Outdoor Learning Leader Jobs
Our vision is for an environmentally engaged society with better connections to nature. Our mission is to improve life chances of children and young people through a range of Outdoor Learning experiences, enabling them to learn from nature, empowering them to have a positive impact on the environment. We do this through grant support, direct delivery, research and advocacy.
This role is a great opportunity to play an important part in creating and facilitating Outdoor Learning experiences in Cumbria.
The Role
Being an Outdoor Learning Officer involves collaborating with schools to integrate Outdoor Learning into their curricula and provide opportunities for children and young people to have positive experiences in natural environments, focusing on underserved groups and those most in need of support. You will be responsible for the planning and delivery of our schools offer to ensure the success of Outdoor Learning programmes in the region.
Key Responsibilities:
Programme Delivery and Collaboration:
- Develop a bespoke Outdoor Learning offer to schools as part of our Foundations for Outdoor Learning and/or Enriching Education programmes, considering various factors such as location, catchment area, size and type of groups, use of resources and landscape.
- Plan and deliver Outdoor Learning sessions for eligible schools, on school grounds, in local green spaces and at Low Beckside Farm, devising activities and developing appropriate learning resources for each session and agreed outcome.
- Support the delivery of sessions at Low Beckside Farm for groups attending as part of their OWL (Outdoor Week of Learning) residential.
- Work with schools and teachers for effective delivery of programmes.
- Contribute to impact assessments through data collection, observations, and evaluation paperwork.
- Comply with all risk assessments, Health & Safety policies and safeguarding considerations.
- Build a network among schools, aligning their needs with the Trust’s programmes.
- Coordinate with other Outdoor Learning Officers for collaboration with each other and local networks.
Development and Promotion:
- Support the development of our site at Low Beckside Farm as a venue for high-quality school learning.
- Assist Learning Operations Lead in establishing and maintaining key relationships and projects and promoting Outdoor Learning programmes by attending relevant events.
- Contribute to the development of the Trust through engagement with grantees/beneficiaries in Cumbria and facilitation of the Outdoor Practitioners’ Education Network (OPEN) meetings, and explore opportunities for collaborative efforts.
- Participate in the development of learning policies and procedures, including risk assessments, Health & Safety protocols, training needs, and safeguarding.
Main priorities:
- Establish strong relationships with schools.
- Coach and encourage school staff to support their self-confidence, knowledge, and skill development.
- Provide comprehensive support to high-priority schools.
- Support schools in embedding Outdoor Learning into their curriculum and practice.
- Offer hands-on Outdoor Learning opportunities for school groups, reaching specific settings.
- Break down barriers to Outdoor Learning participation by providing tailored support to schools without charge.
- Utilise the Trust's learning locations for inspiring Outdoor Learning experiences.
Person Specification:
Specific Requirements
- Teaching qualification or equivalent experience.
- Experience of leading environmental visits.
- Experience in supporting wellbeing, personal development and social skills through Outdoor Learning.
- Knowledge of Safeguarding.
Desirable
- Forest School L3 qualification or Therapeutic Horticulture qualification
- CEVAS training (Countryside Educational Visits Accreditation Scheme)
- Outdoor First Aid training
Skills and Knowledge
- Possess knowledge of the National Curriculum for England, learning settings, and educational networks
- Collaborate effectively within a team, displaying adaptability
- Exhibit creativity and adaptability as an educator
- Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Demonstrate a keen interest in environmental and natural history, including biodiversity, ecology, and archaeology
- Competent in administration and IT skills
- Enthusiasm and commitment to the Trust's vision, actively participating in monitoring and evaluating programme impact
- Experience in engaging underserved communities and working with young people with SEND
- Delivery of Outdoor Learning sessions on school grounds and provide guidance to schools on incorporating Outdoor Learning initiatives
General
- There will be some requirement to travel to locations across the UK
Working at The Ernest Cook Trust
ABOUT US
As a land-owning educational charity, the Trust is uniquely placed to share its woodlands, farms and natural habitats to help create a diverse outdoors where people and places flourish.
We are part of an impressive community of networks and organisations across the UK, working to help create a more environmentally engaged society. Our work is increasingly done in collaborations and partnerships, particularly with our funding partners, whose contribution significantly boosts the scale and reach of our work.
OUR SCHOOLS PROGRAMME
Our Schools Programmes offer long-term support to the schools who need this most. We do not charge for our service and are constantly working to break down barriers to participation in Outdoor Learning.
We offer a targeted programme of support, individually designed for each school, based on a needs analysis and conversations with staff. This will follow one of two pathways:
Foundations for Outdoor Learning
This programme is a comprehensive, long-term support package for schools wanting to embed Outdoor Learning into their curriculum and practice. Support may include teacher CPD, mentoring, and advice on how to optimise use of your school grounds. We do this on your school site, with some supported visits to local green spaces and our own learning locations.
Enriching Education
This programme uses The Ernest Cook Trust’s own learning locations - woodlands, farms, rivers and other natural landscapes - together with our Outdoor Learning leaders to support a school’s Outdoor Learning provision. This may be a school’s first experience of Outdoor Learning, or it may enhance and extend existing programmes. Either way, we aim to inspire all participants to spend more time
outdoors.
BENEFITS
Join our friendly team at the Trust for a friendly and rewarding experience. We offer competitive salaries, a range of benefits plus a training budget for your personal growth.
We currently have around 48 members of staff based either at our Gloucestershire Head Office, across our UK landholdings and in our regional hubs (Gloucestershire, Cumbria/Lancashire, Leicestershire) or hybrid working.
Enjoy our generous benefits:
- 10% employer pension contribution (5% from employees)
- 27 days annual leave, plus statutory holidays pro-rata
- Life Assurance
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme, providing 24/7 support for health, mental wellbeing, and more
- Dynamic, creative, and welcoming work environment
Working for us will involve wellies, because we firmly believe that everything is better outdoors!
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
How to Apply
In the first instance, please download, complete and save the Application Form available via our website.
Upload your completed application form to the website link on the application form.
Applications strictly by application form only
Closing Date
Friday 17 May 2024 at 17:00
Interview
Tuesday 28 May 2024, Low Beckside Farm, Mungrisdale CA11 0XR
We look forward to hearing from you.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Embracing diversity is an essential part of the work of The Ernest Cook Trust. We are committed to treating everyone as a unique individual, fairly and with respect, irrespective of race, disability, age, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, or religion. We are committed to ensuring equality, respect, and safety for all, and prioritising the wellbeing of the children, young people and vulnerable adults we support. Our safeguarding policy can be found here.
The appointment will be subject to satisfactory background checks including Disclosure and Barring Service and relevant online searches to comply with best practices in Safeguarding, and proof of the right to work in the UK.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Meridian One Community Garden serves as a space where we focus on cultivating fruit, salad, and vegetable produce. We involve the local community by hosting weekly volunteer gardening sessions, welcoming school visits, and organising various community events.
TCV is seeking a Senior Project Officer with expertise in community engagement, event coordination, and managing community facilities. The garden, which was established one year ago, encompasses facilities such as an office, a community meeting/education room, toilets, and a spacious polytunnel.
The Senior Project Officer will oversee a range of tasks including planning and executing community events, maintaining site Health & Safety, leading volunteers in practical projects like building wooden planters, tending to garden plants, and ensuring timely completion of administrative duties such as procurement, risk assessments, social media updates, and task reporting. They will also lead activities for the under 5’s Nature Explorers group, school visits, themed evening events, and family weekends. Additionally, they'll organise corporate volunteering sessions and cover holiday shifts for the Green Gym gardening program. Previous events have included 'Pampering and Enrichment,' 'Repurpose, Recycle, Reinvent' workshops, and a Black Women in Conservation and Horticulture photo exhibition, as well as our weekend family events featuring free food, music, and arts and crafts activities.
This role involves being friendly and open to various people who visit, from the toddlers attending the Nature Explorers club, to our volunteer gardeners, to senior staff from the local authority. There are two other people working part-time at the garden, and TCV provides thorough training and support from a helpful local team.
Ideally, we’re looking for someone with experience of gardening and/or nature conservation. However, what’s equally important is that the Senior Project Officer has initiative, is welcoming, and comfortable working with a wide range people. We’d therefore welcome applications from candidates who can display those personable qualities, with perhaps experience of working in a community centre setting.
In Spring 2024, TCV will be taking on the management of an additional nearby meanwhile space. The new Senior Project Officer will join us at an exciting time when we begin to turn that space into a new community tree nursery. Working with local people to gather seeds from significant trees in the surrounding area, we aim to grow saplings which will go on to be distributed for planting around London.
Working hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Given the nature of the role the Senior Project Officer will need to work from the garden during these times. Occasionally, to avoid lone working in the absence of another colleague, there will be the opportunity to work from home. Weekend family events take place on Saturdays, four times a year and there are approximately six evening events which take place between April to September. This post holder would be expected to attend those evening and weekend events.
We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process, and you will be asked whether you require any during your application. If you would like to discuss your requirements further please contact the People Team. We also offer reasonable adjustments on the job.
* A full driving licence would be ideal, though not essential, as the post holder has use of a company vehicle.
* This post is subject to an enhanced CRC check due to the activities working with children and vulnerable adults.
We are The Conservation Volunteers.
Our vision is Healthier, Happier Communities for Everyone. We believe that green spaces are an essential part of healthy, happy communities.
Our mission is To Connect People and Green Spaces to Deliver Lasting Outcomes for Both.
The opportunity to connect to nature on your doorstep and contribute to its protection should be available to everyone.
The outcomes of our work:
· Environment: Green spaces are created, protected and improved, for nature and for people.
· Communities: Communities are stronger, working together to improve the places where people live and tackle the issues that matter to them.
· Health & Wellbeing: People improve their physical and mental health & wellbeing, by being outdoors, active and connected with others.
· Learning & Skills: People improve their confidence, skills and prospects, through learning inspired by the outdoors.
Join in, feel good.
London Youth has a track record of providing high quality outdoor learning and trips away from home, for over 75 years. You will be joining us at a critical time as we seek to provide these opportunities for more children and young people than ever before.
As the Director you will oversee the smooth operation of Hindleap Warren, in East Sussex, and Woodrow High House, in Buckinghamshire. You will also lead on the safety and safeguarding aspects of London Youth’s work, supported by a strong and well-qualified team.
Having already undertaken substantial renovations at Woodrow during the pandemic, London Youth is making plans to improve the Hindleap site. You will be leading that capital investment programme.
London Youth aims to make more trips happen for our member youth organisations and young Londoners who would not otherwise get the chance. You will have a key role to play in maintaining existing support for this work and securing new opportunities.
Working closely with a highly committed and skilled Senior Team, the Director of Outdoor Centres is a key appointment to the team to enable us to realise our ambitions.
To be considered for this role we are looking for a highly motivated, values-based leader with a passion for improving the lives of young people.
London Youth is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported and welcomes applications regardless of sex, gender, race, age, sexuality, belief or disability. To be successful in this role you will need to be personally committed to our anti-racism approach and our broader diversity work.
You will be expected to be on site at least three days a week.
Further details about the role and London Youth can be found on our Careers page, please take a look by clicking the apply through company site button.
If you wish to have an informal discussion about the opportunity, please contact, Alison Henderson, Director of People with the contact details on our job page.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Wild in the City was established in 2013 and was incorporated as an asset locked non- profit Community Interest Company in April 2016 to address the growing problem of disconnection from nature and generational loss of knowledge and skills, and to help make nature a meaningful part of everyday life.
We are a national organisation supporting well-being through relationship with nature. We offer programmes in hiking, woodland living skills, natural history and ecotherapy, using the skills of our ancestors to develop a deeper relationship with the natural world and nurture a sense of belonging to communities past and present.
We are a black led organisation with a focus on health and supporting Black and minority ethnic communities in accessing nature and the countryside, addressing the widely acknowledged lack of representation and lower levels of involvement of people of colour in nature-based activity. We are a leading organisation in research and the facilitation of forums about race and nature.
We have an exciting vision for increasing the participation of people of colour in nature- based activity and highlighting black perspectives about the natural world through our core programmes.
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Nature Guides
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Nature Connectors
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Wild in the City Festival
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Black Nature Narratives
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Research and Consultancy
We’re looking for an exceptional individual to become our new Director of Operations. The right person will balance strong interpersonal and leadership skills and robust operational ability in the areas of finance, administration and fundraising. The role of Director of Operations is central to helping us achieve our ambition of further growing as a Black led institution for learning and caring about nature. We are looking for someone with the experience to help shape our growth and guide implementation of our 5 year plan, and who will grow with us to become our Chief Operating Officer.
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The role is offered for 21 hours per week.
Closing date: 3rd May 2024
Interview: w/c 13th May 2024
Start date: as soon as possible
Full job description with responsibilties and person specification is attached
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Bonny Downs Community Association has been working together to change lives and transform our community since 1998. Over the past 25 years our team has grown to provide a wide array of services that benefit Newham residents from all walks of life.
This role is specifically funded through the Youth Endowment fund as a pilot project ‘Thriving Communities’. You will be required to work alongside Thriving Communities commissioners, as well as the project’s Youth Justice Worker’s, Educational Psychologist, and/or professionals assigned to individual young people’s cases- such as teachers, social workers and mentors. The Thriving Communities project is a small part of a wider collaborative project, EMPOWER YOUTH, delivered by two partner charities so, although this position is based at BDCA, you will be working closely with a second East Ham Youth Partnership Project lead and team of Sessional Assistants based at nearby charity The Renewal Programme (TRP). Staff from each organisation will work together to deliver the programme and cross-refer young people to activities led by both teams. You will also be required to work with BDCA’s own Children & Families team during the summer scheme and liaise with our marketing team all year round. External partner agencies that you will work directly with include Thriving Communities panel, Newham Youth Empowerment Service, Newham Community Engagement Team, local sports clubs and schools.
Please apply by sending an up-to-date CV and covering letter (maximum 1 page). Ensure that your letter includes:
-demonstration of how your skills align with the Job Description
-how you are able to fulfil all the Person Specification criteria
-why you are interested in applying for the role.
Application deadline: There is no application deadline, we will be interviewing as and when suitable candidates apply
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.