Salary: £29,777 - £30,296 per annum (pro rata)
Hours: Supply/Ad-hoc variable
Location(s): Cumbria Outdoors, Hawse End Centre, Keswick
Contract: 20+ contracts available. Temporary/Casual work as required
About us
Cumberland Council is an ambitious and forward-thinking authority dedicated to shaping a better future for our communities. We are passionate about creating a vibrant future by addressing inequalities, creating thriving economies that work for our residents and protecting our environment.
At the core of our vision is a commitment to our people, with health and well-being being integral to everything we do, underscoring every initiative and ensuring we provide unparalleled support for all.
We can’t do it without you! Come and embark on the journey to a vibrant future with us, where the work you do will make a real impact. Together, let's shape a community that's as dynamic and inclusive as our landscape. Be a part of the transformation!
#WeAreCumberland
About this opportunity
Are you an engaging and flexible team player looking for an exciting challenge?
Cumbria Outdoors is recruiting Outdoor Education Leaders on a supply/ad-hoc basis for the 2025 season. This is an exciting chance for the right people to join us in delivering a wide range of outdoor, adventurous and educational activities, ensuring fantastic learning opportunities for our clients.
Cumbria Outdoors offers a wide range of facilities and venues, and our emphasis is placed on making the service accessible to all groups and individuals throughout Cumbria and beyond. Our centres and provision is available 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year, and we have the ability to cater to all groups, from day visitors through to a multiple night residential. All centres offer warm, homely, comfortable bases for groups to return to after a day in the outdoors. We offer a vast and varied curriculum that promotes personal and social development, as well as focusing on living history programmes, family learning, health and wellbeing and environmental awareness course for all ages.
The Role
As an Outdoor Leader, you will be required to deliver a selection of outdoor education sessions/programmes to groups of young people and adults in a range of settings – residential, day bookings and external courses. You will also need to identify and assess the risks and take all necessary measures to meet Health & Safety and legislative requirements.
Who we are looking for:
The ideal candidates will have experience in the delivery of high quality outdoor education sessions using a range of outdoor activities. Good interpersonal skills, customer care, flexibility and the ability to use your own initiative are essential. You must hold a minimum of 3 relevant NGB’s. Teaching/youth work qualifications would be desirable as are RYA sailing, British Canoeing and the D1 entitlement on your driving licence. This is a supply/ad-hoc post, and we are looking for people who are adaptable and who have a commitment to contribute to the development of strong partnerships and positive public awareness of our services.
This is an open advert, and we will accept applications throughout the year.
Cumberland Council is proud to hold an Ofsted rating of 'Good’ for our Children’s Services, demonstrating our dedication and strong commitment to providing high-quality services for children and families. Ofsted recognised that staff unanimously report a ‘real buzz about working in Cumberland’ and that they feel ‘energised, valued and listened to’, observing that ‘leaders have established a strong Cumberland identity that staff can be proud of’.
Fundamentally, we are seeking individuals who embody our organisation's core values: ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative. We believe in the power of these values to drive positive change and shape a better future for our communities. Your commitment to these principles will be instrumental in delivering services that are vital to the well-being and prosperity of our residents.
If this sounds like you, then please get in touch!
We believe in cultivating potential over perfection. If this job sounds like you and you resonate with our values, we encourage you to apply or contact gavin.smallbone@cumberland.gov.uk or 01768 812280 for an informal chat prior to your application.
Cumberland Council Staff Benefits
Pay
- As a real living wage paying employer we offer competitive rates of pay
- Our pay scales are nationally agreed and come with a national annual pay review*
- A range of allowances to recognise times where you're available out of hours if we need you, or where you take on extra responsibilities beyond your role.
*In accordance with the National Joint Council for Local Government Services
Pension
- Opportunity to join a generous defined benefit pension scheme to secure your future (most employees are part of the Local Government Pension Scheme)
- Opportunity to boost your pension with Additional Pension Contributions which will increase your annual defined benefit amount
- Opportunity to build a defined contribution pot on the side of your defined benefit pension through Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contributions (facilitated by AVC Wise).
Holidays
- 25 days holiday per year when you start, rising to 31 days holiday per year after 5 years of service
- 8 public holidays
- The option to purchase up to 2 weeks additional leave and spread the cost over 12 months
Flexible Working
- Flexible working arrangements including the ability to work remotely from home supporting a culture that fits around you*
- A flexi-time scheme where you could vary your start and finish times and also build up 3 days flexi-time and take up to 2 flexi days off per month*
*subject to the demands and requirements of the specific role.
Learning and Development
- Dedicated development time each week*
- Access to an online learning portal offering more than 150 courses
- Access to regular development programmes to build the soft skills to succeed
- Opportunity to study professional qualifications to help you get the certifications you need for your role or to advance your career.
*subject to the demands and requirements of the specific role.
Deals and Discounts
- Money off your local gym including Better, Newfield Health, The Gym Group and Lifestyle Fitness
- Various discount schemes including RAC roadside recovery discount and money off local supportive businesses
- Tusker car leasing salary sacrifice scheme as well as an esteem car loan scheme for essential car users
- Spec Savers eyecare voucher
- Free flu jabs in winter from participating pharmacies
Employee Assistance & Support
- In house staff support networks
- Employee assistance programme offering mental health support
- Access to in-house Occupational Health service including physio treatment
Application and Interview information
This is a rolling advert meaning applications will be considered as and when we receive them. If you are successfully shortlisted we will contact you directly to arrange an interview date and time.
Please note this role may close early subject to demand. If you’re interested in applying, you should apply well before the advised closing date. We cannot accept applications once the role has closed.
Our interview process can accommodate both in-person and virtual formats, with tailored options discussed upon invitation to the interview stage. Preferred for virtual interviews is the use of Microsoft Teams, currently available for new users at no cost. However, should you encounter any challenges accessing this technology, we are open to discussing alternative arrangements prior to the scheduled interviews.
DBS Checks
Conducting Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks is integral to our commitment to creating a safe and secure environment for our staff and the communities we serve. These checks play a crucial role in safeguarding, ensuring that individuals with appropriate qualifications and character are entrusted with roles where they may have access to children and vulnerable people. By prioritising DBS checks, we uphold the highest standards of integrity, reinforcing our dedication to the well-being and trust of those we engage with.
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 and requires an enhanced DBS check with a Children’s Barred List check.
Please note this role involves working in regulated activity with Children. It is an offence for people who are barred from working in regulated activity to apply for roles that require them to work unsupervised with Children.
We welcome applications from everyone
At Cumberland Council, we are dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce, striving to mirror the rich tapestry of the communities we proudly serve. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are devoted in fostering an inclusive, supportive culture that embraces and appreciates our unique differences.
As a proud Disability Confident Employer, we ensure that applicants with disabilities, meeting the essential criteria for this position, are guaranteed an interview as part of our commitment to equal opportunities. Your diverse perspectives and talents contribute to our collective success.
We're also an Age Friendly Employer, meaning we commit to providing an inclusive workplace for people in their 50s and 60s and taking the necessary action to help them flourish in a multigenerational workforce. We recognise the importance of mature workers and aim to provide an environment on which they can thrive.
Reasonable Adjustments: We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. If you require any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know on; Resourcing@Cumberland.gov.uk. Adjustments are not always guaranteed although we will endeavour to make adjustments that are reasonable to accommodate your needs.
Guaranteed Interview Schemes
Cumberland Council offers a guaranteed interview scheme to the following applicants as long as your application can demonstrate you meet the essential criteria for the role.
- Those who consider themselves disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010
- Those in care or who have left care and are aged 24 and under
- Armed forces veterans whose last long term substantive employer was the armed forces
If you meet one or more of the criteria above, and wish to be considered for this scheme, select 'yes' to the appropriate question during your application.
Work-Life balance
Cumberland Council is deeply invested in fostering a work culture that prioritises the well-being and balance of our team members. Embracing flexible and hybrid working models, we empower employees to achieve optimal work-life balance.
Recognising the importance of personal time, we offer a generous holiday allowance, providing ample opportunity for rest and rejuvenation. Additionally, our flexible working hours, including flexitime arrangements, further contribute to a supportive environment where individuals can effectively manage their professional and personal commitments.
Continuing Professional Development
We are committed to nurturing the ongoing growth and professional advancement of our valued team members to fulfil your potential and advance your career. Our comprehensive career development and training offer emphasises continuous learning as a cornerstone for achieving both individual and organisational goals. Through our robust Organisational Development initiatives, we offer a suite of support programmes tailored to meet diverse needs, including participation in our esteemed Aspiring to be a Manager programme and access to our enriching Coaching and Mentoring programmes.
Keeping the people we work with safe
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expect unwavering commitment to this cause from our employees, volunteers, and the Externally Provided Workforce (EPWs). Together, we create a secure environment where every individual is safeguarded and respected.
Your Voice Matters; Connect, Engage, and Make Your Voice Heard!
We don't just encourage engagement—we celebrate it. That's why we've cultivated a vibrant community of staff networking groups where every voice matters.
These groups are more than just forums—they're hubs of innovation and inclusion, dedicated to sparking fresh ideas, challenging the status quo, and championing equality and fairness for all. From exploring new perspectives to shaping policies that reflect our diverse workforce, our staff networks play a pivotal role in driving positive change.
Join us and become part of something bigger:
- Race Equality
- Rainbow Alliance
- Menopause Support
- Carers Network
- Shine Community
- Wellbeing/Health Advocates
- Be a Change Champion to shape our council's future through transformative initiatives.
Please read the supporting information:
Post Specification