Visitor experience officer volunteer roles

Outdoor Learning Volunteer Officers are a key part of our team at Skelton Grange Environment Centre and are involved in:
- Supporting and leading environmental activities with young people and the local community.
- Planning and preparing sessions - and sometimes even developing new activities to help young people connect with nature.
- You will be trained and supported by experienced project staff and work as part of a team with paid staff, trainees and other Volunteers.

Typical activities for the Outdoor Learning Volunteer role include:
- Running environmental education sessions for school visits during term time.
- Running play activities for groups of children and young people during the school holidays.
- Keeping education day resources up to date and developing new resources, activities or materials as required.
- Helping with the general running of the centre and the project, including both development work and routine maintenance to ensure we are an inspiring location for visitors to experience nature.

Benefits to you:
We aim to involve our Outdoor Learning Volunteer Officers in:
- Running a range of outdoor education and play activities and events with schools and community groups on the Skelton Grange Environment Centre site.
- Planning, risk assessing and running safe and engaging activities outside for children.
- All the necessary skills and knowledge to be able to run the sessions, from bushcraft skills to plant identification to working with children.

The role will give you the opportunity to use your skills and experience in a supportive environment and aims to support you into being able to run activities and lead groups independently.
It's a chance to do something very satisfying and worthwhile and have lots of fun with some great people!
If you want to use this role to move on into employment in the environmental sector we can also provide you with a range of useful training courses, job opportunity information, interview guidance and references.

We will provide expenses to cover volunteer travel costs.

What you need:
We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are keen to work with young people and to connect people with green spaces.
People volunteer with us for all sorts of reasons: you may have lots of skills that you are keen to share, or you might be looking for something worthwhile to do with your time, or you might be wanting to launch a career in the environment sector.

The Opportunity Brighton Swimming Centre (BSC) is a cornerstone of the Brighton community, operating for over 15 years with 2,000+ weekly visitors and an annual turnover of £820k. We are currently a Company Limited by Guarantee and are embarking on a critical strategic phase: transitioning to registered charity status to secure our future and expand our impact.

We are seeking a volunteer Non-Executive Director to join our new Board. This is not a ceremonial role. You will be a charity trustee with legal duties, tasked with providing strategic oversight, financial scrutiny, and robust governance during a period of significant change.

Who We Are Since 1987, BSC has evolved from a small swimming school to a national centre of excellence, pioneering the "Pool to Pier" sea swimming course and delivering 1:1 and group lessons from 7am to 10pm daily. We partner with the NHS, local schools, and the City Council, serving as a vital community hub.

The Challenge Under the leadership of Managing Director Michael Kruger (appointed Sept 2025), we are moving from a founder-led structure to a formal Board-led governance model.

• Financial Stewardship: We recently reported a £9k deficit and hold £113k in reserves. We need a board that can rigorously challenge financial planning and ensure long-term sustainability.
• Charity Conversion: You will help navigate the legal and operational complexities of converting to charity status.
• Strategic Growth: Our 2026–2030 strategy aims to establish BSC as a national leader in aquatic education and teacher training. We need fresh eyes to help shape this vision.

What We Need From You We are looking for individuals who are willing to speak their minds, challenge constructively, and uphold the highest standards of governance. Specifically, we are seeking skills in:

• Finance: Ability to interpret accounts and manage budget risks.
• Law/Governance: Understanding of charity law and company duties.
• Fundraising: Experience in securing grants or developing income streams.
• Strategy: A track record of strategic planning in sports, education, or community sectors.

Commitment

• Role: Volunteer Non-Executive Director (Trustee).
• Term: 3 years (max 3 terms).
• Meetings: 4 Board meetings per year (2-4 hours each) + sub-committee work.
• Location: Meetings held in person at Eastern Road, Brighton.
• Requirements: Must be eligible for an Enhanced DBS check and not disqualified from directorship.

Why Join? This is a chance to shape the future of a beloved local institution. You will work alongside a dedicated team to ensure BSC remains a beacon of aquatic excellence and community support for the next generation.

Brighton Swimming Centre is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.