We are looking for dynamic, motivated and responsible Activities Managers to join our team to work with international students under 18 years of age at various centres in the UK. Centres include London, Cambridge, Bournemouth, Oakham, York and Edinburgh. Non-residential only in central London and Edinburgh.
ABOUT STAFFORD HOUSE
Stafford House is a global company with schools based in the UK, USA and Canada, but also our sales team based around the world recruiting great students! Our mission is to educate, inspire, and help our students enjoy our cities, empowering them with confidence, to realise their personal potential. We offer a true experience for our students, and it takes dedicated and special employees to help deliver that. Our ‘Lions’ are part of the Stafford House family from the start as we quickly integrate people into the team and look to build individuals skills to allow them to truly excel in their role and push on to greater things. Once a Lion, always a lion!
Activities Manager
- Taking overall responsibility for the centre activities and excursion programme, to ensure that a high-quality programme is delivered, utilising the provided outline programme and following our guidelines closely
- Responding to our clients’ needs, and meeting their demands wherever possible
- Working closely with the other members of the management team to provide a meaningful and challenging learning experience for all students
- Ensuring the safety and welfare of all the students at all times
YOUR PROFILE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Management of the activities programme
Play a large part in the Staff Induction Day, usually one or two days prior to students’ arrival. The AM will provide training to Activity Leaders and Teachers in planning, organising and running on-site and off-site activities and excursions.
Deliver a high quality activities and excursions programme. Consult with Group Leaders and other members of the activity team to improve the programme wherever possible, within guidelines set by the Operations Manager.
Ensure activities comply with British Council and English UK guidelines (documents available on site).
Gain a sound knowledge of the local area and its attractions prior to commencement of contract.
Manage, motivate and brief the activity team and oversee their designated tasks, referring any issues regarding teaching staff to the Director of Studies.
Establish a working atmosphere of co-operation, fun and enthusiasm between staff, clients (Group Leaders) and students
Ensure a high level of student and staff participation in activities through motivation, organisation and supervision.
Ensure that activities and excursions are run according to Stafford House Study Holidays’ procedures and rules.
Confirm all facilities and booking details with the centre and external suppliers, such as attractions and coaches.
Control the activity materials stock, including items belonging to Stafford House Study Holidays, the centre and hired items. Return all unused/durable stock to Head Office in good condition.
Ensure that Stafford House and its customers receive value for money from the activities programme, and that correct use is being made of the facilities and coaches.
Establish and maintain open communication between the centre, clients, and Head Office.
Represent Stafford House positively in all conversations with clients, staff, and the host centre.
Write d a final report to be submitted to Head Office within five days of the centre closing.
Other duties
Attendance at the Management Training Weekend (usually mid-June in Canterbury).
Close the centre, return all SHSH equipment according to guidelines outlined in AM manual.
Ensure that all Stafford House Health & Safety policies are implemented and monitored.
Support the Centre Director in the overall management of the centre.
You may be nominated by Head Office to deputise for the Centre Director in his/her absence.
Additional duties as required.
Welfare
To have read and understood the AM manual, supervision manual and staff handbook, and be fully conversant with our policies for the welfare and protection of children. At all times whilst on duty, staff are responsible for the care, welfare and safety of students whilst ensuring they follow the school rules.
Assist in the programme of student supervision. All members of the CMT have student welfare duties on a rota basis. This involves leading and supporting members of staff and ensuring that welfare duties are carried out in line with company policy. Take on welfare supervision duties as and when required, as designated by the Centre Director.
You will also be expected to carry out night time duties on a rota basis (10 pm to 1 am), usually 2 – 3 times a week.
Liaise with the Director of Studies and Centre Director to organise the rota for activity supervision and pastoral care.
ABOUT YOU
Essential
Educated to degree level
Level of spoken and written English equivalent to CEF level C1/CAE/IELTS 7.0
Previous experience of running an activity/leisure programme
Previous AM/Activity Leader experience
Previous summer school experience
Effective management skills
Proven competence in leadership
Proven competence in administration
Computer literate
Able to adapt quickly to change
Effective communicator
Enjoy working with children and teenagers from other cultures
Able to address large groups of young people
Able to maintain long periods of physical activity
Enthusiasm
Professional appearance
Desirable
Relevant qualification e.g. sports coaching or drama
Current First Aid certificate*
Experience of working with children
Previous residential experience
*If you are interested in becoming First Aid qualified, SHSH will reimburse 50% of the cost of training to staff who obtain the certificate (max. £75.00). Staff will be reimbursed with the first payroll after receipts are submitted, provided that the courses are booked in consultation with Head Office.
Equal Opportunities Statement
Our Equal Opportunities Policy states:
“In the recruitment, selection, training, appraisal, development and promotion of staff, the only consideration must be that the individual meets, or is likely to meet the requirements of the programme or course or post.
The requirements being met, no employee will be discriminated against on the basis of their sex, race, colour, ethnic origin, nationality (within current legislation), age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, caring or parental responsibilities, or beliefs on matters such as religion or politics.”
ABOUT CATS COLLEGES
CATS Colleges is a leading provider of pre-university academic courses and English language courses in the UK. We provide programmes including A Level, IB and University Foundation, as well as English Language Study, to a growing number of international students seeking to win places at UK universities.
We operate a number of different educational brands: CATS Colleges in Cambridge, Canterbury and London; CATS Academy in Boston; Cambridge School of Visual and Performing Arts (CSVPA) and Stafford House English language schools and study holidays. We benefit from being part of a global team focused on teaching and learning.
AND FINALLY
CATS Colleges are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our students and expect everyone connected with the organisation to share this commitment. All positions are subject to the satisfactory completion of safer recruitment pre-employment checks in line with KCSIE guidelines. All staff will be subject to a DBS or Disclosure Scotland check and will have to provide 2 professional references. If you’ve lived abroad for more than 3 months in the past 5 years, you will also need to provide a certificate of good conduct from that country.
