Instructor - Bangholm Outdoor Centre in Edinburgh

The City of Edinburgh Council is committed to safe, impactful outdoor learning and adventure education (OL&AE). The OL&AE Team operates 4 centres, including 3 outdoor centres and the Risk Factory. We have an exciting opportunity for an instructor to join our Edinburgh-based Bangholm team from September 2026 to June 2027.

The post involves three core areas of targeted delivery with an emphasis on supporting young people with additional support needs (ASN), plus Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) ‘disadvantaged’ learners. Training will be ongoing, providing the opportunity for the successful applicant to develop their personal skills and experiences in delivering targeted OL&AE. A project plan for each core area will ensure effective induction, training and support. The successful applicant will operate within the Bangholm safety management framework; led by the Bangholm Operations Manager.

• Core Area 1: 0.2 FTE, delivering OL&AE for a primary special school in Edinburgh. School staff will support each session. Specialist ASN training will be provided via the school, plus wider advice and support via the Bangholm Operations Manager and existing targeted support OL&AE instructor.
• Core Area 2: 0.4 FTE, delivering DofE Bronze sections to small groups from four secondary/special schools. This is part of our DofE Action Zone initiative aimed at boosting bronze ‘disadvantaged’ learner achievement. Delivery of overnight expeditions is integral to this post, plus Council staff will support sessions.
• Core Area 3: 0.2 FTE, delivering trial OL&AE programmes to up to two secondary school groups. This is part of our development of a new accredited OL&AE qualification via Qualifications Scotland.

The post includes 0.2 FTE non-contact time, which allows the successful applicant to prepare sessions, complete evaluations and undertake ongoing training. The role is primarily working outdoors in and around Edinburgh for long periods of the day, throughout the year in different environmental conditions; sometimes in remote and potentially hazardous locations. Work will be land and water-based, plus some activity at height. Suitable and sufficient PPE, induction and support are provided. The allocated work office is Bangholm Outdoor Centre, Edinburgh.

The successful applicant will be able to work occasional weekends, evenings, and overnight, plus occasional working across Scotland. Annual leave will be planned via the Bangholm Operations Manager. This will be approved subject to the needs of the OL&AE Team, and will generally be during school holidays. Some in-term holidays may be approved subject to programme design.

This post is regulated work with children and/or protected adults under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. The preferred candidate will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check. Where an individual has spent a continuous period of 3 months or more out with the UK in the last 5 years, an Overseas Criminal Record Check will be required.

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone feels valued and able to be their best. We particularly encourage applications from women for senior roles, as well as people from minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities or neurodivergent people, care experienced people, carers and LGBT+ people across all levels of the organisation, all of whom are currently underrepresented. All applicants will be considered fairly based on skills and experience.