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- Tasks: Lead teams to deliver inclusive outdoor learning experiences across two dynamic centres.
- Company: Join Cambridgeshire Outdoors, committed to transformative education and inclusion for all.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young people's lives through innovative outdoor education.
- Qualifications: Experience in leadership and a passion for outdoor learning required.
- Other info: Flexible role with excellent career progression in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 38200 - 41100 £ per year.
Location: Grafham Water Centre and Burwell House (Two Positions Available)
Salary and Benefits: £44,260 - £47,277 and benefits package
Cambridgeshire Outdoors is recruiting two Deputy Heads of Centre to work across Grafham Water Centre and Burwell House, leading the delivery of high‐quality, inclusive outdoor and residential learning experiences. These roles support Cambridgeshire County Council's Ambition 7 – enabling all children and young people to thrive and the "Inclusion for All" strategy.
Working closely with the Head of Centres, the Deputy Heads will:
- Lead multidisciplinary teams, develop and oversee educational programmes.
- Ensure health and safety compliance.
- Drive business development and innovation.
This is a flexible, multi‐site role for experienced, passionate leaders committed to creating transformative learning opportunities.
What we offer:
- A supportive environment with two dynamic sites.
- Engaged staff working in partnership with schools and community groups.
- Opportunities for professional growth and rapid progression.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Commitment to inclusion, diversity and equality.
About Cambridgeshire Outdoors:
Cambridgeshire Outdoors delivers transformative outdoor learning experiences that support personal growth, wellbeing and educational achievement. The service operates through:
- Grafham Water Centre – a reservoir‐based outdoor education centre with 160 beds, offering adventurous activities such as sailing, paddlesports, climbing and high ropes, with a strong focus on personal development and team‐building.
- Burwell House – a historic residential centre with 60 beds, offering creative, environmental and curriculum‐linked learning experiences in a tranquil rural setting.
- An Outreach Programme – bringing outdoor learning directly to schools, youth groups, communities and businesses across Cambridgeshire.
These services support the Council's Educational Services "Inclusion for All" strategy, ensuring every child and young person—regardless of background or ability—can access enriching, life‐enhancing opportunities.
Closing Date: 1st August
What will you be doing?
- Lead and manage multidisciplinary teams across both sites, including Facilities, Hospitality and Programme staff.
- Act deputise for the Head of Centres, taking full responsibility for operations and strategy in their absence.
- Design and deliver inclusive, high‐quality outdoor and residential learning programmes that align with the National Curriculum and national education priorities.
- Champion health, safety and safeguarding, acting as a technical advisor in at least one activity and ensuring compliance with national standards (e.g. AHOEC Gold, AALA, LOtC, PUK, MTE, RYA).
- Drive strategic development, including long‐term planning, property and resource innovation, and funding opportunities.
- Lead quality assurance and evaluation, using data to measure the social value and impact of outdoor learning.
- Support business development and marketing, helping to grow the centres' reach and sustainability through partnerships, communications and income generation.
- Act as Duty Manager on a rota basis and respond to emergencies and critical incidents when required.
- Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of the role, ensuring every child and young person can thrive.
To apply and see the full details please visit recruitmenthub.org/members/modules/job/
Email: daniel.playford@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
Deputy Heads of Centres employer: Bluedome Outdoor Activities
Contact Detail:
Bluedome Outdoor Activities Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Heads of Centres
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the outdoor education sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Deputy Head of Centre role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your game face on for interviews! Research Cambridgeshire Outdoors and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission of inclusion and transformative learning. Show them your passion for outdoor education and how you can lead their teams effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply—engage! When you submit your application through our website, follow up with a friendly email expressing your enthusiasm for the role. This shows initiative and keeps you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare some thoughtful questions for your interview. Ask about their current projects or how they measure the impact of their programmes. This not only demonstrates your interest but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Heads of Centres
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Outdoor Learning: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for outdoor education shine through! Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to creating transformative learning opportunities for young people.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Deputy Head of Centre role. Use keywords from the job description and demonstrate how your skills and experiences align with what we're looking for.
Highlight Leadership Experience: As a Deputy Head, you'll be leading multidisciplinary teams. Be sure to showcase any relevant leadership experience you have, whether it's managing teams, overseeing projects, or driving innovation in educational settings.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you're serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bluedome Outdoor Activities
✨Know Your Centres
Before the interview, make sure you research Grafham Water Centre and Burwell House thoroughly. Understand their unique offerings, values, and how they align with Cambridgeshire Outdoors' mission. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and show that you're ready to contribute to their vision.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Deputy Head of Centre, you'll be leading multidisciplinary teams. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed teams, developed programmes, or driven innovation. Be ready to discuss how you can foster an inclusive environment and promote equality in outdoor learning.
✨Emphasise Health and Safety Knowledge
Given the importance of health and safety in this role, brush up on relevant regulations and standards like AHOEC Gold and AALA. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure compliance and champion safety within the centres, as well as any technical expertise you bring to the table.
✨Prepare Questions About Inclusion Strategies
Since the role focuses on the 'Inclusion for All' strategy, think of insightful questions about how the centres currently implement these strategies. This shows your commitment to creating transformative learning opportunities for all children and young people, and it gives you a chance to engage in a meaningful conversation with the interviewers.
