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
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO)
Full Time
Between £55,000.00 and £65,000.00 pa
The growth and development of Oakwood has resulted in this exciting opening for the first full-time Chief Executive Officer to lead the charity into the next chapter of its story.
The new CEO will take on the leadership of a charity that is performing well and which has significant potential to extend its reach and more fully deliver against its charitable objectives.
He/she will lead the work of Oakwood, providing strategic direction and overall leadership to ensure the charity achieves its mission and objectives. The CEO will be responsible for contributing to the development of the organisation’s strategy, implementing this strategy, managing operations, and fostering relationships with stakeholders.
This role is subject to an Occupational Requirement (OR) that the successful applicant is a committed Christian.
For more information, a full Job Description and Person Specification, please contact owen@oakwoodyouth.co.uk
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
Please send your CV along with a covering letter to owen@oakwoodyouth.co.uk
Closing date for applications: Thursday 27 February (12 noon)
Interviews: w/c 10 March 2025
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”
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
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO)
Full Time
Between £55,000.00 and £65,000.00 pa
The growth and development of Oakwood has resulted in this exciting opening for the first full-time Chief Executive Officer to lead the charity into the next chapter of its story.
The new CEO will take on the leadership of a charity that is performing well and which has significant potential to extend its reach and more fully deliver against its charitable objectives.
He/she will lead the work of Oakwood, providing strategic direction and overall leadership to ensure the charity achieves its mission and objectives. The CEO will be responsible for contributing to the development of the organisation’s strategy, implementing this strategy, managing operations, and fostering relationships with stakeholders.
This role is subject to an Occupational Requirement (OR) that the successful applicant is a committed Christian.
For more information, a full Job Description and Person Specification, please contact owen@oakwoodyouth.co.uk
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
Please send your CV along with a covering letter to owen@oakwoodyouth.co.uk
Closing date for applications: Thursday 27 February (12 noon)
Interviews: w/c 10 March 2025
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”