QOE Deputy Manager

We are delighted to offer to the ideal candidate an opportunity to join the QOE team in a new role as a Deputy Manager.

Due to continued expansion within Empower's Quantock Outdoor Education, we have an opportunity for the successful candidate to join a dedicated team of experienced QOE Manager, QOE Administrators and growing team of Outdoor Activity Leaders, ensuring we provide the highest quality of service to children and young people.

To lead and manage the delivery of high-quality outdoor education programs, ensuring the safety, well-being, and positive development of all students. This role involves managing safeguarding concerns, collaborating with external stakeholders, overseeing the curriculum, and supporting staff to deliver exceptional educational experiences.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Safeguarding and Student Welfare

Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (or Deputy), managing and responding to safeguarding concerns in line with statutory guidelines and organisational policies.

Ensure all staff follow safeguarding protocols and receive regular training.

Maintain accurate records of safeguarding incidents and liaise with relevant external agencies when required.

2. Communication and Stakeholder Engagement

Attend relevant student review meetings (e.g., EHCP reviews, multi-agency meetings) to share progress and contribute to support plans.

Liaise effectively with parents, carers, schools, and external agencies to develop and implement strategies to support individual student needs.

Provide clear and timely communication regarding student progress, concerns, and program updates.

3. Managing Referrals and Bookings

Oversee and manage the referral and booking process, ensuring all inquiries are handled efficiently and student placements are appropriate.

Collaborate with schools and local authorities to assess student suitability and develop personalised support plans.

Maintain accurate records of referrals, bookings, and student outcomes.

4. Curriculum Development and Delivery

Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of the outdoor education curriculum to ensure it meets the needs of all students.

Ensure the curriculum promotes personal, social, and emotional development alongside practical outdoor skills.

Regularly review and update curriculum content to align with best practices and emerging educational trends.

Monitor the quality of program delivery through observations and feedback, ensuring a high standard of teaching and learning.

5. Staff Supervision and Development

Conduct regular staff supervisions and appraisals to provide guidance, feedback, and professional development.

Identify staff training needs and ensure appropriate CPD (Continuing Professional Development) opportunities are available.

Support and mentor staff in managing challenging behaviours and delivering student-centered activities.

6. Operational Leadership

Ensure day-to-day operations run smoothly, prioritising the safety and welfare of all participants.

Implement and monitor health and safety procedures, including risk assessments for all activities.

Contribute to the strategic direction of the organisation by identifying opportunities for service improvement and growth.

This role is subject to the successful applicant having an enhanced DBS check for child and adult workforce with barred list checks.

Essential:

Strong academic track record

Evidence of ongoing Continuous Professional Development

Excellent numeracy/literacy skills

Desirable:

Forest School (desirable)

First Aid (Desirable)
Safeguarding (Desirable but full training will be provided)

Orienteering qualification (desirable)

Agricultural or equine qualification (desirable)

Level 2 in Coaching Paddle sports Certificate with BCU 4-star Award, sea or inland. (desirable).

Youth Work Qualification eg: Level 3 in Youth Work (desirable)

Walking Group Leaders Award (desirable)

A Climbing Wall Award (CWA) or Single Pitch Award (SPA) (desirable)

Driving licence with D1+E (desirable)

Experience:

Experience working with children of relevant age

Experience of working with students with additional needs.

Experience of delivering literacy and reading/writing recovery programmes.

Full working knowledge of relevant policies/codes of practice/legislation.

Working knowledge of the national curriculum and other relevant learning programmes.

Understanding of principles of child development and learning processes and in particular, barriers to learning.

Benefits An excellent starting salary

Genuine career opportunities with in-house progression

Learning and development, access to paid training opportunities

Pension

Free Personable Mortgage Advice

Employee Assistance Programme

Access to Blue Light Card discounts

Paid 30 minutes lunch break

Be part of a fun, innovative and supportive team who deliver vital social care services.