Deputy Heads of Centres

Deputy Heads of Centres

Full-Time 38200 - 41000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • 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, professional growth opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
  • 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 are essential.
  • Other info: Flexible role with excellent career progression and a commitment to diversity.

The predicted salary is between 38200 - 41000 ÂŁ per year.

Location: Grafham Water Centre and Burwell House (Two Positions Available)

Salary and Benefits: ÂŁ44,260 - ÂŁ47,277 and benefits package

Deputy Head of Centre 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.

Take this flexible, multi‑site role and bring strong leadership, excellent communication and a passion for outdoor learning to our forward‑thinking team.

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

Cambridgeshire Outdoors is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment across two inspiring locations: Grafham Water Centre and Burwell House. With a strong commitment to inclusion, diversity, and professional growth, employees benefit from competitive salaries, opportunities for rapid progression, and the chance to lead transformative outdoor learning experiences that enrich the lives of children and young people in the community.
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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 or related fields. Attend local events or workshops to meet potential employers and showcase your passion for inclusive learning experiences.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching Cambridgeshire Outdoors and their mission. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around inclusion and transformative learning. We want to see your enthusiasm shine through!

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss examples of how you've led teams or developed educational programmes in the past. Highlight your commitment to health and safety compliance and how you’ve driven innovation in previous roles.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our dynamic team at Grafham Water Centre and Burwell House.

We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Heads of Centres

Leadership Skills
Team Management
Programme Development
Health and Safety Compliance
Strategic Planning
Quality Assurance
Data Evaluation
Business Development
Marketing Skills
Communication Skills
Inclusivity Advocacy
Emergency Response
Technical Advising
Outdoor Education Expertise

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Outdoor Learning: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for outdoor education shine through! Share any personal experiences or insights 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. Highlight your leadership experience and how it aligns with our mission at Cambridgeshire Outdoors, especially in promoting inclusion and diversity.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, ensuring we can easily see how you fit into our dynamic team and contribute to our goals.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. This way, you’ll have access to all the necessary details and updates about your application status. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!

How to prepare for a job interview at Bluedome Outdoor Activities

✨Know Your Centres Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you research Grafham Water Centre and Burwell House thoroughly. Understand their unique offerings, values, and how they align with the 'Inclusion for All' strategy. This will show your genuine interest and help you articulate how you can contribute to their mission.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of your past leadership experiences, especially in managing multidisciplinary teams. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led projects or initiatives that promote inclusion and diversity, as these are key aspects of the role.

✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Outdoor Learning

Express your enthusiasm for outdoor education and how it can transform lives. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your commitment to creating enriching learning opportunities for children and young people.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle emergencies. Think about potential scenarios you might face as a Deputy Head of Centre and how you would respond, particularly regarding health and safety compliance and safeguarding.

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