Institute for Outdoor Learning

The Institute for Outdoor Learning is hiring an Outdoor Alternative Provision Programme Leader for a freelance position in West Oxfordshire. This role involves planning and delivering outdoor education sessions for children with complex needs, ensuring their safety and providing engaging activities. The ideal candidate will have experience in outdoor education, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to promoting equal opportunities. The position pays £35 per teaching hour with varied hours available. Immediate start is possible.

Would you relish the opportunity to help us continue in championing outdoor learning? Being a Trustee is a highly rewarding opportunity to develop new strategic leadership skills, expand your professional network, and make a tangible difference in the outdoor learning sector. We are recruiting trustees to join the IOL Board. First-time trustees are welcome. Trustees play a very important role in making sure that IOL is run in the interests of the people it is there to support. They strategically oversee the management and administration of the organisation. Voluntary - Time commitment minimum 4 days (30 hours) per year There are currently three vacancies. Each Trustee has an Area of Focus. Secretary Community The Institute for Outdoor Learning is the professional body for organisations and individuals who use the outdoors to make a positive difference for others. We are driven by a vision of Outdoor Learning as a highly valued form of development, education and employment in UK society. We provide a competitive platform of quality services to enable others who share similar aspirations and purpose to achieve their individual and organisational aims. Becoming a Trustee The Institute is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee governed by a voluntary Board of Trustees elected by the membership. The Trustees fulfil the organisational governance and inform the strategic direction for the IOL, as well as providing advice and supervision for the Chief Executive Officer and team. The Trustee Board is also advised by the IOL Round Table steering group which is made up of the leads of both the Sector Specialist and the Geographical Groups. This structure enables the needs and priorities of the membership to be understood by the IOL Trustees and Staff Team and together, in a 3-way partnership, support the future development of the charity. The IOL is committed to championing outdoor learning and supporting the dedicated individuals who work, study, train and volunteer within this field. Closing date: Wednesday 5 th August 2026 at midnight.

Apprentice Outdoor Activity Instructor - Plymouth Contract type Full time / Seasonal or Fixed term Closing date 21 Aug :00 PM Apprentice Outdoor Activity Instructor at Mount Batten Watersports and Activities Centre Number of positions: 5 Duration: 11 month contract Do you know someone who could join our next apprenticeship cohort this October? The Mount Batten Watersports and Activities Centre are now seeking keen, motivated and dedicated people to join their popular Outdoor Activity Instructors Apprenticeship programme to start in October 2026 and which lasts 11 months. You'll complete all your training from the Mount Batten Centre, a key gateway to the newly formed Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, where you'll be trained to instruct a wide range of water and land based adventurous activities. Following your training period you'll then be deployed as an instructor delivering adventurous activities to school parties, youth groups, individuals and families. Please note interview-selection day is set for Friday 4th September, please advise on your application if you are unable to attend this day. To find out more about the centre see their website. Setting up and taking down of adventurous activity equipment Instructing adventurous activities Completing maintenance tasks on adventurous activity equipment Training and qualifications that will be gained: Level 3 Outdoor Activity Instructor Apprenticeship Standard Level 2 Safeguarding (HSQE) Equality, Diversity and Inclusion training (HSQE) Four other choice HSQE courses from a possible 65 courses (for example Manual Handling, COSHH, Food safety, Fire Warden, etc) Prevent, British Values and Online Safety online courses Introduction to PPE Inspection (Learn the Ropes) Selected Skills Courses. Skills and qualifications: Level 1 (GCSE Grade D/3) in Functional Skills Maths and English is essential. Must be enthusiastic, professional, punctual and reliable. Must be water-confident, be a team player and have enthusiasm for leading adventurous activities. An interest in working with children and young people. Prior experience of adventurous activities. Future Prospects: Senior Activities Instructor, Youth worker, Teaching Assistant, Teacher, The Mount Batten Centre, 70 Lawrence Rd, Mount Batten, Plymouth PL9 9SJ Salary Details: £8.00 per hour / £240 per week Working Hours: 30 hours per week on an annualised hours contract, typically apprentices will train for 4-5 days across the autumn/winter and then be deployed for 5-6 days across the summer period. Please note that this is a non residential vacancy and accommodation is not provided. Closing Date:Friday 21 st August 2026 Interview Date:Friday 4 th September 2026 Possible Start Date:Monday 5 th October 2026

Bowles is one of the UK's top outdoor education centres near Tunbridge Wells. We seek enthusiastic, motivated instructors passionate about outdoor learning to join our team for the Summer 2026 period (with potential permanent roles for qualified skiing staff). Accommodation, meals, and staff training are provided. Expect to deliver outdoor learning sessions across activities like dry ski slopes, rock climbing, archery, and water-based activities to residential clients.