About the role
This role is based at our Outdoor Learning Centre at West Hill (near Ottery St Mary, East Devon). You’ll be leading and growing a team of volunteers to maintain and develop a diverse site that includes polytunnels, kitchen garden, wild meadow, small forest and sensory gardens. This role is offered on a fixed term basis for 18 months (with renewal subject to successful income generation, and sufficient use by young people at InFocus Charity).
The site’s main purpose is to provide opportunities for young people at InFocus. They all have vision impairment and other complex needs, and most currently access the site for forest school activities (led by another member of staff). In recent times this role has also planned (and sometimes led) activities for visiting groups from other specialist colleges and schools. It’s something that we hope can be restarted quickly. We’re not looking for a teacher or tutor – just someone who is able to share their skills and knowledge with small groups.
No day is the same. One day you’ll be supporting our regular volunteers or visiting groups to transform part of the site, the next you’ll be putting on your work boots and using our tractor to mow paths into the wildflower meadow, or planning the growing season for our fledgling plant/produce business.
Working pattern
37 hours per week, typically working 5 days per week. There may be opportunities for seasonal variation, and some requirement for weekend working as part of this pattern.
How we say “thank you”
1. Six weeks annual leave plus eight bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time hours)
2. Occupational sick pay scheme from day one
3. Paid medical appointments
4. Comprehensive training and development
5. Onsite café
6. Access to discounted shopping
7. On-site free parking
8. 24-hour employee assistance programme
9. “Death in service” life assurance and group accident cover
10. Cycle to Work Scheme
11. Contributory pension scheme for eligible staff
Interviews date:
Monday 19th August 2024.
Equality, diversity and safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts are conditional to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring check (DBS), satisfactory medical check and references. Staff have a responsibility to inform InFocus of any conviction or prosecution that occurs whilst employed.
It is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children and adults at risk.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this position, we require candidates to either hold British citizenship or have the right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor applications from candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK.
Next steps