Woodland Enterprise Skills Coach (Charcoal and Social Enterprise) - Little Gate in Beckley

Do you want to work outdoors, in a meaningful role where your skills directly change lives? At Little Gate Farm (46 acres of ancient, semi-natural woodlands and farmland), we support autistic and learning-disabled adults to build the confidence, independence, and work skills needed for paid employment. Set in the East Sussex countryside, our woodland and farm offers a practical, hands‑on environment where people can learn, grow, and thrive.

As a Woodland Enterprise Skills Coach, you’ll be part of our charcoal and woodcraft social enterprise — working among trees, timber, and tools to produce high‑quality, sustainable products. This is not just about making charcoal; it’s about using real work to develop real skills. You’ll work alongside trainees, coaching them through practical tasks while helping them build essential employment skills such as teamwork, communication, problem solving, and adaptability. Over time, you’ll support our trainees to move towards paid employment and greater independence.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Working in the Woodland Enterprise

• Supporting the production of firewood, charcoal, and woodland products using our own timber
• Work in the woodland, processing and supporting the extraction of timber
• Guiding trainees through the full charcoal process, from loading the retort to bagging and supplying customers
• Contributing to the development of new wood products and improving how we work
• Teaching safe and effective use of tools
• Working as part of a team to run a growing, values‑led enterprise

• Using practical work to build essential skills: teamwork, communication, problem solving, and adaptability
• Creating structured, inclusive activities that balance productivity with learning
• Supporting trainees to take ownership of their work and develop professional behaviours
• Monitoring progress and adapting support to help each individual succeed
• Creating a positive environment where effort is recognised and mistakes are part of learning

• Modelling a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and reliability
• Following health and safety procedures and ensuring safe working practices at all times
• Contributing to a culture of care, professionalism, and safeguarding

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• At least 1 year’s experience working with wood or in a woodland setting
• Ability to take raw materials through to a finished product
• Confidence using hand tools safely (e.g. saws, axes, billhooks)
• Experience supporting others to build skills or confidence
• Ability to use practical work to develop transferable skills
• Organised, reliable, and able to see tasks through
• Positive attitude and resilience when working outdoors year‑round
• Ability to travel independently to the farm

Desirable

• Experience in woodland management or charcoal production
• Experience in social enterprise, training, or coaching
• Experience supporting autistic adults or people with learning disabilities
• Understanding of skills development frameworks (e.g. Skills Builder)

Why This Role Matters

This role sits at the heart of what we do. You won’t just be producing charcoal — you’ll be helping people take meaningful steps towards employment and independence. Every task, from stacking timber to preparing products for sale, becomes an opportunity to build confidence and capability. If you enjoy working outdoors, value purpose in your work, and want to be part of something that genuinely changes lives, this role offers a rare combination of physical, practical work and human impact.

Additional Information

• Two roles available
• Contract: Full time, permanent (40 hours, Monday–Friday, typically 9am–5pm) and Part time, permanent (16 hours over two days, Mon and Fri, typically 9am–5pm)
• Holiday: 5.6 weeks pro‑rata (inclusive of bank holidays)
• Charcoal burns: Occasional early starts in summer (rota basis. Once every other week)
• Safeguarding: An Enhanced DBS with barred list check (Child & Adult Workforce) will be carried out for the successful applicant.
• Application deadline: 5th May 2026 (16:00)
• Location: Little Gate Farm, Beckley (TN31 6RZ)
• Salary: £13.25 per hour
• Contact: Hannah Briars (Head of Little Gate Farm) 01797 260580 (option 1) hannahbriars@littlegate.org.uk
• Interviews: 13th May 2026

Our Commitment: Little Gate is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We are committed to inclusion, safeguarding, and creating a supportive environment for both trainees and staff.