Please note all applications should be made through our website, www.bfadventure.org, For safeguarding reasons we do not accept CVs or applications through the Indeed site
Working hours
8.30am - 4.30pm (35 hours per week)
Role Summary and Accountabilities:
The Skills for Life Operations Manager is responsible for the daily operations of the Skills for Life team including the line management of the Coordinator team, the role of Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, referral management and the allocation of young people to provision.
Job Description/tasks:
Referral Management
- Manage the referral process for young people accessing Skills for Life provision, ensuring an appropriate balance between income maximisation and the needs of young people and staff.
- Convene weekly referral meetings with the Office Manager to allocate young people to teams and programmes, manage waiting lists, and identify programme availability.
- Use ‘The Diary’ system to allocate instructors to young people, troubleshoot scheduling issues, and make adjustments to accommodate staff absences.
Team Management
- Line manage a team of Skills for Life Coordinators, providing regular six-weekly trauma-informed supervision sessions and conducting annual appraisals.
- Provide coaching and mentoring to Skills for Life Coordinators, empowering them to develop their professional practice and line management capabilities.
- Work in accordance with Working Together to Safeguard Children and Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance, supporting Coordinators to collaborate effectively with other professionals, participate in multi-agency meetings, and share information appropriately in line with safeguarding principles.
- Support team members in working with young people who display behaviours that challenge, developing effective strategies alongside the Duty Coordinator and wider team to address and overcome these challenges.
- Promote and embody a reflective practice approach through supervision, debriefs, team meetings, and personal reflection to ensure the highest quality of service delivery.
Central functions
- Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL), working closely with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to support team members in addressing safeguarding concerns in line with BF Adventure’s Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy.
- Collect and collate evidence to support programme evaluation and reporting requirements for funders and stakeholders.
- Identify and pursue opportunities to promote Skills for Life programmes to potential referral agencies and partners.
- Provide information, data, and case studies for the annual Social Impact Report and quarterly Trustee meetings.
- Participate in Senior Management Team meetings, advocating for the Skills for Life team and the young people accessing provision within wider organisational discussions.
- Liaise with the Centre Operations Manager to facilitate effective activity training and development opportunities for staff members.
- Deliver training to the Skills for Life team in collaboration with the Charity Business Manager.
- Undertake additional duties, responsibilities, and tasks as required to support the smooth operation of BF Adventure, in line with your experience, training, and capability.
Person Specification
Personal attributes
- Passionate about outdoor education and supporting positive change.
- Creative thinker who can find innovative solutions.
- Resilient and adaptable in dynamic environments.
- Maintains a positive attitude when facing change.
- Places children, young people, and vulnerable adults at the centre of their practice.
- Able to balance individual needs with organisational requirements.
Essential Qualifications and Knowledge
- Degree-level qualification, or a minimum of three years' experience in a relevant field such as Social Work, Youth Work, Education, or Health.
- Knowledge and understanding of the impact that complex needs can have on children and young people’s ability to engage with support services and educational settings.
- Knowledge and understanding of how outdoor education can contribute to improved life outcomes for children and young people.
Essential Experience and Skills
- Experience of working with individuals and groups of children, young people, and adults with complex needs.
- Experience of identifying risk and implementing and applying behaviour management strategies.
- Experience of safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
- Experience of developing and delivering inclusive, outcomes-focused group work programmes and sessions.
- Experience of mentoring, supervising, and supporting the development of others, with strong training and facilitation skills.
- Experience of embedding equality, diversity, and inclusion principles into everyday practice.
- Ability to communicate effectively with children, young people, families, and professional stakeholders.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong numeracy skills, including the ability to manage budgets effectively.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook, with the ability to establish and maintain effective administrative systems.
- Hold a full UK driving licence and have access to a suitable vehicle for business use.
Desirable Experience and Qualifications
- Experience of working within referral-based services, including assessment processes, measuring distance travelled, monitoring progress, and reporting on outcomes within agreed timescales.
- Restrictive Physical Intervention qualification.
- Relevant outdoor activity qualifications.
- Current First Aid qualification.
BF Adventure is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post will require an enhanced DBS check.
The closing date for applications is midnight on 30th June 2026
Interviews are scheduled to take place on 9th July, although this is subject to change.
We are aware that we are approaching Summer holiday season – if you are interested in the role but not available for interview on that date please get in touch for an informal discussion.
Please do not hesitate to phone us on 01326 340912 if you have any questions.
Many thanks for your interest and we look forward to hearing from you!
Pay: £27,281.80-£33,142.20 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
