Programme Manager

Location: Home-based, flexible with easy access to the Wiltshire area

The Youth Adventure Trust is a youth development charity working with vulnerable young people aged 11 to 16 years old from Wiltshire and Swindon. Our outdoor activity based YAT Adventure Programme enables young people to challenge themselves, experience success, learn to go beyond their own expectations and grow in confidence. Through a series of residential camps and day activities they are able to build resilience, self esteem and develop social and life skills. The YAT Resilience Programme works to the same outcomes through a year long programme of monthly activities, home-based challenges and reflective practice. Our Mentoring Programme works with those young people in need of some additional individualised support at the end of our other programmes. The Trust’s Bursary Programme is open to all those young people who have completed an initial programme, in order to assist their next steps into further activities. Our aim is to make a lasting improvement to the lives of vulnerable young people. All our services are provided completely free of charge to the young people who are nominated by schools and other youth organisations to take part.

The Role

We are looking for an experienced, dynamic and motivated Programme Manager to deliver, manage and support our YAT Adventure Programme.

Responsibilities will include:

• Acting as the key point of contact to organise, deliver and oversee the Adventure Programme to a group of young people, including managing and supporting residential adventure camps and activity days throughout the year.

• Recruiting young people to the programme, working in collaboration with our referral partners including schools and other organisations, ensuring all involved have an excellent understanding, relationship and experience with the Youth Adventure Trust.

• Working in partnership with the young people’s families to promote full attendance, effective participation and ensure they have all the information they require.

• Carrying out direct work with young people to help support their needs and fulfil the Youth Adventure Trust’s aims.

• Providing ongoing feedback to young people, parents, carers and schools.

• Supporting the effective monitoring of the programme and measurement of young people’s developmental outcomes.

• Working with the Mentoring Managers to select and support young people moving on to the Mentoring Programme, and promote take up of the Bursary Programme.

• Ensuring the highest standards of support, safety and safeguarding across the programme and all aspects of the Youth Adventure Trust’s work.

• Taking the lead with day-to-day administration and management of the programme. This will include maintaining a database, producing written communications and reports, information leaflets, website updates, budget monitoring, booking and negotiating with providers, and an array of detailed record keeping.

• Contributing to organisational planning and development, including supporting the development of further opportunities for young people.

• Supporting the fundraising team through providing feedback, reports or event support.

You will also;

• Be involved in sector networking and awareness raising on behalf of the Trust.

• Act as an ambassador for the Youth Adventure Trust at all times.

The post is subject to a six months probationary period.

The Candidate

To be up to the challenge you’ll need an excellent understanding and a proven track record of relevant experience working with vulnerable and challenging young people. You’ll need demonstrable skills at building effective relationships with young people, parents/carers, and professional organisations. You’ll need strong influencing and motivational skills; the capacity to get the best out of people and confidently deal with issues and challenges. You’ll be an excellent communicator, planner and problem solver, a strong team player and an exemplary role model.

We need someone with:-

• Commitment to safeguarding and dedication to promoting the welfare of young people.

• Relevant experience of managing young people, preferably in a residential environment as well as outside of this.

• Experience in working in partnership with other professional organisations and parents/carers.

• Strong leadership and team skills to motivate, support and work alongside a team of volunteers, activity instructors and logistics staff.

• Self-motivation with the ability to work on their own initiative to plan and manage their workload.

• Strong IT skills including experience of MS Office, web based platforms and databases.

• Excellent administrative skills and a methodical and thorough approach.

• The ability to perform well and problem solve in high-stress and changing situations. Ability to be flexible and dynamic in approach.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• A positive attitude, high energy and enthusiasm for the work of the Youth Adventure Trust; an understanding of the positive impact outdoor adventure can have on vulnerable young people, and a desire to help inspire young lives.

In addition:-

• The ability to work flexible hours, evenings and weekends as required is essential - if you are looking for a predictable 9-5 work environment, this won’t be the right fit.

• A full driving licence and access to your own vehicle is required.

Safer Recruitment

Please see Safer Recruitment information on the role description and application form available on our website . re with Children’s Barred List will be required for this post;

How to Apply

Application Form available on our website www.youthadventuretrust.org.uk

Applications Closing Date: Thursday 18th January 2024 23:59