Head of Centre

Head of Centre Appointment Brief Head of Centre Who we are Action4Youth is a Buckinghamshire based ambitious, proactive charity focused on driving forward the crucial youth agenda to transform lives for the better. Every child should have the opportunity to be heard, to be safe and to succeed. We believe change is most impactful when delivered in collaboration with other youth agencies and key partners. We build partnerships across sectors so that we can share resources and expertise to secure the best possible outcomes for young people and their communities in Buckinghamshire, the wider East and South East. We listen and engage with our young people to give them a voice in developing our work and agenda. Our groups have a fundamental role in ensuring our programmes meet the needs of young participants across a wide spectrum of differing backgrounds including young people from the most deprived areas of society, those with disabilities and additional needs, and those who need support and inspiration to reach their goals and surpass limitations. Co-production is at the heart of programme development, and we regularly consult on improvements and new initiatives which are often led by our young people. What we do Our aim is to provide a valuable intervention which makes a positive contribution to a young persons development. This can be via outdoor education delivered at The Caldecotte Xperience in Milton Keynes, The Junction, our multi service youth centre in High Wycombe, the Duke of Edinburgh Award, The Mentoring Programme and our range of programmes delivered in schools. Funding and Finance In this transitional year, Action4Youth has undergone significant restructuring following the abrupt closure of the National Citizen Service which it had successfully delivered for many years. The organisation is now smaller than in recent years but is well placed to meet the opportunities and challenges of the future. The strategic and operational focus has now moved from contract delivery to sales growth in programmes and outdoor education and to the activities supported by charitable fundraising. In early 2025 a major redevelopment project at The Caldecotte Xperience was concluded ensuring the centre is perfectly equipped for future growth and this area is felt to have strong growth potential. Our Mission and Values To support all young peoples growth towards fulfilling and responsible adult lives, A4Y develops physical, mental, spiritual, moral and cultural abilities which act as: A Springboard towards realising dreams A Safety Net for those at risk A Voice of influence- from the young and for the young In order to benefit as many young people as possible while maintaining A4Ys financial stability, we partner with those (government, schools, youth clubs, businesses, trusts and foundations and others) who share our mission. Values Be exceptional Use imagination, determination and resilience to achieve exceptional outcomes everyday Care Always seek to understand and look after each other Trail blaze Be adventurous in exploring how we could serve more and better Make responsible choices Use resources wisely so that we can sustain our investment in young people Do what is right Hold ourselves and others to the highest standard of behaviour. Job Description JOB TITLE: Head of Centre BASED IN: The Caldecotte Xperience, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire HOURS: 37 hours per week with some evening and weekend work LEAVE: 28 days holiday per annum plus bank/public holidays CONTRACT: Full-Time, Permanent SALARY: 38,000 to 54,000 per annum PENSION: Up to 5% matched contributions TRAVEL: Occasional travel around Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Position in the Organisation Reports To: The Chief Executive Responsible For: The Caldecotte Xperience staff team Working With: The Caldecotte Xperience staff team The Finance Team Business Development Manager Main Purpose and Scope of the Role To ensure the safe, efficient running of all aspects of The Caldecotte Xperience outdoor education centre in accordance with Action4Youths ethos and standards Duties and Key Responsibilities The delivery of highest quality outdoor education Setting and managing the annual budget to meet targets Leading the staff team: instructors, admin and domestic Ensuring the health and safety of staff, visitors and guests Ensuring a high standard of accommodation and catering for guests Ensuring an excellent customer experience from initial enquiry to guest departure Ensure that all equipment, buildings and property at The Caldecotte Xperience is maintained to a high standard Lead on team recruitment, appraisal and training Liaising with customers as appropriate Lead on the delivery of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Work with the Chief Executive and others to ensure the development and growth of Caldecotte Xperience Implement new initiatives as agreed by the Senior Management Team and Board Maintain the standards as required by the Adventure Activities Licensing Service, British Canoe Union, Royal Yachting Association, British Mountaineering Council and Duke of Edinburghs Award General Responsibilities Support events and meetings when required. Support the continued development of quality standards as specified by Action4Youth. To have regard for the vision of Action4Youth and to display a commitment to equal opportunities and to the protection and safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Report any behaviour, conversations or comments which are inappropriate within a setting for children and young people. To carry out any other Action4Youth duties as required by the CEO or Directors. Administering own workload which includes meeting targets and deadlines in line with the Action4Youth Performance Management System. Attending relevant CPD training events in line with Performance Management appraisal. Undertaking responsibility, as part of the team, for all Health and Safety work related matters. Working within the guidelines of Action4Youth policies and procedures. Person Specification: Head of Centre Essential (E) Desirable (D) Skills, Experience and Knowledge Ability to work on own initiative, prioritise workload to deliver outcomes: E Ability to set workload for staff team to achieve outcomes: E Ability to negotiate with teachers and Youth Workers to agree outcomes: E Ability to work within a variety of policies: E Ability to monitor and evaluate work programmes against outcomes: E Selection and recruitment skills: D Ability to deliver projects on time and to budget: E The ability to initiate and create generic and site specific risk assessments across a range of hazardous and general activities: E Ability to monitor the risk management of the staff team: E Able to identify and strive for continual improvement across the staff team: E Skilled at creating an appropriate enriching, safe, educational learning environment: E Ability to develop the Outdoor Education curriculum in line with National initiatives: E Able to manage, motivate, supervise and evaluate the work of others: E Ability to develop and train staff in a variety of activities: E Able to set, monitor and report on budgets: E Qualifications Educated to degree level or equivalent: D Team building and management training relevant to the post: E First Aid Qualification: D Relevant and appropriate Outdoor Education Qualification: E TPBN1_UKTJ

Created: 2025-11-01