Head of Outdoor Education Centre

SWOAPG; Swindon; On-site; GBP 51,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

A local outdoor education organization in Swindon is seeking a Head of Plas Pencelli Outdoor Education Centre to lead and promote outdoor residential experiences that enhance personal development and social skills. The role involves managing safety compliance and the quality of outdoor education services while maintaining a flexible work schedule to meet the needs of the service. This position offers a competitive salary and requires strong leadership skills and experience in outdoor education management.

Qualifications

• Experience in outdoor education leadership.
• Strong understanding of statutory legislation and Local Authority service procedures.
• Ability to manage staff training, welfare, and health and safety.

Responsibilities

• Lead the centre in promoting outdoor education and personal development.
• Manage ongoing outdoor education provision safely and effectively.
• Oversee maintenance and safety compliance of a 17-acre site.

Job description

Head of Plas Pencelli Outdoor Education Centre

Soulbury 8-11, £51,125-£55,520

The purpose of this role is to lead the centre in promoting education, learning and achievement using outdoor residential experiences that focus on personal development, effective relationship building, social skills and an appreciation of the natural world within a protected, inclusive, and challenging environment. This is promoted by maintaining high levels of staff training, welfare and health and safety.

The main duties of the role include but are not limited to:

• Providing leadership, promoting the ethos, strategic aims, plans and policies, to staff, schools and the wider community.
• Managing outdoor education provision in a safe, efficient and effective manner ensuring compliance with statutory legislation and Local Authority service procedures, while working to the highest quality standards and best value objectives.
• Regularly lead quality activity outdoor programmes as part of the Instructor team.
• Oversee a 17 acre site, associated buildings and transport fleet, maintaining their upkeep and ensuring they are safety compliant.
• Ensure courses, programmes and delivery are of the highest quality and standards, meeting educational, group and individual needs of a diverse range of customers.
• Promote an appreciation of ‘The Outdoors’ extolling the benefits of High Quality Outdoor Education.
• Work with appropriate agencies to evaluate and quality assure education programmes, management and other services.

Whilst the job outline provides a summary of the post, this may need to be adapted or adjusted to meet changing circumstances. A flexible approach to working time is essential and the post holder will be available on call as necessary over weekends, evening and overnight in line with the needs of the service.

Your next steps:

Applications for the post and further details are via the Swindon Borough Council Careers website.

For further information about the role please contact Councillor Kevin Small at [e-mail] or Cilla Withers at [e-mail].

Closing date: 30 January 2026; Interview date: 13 February 2026