Cycle Instructor (Part time)

On behalf of Hertfordshire County Council, Guidant Global are recruiting for Cycle Instructors to deliver Bikeability training sessions to children at schools across the Hertfordshire area. Bikeability is Hertfordshire County Council's accredited cycling scheme and works within the guidelines of the National Standard for cycle training.

As a Cycling Instructor, you will provide bike safety coaching to students in an outdoor platform, such as in the school grounds and out on the roads. You will follow lesson plans, choose any necessary curriculum or resource materials and explain concepts and theories. As a new instructor, you will receive training, work alongside likeminded individuals, and receive First Aid and Safeguarding training. This is a rewarding role with many opportunities to expand and develop your skills and confidence over time. This position will start in the new school year, in September. There will be mandatory training for three days in August.

Main responsibilities:

• Plan and deliver cycle training sessions, in accordance with the Bikeability scheme, to teach a variety of Bikeability classes to children, helping them feel more confident and secure riding on the roads.
• Ensure delivery of Bikeability courses is in line with the National Standards and the Bikeability Delivery Guide.
• Work with other instructors to deliver progressive, enjoyable and inclusive sessions.
• Provide accurate assessments of riders' skills and deliver feedback in a positive way which encourages development.
• Communicate and liaise effectively with colleagues, pupils, school staff, and clients.
• Carry all necessary equipment to and during training sessions (bike, helmet, first aid kit, cones, hi-vis vest, multi-tool, bike pump, etc).
• Ensure that all rider related paperwork/online systems are completed accurately and in a timely manner as required by the Cycling Operations Manager, including registers, assessment records and certificates of rider progression.
• Promote Bikeability.
• Have internet access and a mobile phone.
• Any other duties as requested by the schools and Cycling Operations Manager.

Essential Skills and Qualifications:

• Proficient in cycling and comfortable riding in various conditions; able to set a good example to your riders.
• Have professional or voluntary experience of working with adolescents.
• Ability to clearly explain concepts, provide feedback, and engage with diverse groups.
• Ability to plan and manage training sessions effectively.
• Have reasonable 'local journey' cycling skills, including negotiating junctions and sharing the road with traffic. A practical assessment forms part of the interview.
• Hold an Enhanced DBS certificate for working with children (dated within the last three years or be on the DBS update service).
• Be over 18 years old.

Desirable Qualifications and Requirements:

• Hold an Emergency First Aid at Work certificate (dated within the last three years).
• Hold a Level 1 Safeguarding Children certificate (dated within the last three years).
• Have an interest in and understanding of the needs of children, including those with special education needs and disabilities, who are trying to improve their cycling skills.
• Experience of working in schools delivering cycle training.

Person Specification:

• Organisational skills.
• Ability to build professional relationships.
• Time management skills.
• Adaptable, flexible and reliable.
• Ability to work well in a team.
• Communication skills, including the ability to listen, speak, read and write in English.
• Keen cyclist who can cycle competently, confidently and consistently to a high standard and promote the benefits of cycling.
• Be willing to sign up to the Bikeability Code of Practice.
• Be committed to continuously improving the quality of cycle training.

The council will supply you with the uniform and training equipment. You will need to have your own bike and cycle helmet. Instructors will generally conduct training as a team of two. Please note your colleague may change per assignment. You will initially be invited to meet the team and go out for a short bike ride. Successful applicants must then undertake a three-day course with additional coursework. This will be held in August. You will need to give your time for this course, however the cost of the qualification is covered by the council, along with your First Aid and safeguarding training. For any further training sessions/meetings, you will be paid for your time.

The amount of work you will be offered will depend on the number of requests for training received. Some periods are busier than others and there are some periods when no work will be on offer. In busy periods, you could be offered 20-30 hours of work per week. Work is offered using a calendar system; you will enter any periods you will not be available for work. The Council will endeavour to offer work at your closer schools. Typically, you will need to arrive at a school to run a training course at 8.45am. Training usually continues until lunchtime. You will also generally have an afternoon course scheduled and then you will finish at approximately 3.15pm. The courses usually run for consecutive days Monday to Friday. Whilst you do not need to accept all work that is offered, you need to be available for all of the days of the courses you do accept. Own transport is an advantage to reach the various sites. Travel expenses can be claimed, within reason, for both car and bike mileage.

Please provide your CV in application of this position.

Promoting Cycling: Encourage participation in cycling and highlight the benefits of cycling for transportation, recreation, and fitness.

Ensuring Safety: Teach and reinforce safe cycling practices, including hazard awareness, road positioning, and basic cycle maintenance.

Risk Assessment and Management: Conduct risk assessments for training environments, identify potential hazards and ensure appropriate safety measures are in place.

Communication and Engagement: Effectively communicate with participants, parents (if applicable), school staff, and colleagues to ensure a positive and productive learning experience.

Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of training sessions, participant progress, and any necessary paperwork.

Equipment Management: Ensure all necessary equipment is available (and worn where appropriate) and in good working order, including bikes, helmets, first aid kits, etc.

Adaptability and Flexibility: Be prepared to work in various weather conditions, adapt to different learning styles, and handle a variety of tasks simultaneously.

Professionalism: Maintain a professional demeanor, demonstrate enthusiasm for cycling, and act as a positive role model for participants.