At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead outdoor education programmes and manage a dynamic team at Storey Arms.
- Company: Cardiff Council's Storey Arms Outdoor Education Centre, promoting adventurous learning.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a difference.
- Why this job: Shape young minds through exciting outdoor experiences in stunning locations.
- Qualifications: Experience in outdoor education and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to empowering learners and fostering creativity.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Storey Arms Outdoor Education Centre & Outreach is a key part of Cardiff Council's educational offer. We work in close partnership with Primary, Secondary & Special Schools, youth services and community groups, to deliver high quality day and residential outdoor education in the Bannau Brycheiniog and South Wales. Our aim is to make any Storey Arms experience an extension of the classroom, a place to explore and become confident, ambitious, and creative learners.
There are multiple aspects to the Storey Arms provision:
- A 60-bed residential centre based in the heart of Bannau Brycheiniog, delivering high quality outdoor education to a diverse range of users.
- The Storey Arms Outreach team based in Cardiff and operating throughout South Wales, predominantly delivering outdoor education to vulnerable learners with ALN.
- We deliver Duke of Edinburgh expeditions (Bronze, Silver & Gold) predominantly based in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.
- As a multi-activity centre, we offer a range of activities, including (but not exclusively) mountain walking, caving, paddle sport, climbing and gorge walking.
The Deputy Head of Centre post is instructional, managerial and developmental. Key responsibilities might include:
- Operational leadership: Managing multidisciplinary teams, including instructors and facilities staff. This could include recruiting, training, and overseeing professional development and performance.
- Deputising: Taking full responsibility for the centre’s operations and strategic direction in the absence of the Head of Centre. Acting as Duty Manager on a rotating basis, which involves responding to emergencies and critical incidents outside of standard hours.
- Programme development: Designing and delivering inclusive outdoor learning and residential programmes that align with the educational priorities of users and the National Curriculum for Wales.
- Safety & Compliance: Championing health & safety, and safeguarding. Ensuring compliance with and development of risk assessments and policy, keeping current and compliant with national standards.
- Strategic development: Driving long-term planning & development. Supporting marketing and outreach to increase the centre’s reach and sustainability.
- Stakeholder engagement: Building and maintaining positive relationships with schools, youth & community groups and all other partners.
The post holder would also need to be a highly motivated and enthusiastic candidate, that is suitably qualified to contribute to the multi-activity programme Storey Arms offers. A successful candidate will need to be/have:
- Managerial, supervisory and developmental experience in an outdoor education setting.
- Always seeking to develop and improve standards throughout the provision.
- The ability to take full responsibility for the centre’s strategy and operations in the Head of Centre’s absence.
- A clear understanding of the importance of risk management and the systems that are built around it.
- Suitably qualified to contribute to the multi-activity programme Storey Arms offers.
- Safeguarding lead, with a deep commitment to safeguarding, often acting as the Designated Safeguarding Person (DSP) for the centre.
- An excellent, adaptable communicator.
- Effective working as an individual and as a team member.
- A clear understanding of the importance of outdoor learning to a child/young person's educational journey.
- Experienced instructing in outdoor education settings and supporting young people with ALN.
- A D1+E driving licence.
Deputy Head of Centre Cardiff Council employer: SWOAPG
Contact Detail:
SWOAPG Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head of Centre Cardiff Council
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the outdoor education sector, especially those linked to Cardiff Council. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for outdoor education! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, share your experiences and ideas about how to enhance outdoor learning. Let them see your enthusiasm and commitment to making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the Storey Arms Centre and its programmes. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨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 the team at Storey Arms and contributing to their fantastic work in outdoor education.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head of Centre Cardiff Council
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Outdoor Education: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for outdoor education shine through. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to helping young people learn and grow in nature.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Deputy Head of Centre role. Highlight your managerial experience and any relevant qualifications that align with the job description.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, ensuring that your key skills and experiences are easy to identify. We want to see your strengths without wading through unnecessary details!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to be part of our team at Storey Arms.
How to prepare for a job interview at SWOAPG
✨Know Your Outdoor Education Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of outdoor education practices and the specific activities offered at Storey Arms. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the multi-activity programme and share any relevant experiences you've had in similar settings.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Deputy Head of Centre, you'll need to demonstrate your managerial and supervisory experience. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams, managed operations, or developed programmes in outdoor education. Highlight your ability to motivate and develop staff.
✨Emphasise Safety and Compliance
Safety is paramount in outdoor education. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of risk management and safeguarding practices. Share any experiences where you've implemented safety protocols or dealt with emergencies, showcasing your commitment to creating a safe learning environment.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Building relationships with schools and community groups is key. Think about how you've engaged with stakeholders in the past and be ready to share strategies for fostering positive partnerships. Show that you understand the importance of collaboration in enhancing the centre's reach and sustainability.