. The application questions require a yes/no response. Please make sure your CV shows how you meet the requirements for the role you are applying for, the job profile below will show the essential selection criteria. An optional CV template is provided below.
Bedford Borough Council is proud to be a member of the Armed Forces Covenant and the Care Leavers Covenant, we pledge to interview any eligible job applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the job they are applying for. Bedford Borough Council is also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer and guarantees to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the role they are applying for.
Bedford Borough Council is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
Additional Vacancy Information
- Work Pattern: Part time, 18.5 per week
- Is this an enhanced DBS role? Yes
- Is this a politically restricted role? No
- Is this a customer facing role which requires a fluent English Speaker? Yes
- Location: Bedfordshire, Bedford Borough Council Recruitment, Bedford
- Location: Borough Hall, Bedford
- Is this a designated car user position? No
Sports Development Officer in Bedford employer: Bedford Borough Council
Bedford Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and collaboration. As a Tenant Rights Investigator & Case Manager, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the community while enjoying benefits such as flexible working arrangements and professional growth opportunities in a vibrant local government setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sports Development Officer in Bedford
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Events
Find local sports events or community recreation activities in your area and offer to volunteer. This is a fantastic way to network with industry professionals, gain hands-on experience, and show your commitment to the field. Plus, it could lead directly to job opportunities in organisations like Bedford Borough Council!
✨Join Sports Management Associations
Consider joining sports management associations or local clubs related to your interests—these often have member directories or job boards. Engaging with these communities can help you learn about part-time roles and connect with key people who might point you towards open positions at places such as Bedford Borough Council.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re currently studying or recently graduated, don’t overlook your uni’s career services! They often have tailored resources for landing part-time roles in sports management and can help you with personalised advice, job listings, and even intro opportunities to employers like Bedford Borough Council.
✨Boost Your Online Presence
Create a LinkedIn profile highlighting your interest in sports and recreation management. Share any relevant experiences or passion projects related to sports, and join LinkedIn groups focused on the industry. This can help raise your visibility in the field and may catch the eye of hiring managers at Bedford Borough Council!
We think you need these skills to ace Sports Development Officer in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:When applying for a role in sports recreation management, let your love for sports shine through in your CV and cover letter. Share any experiences you have managing teams, coordinating events, or working in sports facilities. This enthusiasm is infectious and is sure to catch the eye of the hiring team at Bedford Borough Council.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to sports management, first aid, or coaching, make sure to list them prominently. These qualifications demonstrate your commitment to the field and your preparedness for the responsibilities of the job. Don't forget to mention any practical training that shows you're ready to jump in at Bedford Borough Council.
Flexibility and Availability is Key:For part-time roles, availability can be a big plus. Mention your schedule clearly in your application, showing you're ready to work weekends or evenings if needed. This will help Bedford Borough Council see you as a reliable choice who can fit in with their staffing needs.
Tailor Your Experience to the Role:When crafting your CV and cover letter, align your previous experiences with the specific requirements of the role at Bedford Borough Council. If you've coordinated sports leagues, organised events, or managed budgets, make sure those get the spotlight. This way, you can clearly show how you're the perfect fit for their team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bedford Borough Council
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In sports recreation management, it's all about engaging with people—be it clients, team members, or event participants. During the interview with Bedford Borough Council, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully handled diverse groups and fostered positive experiences in recreational settings.
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
From managing sports facilities to understanding recreational programming, don’t forget the technical aspects of the role. Prepare to discuss specific software or tools you’ve used for scheduling events or managing participants, as this shows you're ready for the part-time responsibilities you'll be taking on at Bedford Borough Council.
✨Communicate Your Passion for Sports
As this is a part-time role, passion counts for a lot! Make sure to convey your enthusiasm for sports and recreation in the interview. Talk about your experience with recreational activities—anything from coaching to volunteering—to help Bedford Borough Council see the personal investment you've got in the field.
✨Think About Your Flexibility
With part-time roles, it’s essential to demonstrate your availability and adaptability. Be ready to discuss your schedule and how you can adjust to the needs of Bedford Borough Council. Share examples of how you’ve successfully balanced other commitments while pursuing your passion for sports—it’ll show you’re a reliable choice for them.
