ABOUT OAKWOOD
Oakwood is a Christian charity comprising Oakwood Outdoor, a residential activity centre, and Oakwood Climbing Centre. Our aim is to provide an environment where individuals of all abilities can progress physically, socially and spiritually.
Our primary focus is youth aged between 8-18 and we have strong links with local schools, church youth groups and Borough councils.
Oakwood was first established in 2002, when the founders started to build new facilities on land that was formerly a pig farm, with one of the key aims being to use these to advance the Christian faith. The first phase saw the development of residential units – initially to house 60 young people, since extended to accommodate up to 100. Over the years, the facilities have been enhanced with the site now providing a full catering kitchen, dining hall, lounge and a large meeting hall. More recently, safari tents have been added with shower blocks and a covered meeting area where the group can gather.
The outdoor activities offered to groups include a High Ropes course, Archery, Mountain Boarding, Climbing, Low Ropes, Team Building and more high elements such as the Flying Kiwi and Leap of Faith. These programmes provide opportunities for personal growth, fostering resilience, confidence and perseverance, as young people push beyond their comfort zones to overcome the challenges that they face.
Facilities on site were further enhanced by the addition in 2017 of a Climbing Centre, which was further extended in 2022. The centre is now used each year by over 20,000 climbers of all abilities and provides sessions tailored to the needs of a variety of groups, including those with additional needs.
CURRENT VACANCIES
PERFORMANCE HEAD COACH
20-40 hours a week
Based on qualifications / experience, £32k-£35k
Reporting To: Climbing Centre Manager
Term: Permanent, subject to 3 month and 12 month review
Additional Benefits: Paid holiday & option to join pension scheme
JOB SUMMARY
We are seeking a motivated and experienced Head Coach to lead our high-performing competition climbing squad at Oakwood. This is a senior role within the climbing centre’s management team, responsible for driving excellence in athlete performance and coaching development. The Head Coach will lead, support, and develop the squad’s coaching team, as well as playing a wider role in upskilling instructors across the centre. The successful candidate will be pivotal in maintaining Oakwood’s reputation for competitive success and high coaching standards.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Mentor, support, and line manage the squad’s coaching team to maintain high coaching standards.
Work closely with the centre’s management team to align squad development with broader organisational goals.
Design, implement, and review effective training programmes for climbers across all development levels within the squad.
Schedule coaching staff for sessions, events, and competitions.
Organise, attend, and support climbers at regional and national competitions.
Contribute to the professional development of the wider Oakwood instructing team by providing training, workshops, and shadowing opportunities.
Ensure safeguarding, health & safety, and best practice standards are upheld in all squad activities.
Maintain strong communication with climbers, parents/guardians, and the wider Oakwood team.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Essential:
Proven experience in coaching climbing athletes, particularly at competition level.
Hold CWI/RCI qualification as a minimum
Hold Foundation coach qualification or other coaching equivalent qualification as a minimum
Experience in managing or mentoring other coaches or instructors.
Strong understanding of athlete development, training cycles, and goal setting.
Experience attending or organising climbing competitions.
Desirable:
Academic qualifications relevant to the delivery of high level sport
Development/Performance Coach qualification
CWDI /RCDI qualification
PERSONAL QUALITIES
Passionate about climbing and athlete development.
Strong leadership and team management skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
Organised and reliable, with strong scheduling and planning skills.
Motivated to foster a supportive and inclusive coaching culture.
Committed to personal and professional development.
HOW TO APPLY
Please send your CV along with a covering letter to jobs@oakwoodclimbingcentre.com
Closing date for Applications: 30th June 2025
Interview Date: 8th July 2025
HEAD OF INSTRUCTING
30-40 hours a week
Based on qualifications / experience, £28k-£32k
Reporting To: Climbing Centre Manager
Term: Permanent, subject to 3 month and 12 month review
Additional Benefits: Paid holiday & option to join pension scheme
JOB SUMMARY
We are looking for a proactive and organised Lead Instructor to join our team at Oakwood Climbing Centre. The Lead Instructor will be responsible for managing the day-to-day scheduling and development of the instructing team, overseeing the delivery of NICAS climbing and NICAS bouldering programmes, and supporting the creation and implementation of high-quality coaching syllabuses. Working closely with the Centre Manager, Performance Head Coach and wider management team, the role also contributes to ensuring all instructional activity supports Oakwood’s charitable mission and coaching standards.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Course Director for NICAS climbing and NICAS bouldering, ensuring compliance and high-quality delivery.
Line manage both permanent and casual members of the instructing team
Coordinate and schedule instructors to deliver weekly sessions efficiently and in line with programme needs.
Lead the induction, training, and mentoring of new instructors, upholding Oakwood’s standards and ethos.
Collaborate with the Centre Manager and developing instructors to design and refine coaching syllabuses for new and existing sessions.
Support the wider management team in aligning session delivery with Oakwood’s charitable objectives.
Drive the professional development of the instructing team, facilitating training, feedback, and progression.
Perform Duty Manager shifts, ensuring the smooth and safe operation of the centre.
Contribute to the ongoing improvement of instructional practices and programme quality across the centre.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Essential:
Experience delivering NICAS climbing and bouldering sessions and familiarity with their structure and standards.
Proven track record of working in a climbing instruction role, ideally in a lead or mentoring capacity.
Experience with staff scheduling and coordinating multiple programmes.
Strong administrative and organisational skills.
CWDI + Development Coach/RCI+CWDI Training
Desirable:
Induction as a NICAS climbing and bouldering Course Director (or willingness to train).
Experience developing training materials or syllabuses.
Experience in a Duty Manager or similar leadership role.
Knowledge of safeguarding and risk management in a climbing environment.
PERSONAL QUALITIES
Highly organised and detail oriented.
Strong leadership and team development skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
Supportive, approachable, and aligned with Oakwood’s values and charitable mission.
HOW TO APPLY
Please send your CV along with a covering letter to jobs@oakwoodclimbingcentre.com
Closing date for Applications: 30th June 2025
Interview Date: 9th July 2025
DUTY MANAGER
Casual Worker/Permanent Contract 20-30 hours per week
£12.46 – £13.19 p/h
RESPONSIBILITIES
Encourage the team and development of the climbing centre
Continue to build a friendly and social climbing community
Manage the weekend and evening running of the centre
Key holder – Opening and closing of the centre and cash handling.
Ensuring that all staff operate in line with the Oakwood Ethos
Team leader – The supervision and management of staff during DM shifts.
Making sure operations are running safely and correctly.
Maintaining a safe climbing environment for customers and team.
Resolving issues – staff or customer related.
Providing an open dialogue with centre management
Running and leading sessions to the highest level.
First aid responder.
Taking on tasks, challenges and projects and completing to a high level.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Essential:
CWI / RCI or higher
Proven experience in the climbing industry
Experience in customer facing role
Desirable:
Coaching qualification and experience
An enthusiastic climber Desirable
CWDI / Development Coach
PERSONAL QUALITIES
Enthusiastic and positive approach to the role.
Punctual, reliable and pro-active.
Clear thinker and assertive.
Adapt to change effectively and seek continuous improvement.
Self-motivated
WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU
Committed to set regular shift patterns as determined by the Activities Manager and Scheduling Manager
Work with the outdoor manager and groups as required when they attend the centre
The ability to resolve conflict or customer complaints.
Have the mind set to develop climbers from beginners to elite levels.
Organise the smooth and safe running of the Centre with a proactive mindset.
To be able to work closely and effectively with the Centre Management in all areas.
HOW TO APPLY
Please email your CV and covering letter to: jobs@oakwoodclimbingcentre.com.
Closing date for Applications: 23rd June
Interview Date: 25th June
Outdoor Activities Instructor and Youth Work Assistant
Full Time & Part Time Available
£11.44 – £14.42 per hour or £23,861 – £30,077 (pro-rata) depending on qualifications and experience
Reporting to: Outdoor Activities Manager
WORKING PATTERN
Most work will fall within a standard working week with some evening, weekend and bank holiday sessions, according to the operational needs of the Centre. Youth Work Assistant working hours will include 1 youth club per week (a weekday evening) during term time.
GOOD TO KNOW
It is a Genuine Occupational Requirement that the holder of this post is a practising Christian whose lifestyle is consistent with the values and doctrine of the Christian faith since this role plays a key part in fulfilling Oakwood’s charitable aims.
THE ROLE
We are excited to be offering opportunities for motivated, enthusiastic and driven individuals to take on the Outdoor Activities Instructor and Youth Work Assistant role at Oakwood Youth Challenge.
As a member of the Instructor team, you will be leading and delivering a range of high-quality outdoor activity sessions to school children, youth groups and adults that visit our centre each year. In addition to this, you will also be part of a team of staff and volunteers who run a weekly, term time, evangelistic Youth Club at Oakwood, alongside the Youth Worker.
Experience and relevant qualifications, such as MTUK Climbing Wall Instructor (CWI), GB Archery Leader, relevant and valid First Aid with CPR are desirable but not essential.
We will provide full training in each of our on-site activities prior to you being in charge of activities and participant groups.
Candidates should enjoy working in a young person-centred setting and be able to demonstrate enthusiasm for adventure activities outdoors in all seasons and weather conditions.
This role is subject to an Occupational Requirement (OR) that the successful applicant is a committed Christian, as this role plays a key part in fulfilling Oakwood’s charitable aims.
Oakwood Youth Challenge is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
All applicants are subject to thorough screening, which include references (one referee should be a church leader or someone in pastoral leadership at the church you currently attend) and successful candidates are subject to relevant criminal record checks with the UK’s Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
HOW TO APPLY
For more information/a full Job Description, please contact jobs@oakwoodclimbingcentre.com
To apply, please send your CV along with a covering letter to jobs@oakwoodclimbingcentre.com with the reference “Outdoor Activities Instructor and Youth Work Assistant position”
Interviews will be conducted on an ongoing basis until the role is filled and any interested applicants are welcome to come to Oakwood for a tour once CV’s have been received.
Freelance Instructor
Varied according to demand
Hourly rate of £12 – £18 depending on qualifications and experience
QUALIFICATIONS
Essential:
CWI / RCI or higher
Proven experience in the Climbing industry/ Outdoor industry
Desirable:
NICAS / NIBAS teaching experience
Coaching qualification and experience
Route setting qualification and experience
Archery GB
Mountain Bike Qualification
You must also hold a current first aid certificate and your own public liability insurance.
PERSONAL QUALITIES
Flexible, proactive and enthusiastic work approach
Trustworthy
Punctual and reliable worker
If you are interested in joining our books as a freelancer please send your CV and qualifications to jobs@oakwoodclimbingcentre.com with the reference “Freelancer Position”