FE Lecturer in Outdoor Activities / Pursuits

About ARU:

ARU is a global university transforming lives through innovative, inclusive and entrepreneurial education and research. ARU holds a Gold award for the quality of its education, awarded through the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).

ARU’s research institutes and four faculties bridge scientific, technical and creative fields.  We deliver impactful research which tackles pressing issues and makes a real difference to our communities.  Our academic excellence has been recognised by the UK’s Higher Education funding bodies, with 16 of our research areas assessed as world leading. We are the largest provider of Nursing, Midwifery, Health and Social Care students in the East of England, and we are also among the UK’s leading universities for degree apprenticeship provision, working with hundreds of employers across the UK.

At our ARU Writtle campus, we specialise in sport, animal, environmental, agricultural and horticultural courses, for learners aged 16 to 18, adult learners, undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

About the Role:

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Outdoor Pursuits Lecturer to join our Further Education Sports department. This role involves delivering high-quality teaching and learning across a range of BTEC Sport and Outdoor Activity programmes, inspiring students through dynamic and practical instruction in a variety of sport and outdoor disciplines.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, deliver, and assess engaging lessons in line with BTEC Sport and Outdoor Activity qualifications.
• Teach across levels 2 and 3, covering units such as Outdoor Adventurous Activities, Health & Safety Factors in Outdoor Learning, Leadership in Sport, and Expedition Skills.
• Organise and lead outdoor activities, expeditions, and field trips in line with curriculum objectives.
• Support learners with pastoral and academic needs, helping them reach their full potential.
• Develop innovative and practical learning resources that reflect industry best practices.
• Ensure high standards of health and safety during all outdoor sessions and off-site activities.
• Contribute to curriculum development, quality assurance, and continuous improvement within the department.
• Maintain accurate records of student progress, attendance, and assessments.
• Engage with industry partners and organisations to enhance students’ practical experiences and career opportunities.

The ideal candidate will hold a level 2 GCSE English and Maths or equivalent, vocational qualification at NVQ level 4 or equivalent, appropriate endorsed teaching qualification (or willingness to commence studies within 1 year of employment). You will hold a relevant industry-recognised qualifications in Outdoor Activities, such as water sports (canoeing), rock climbing instructor, Lowland Leader.

Informal enquiries can be made to Robert Shields, Curriculum Team Leader, at Rob.Shields@aru.ac.uk or on 01245 424294

Find out more about working with us and how we recruit.

We have an agile working culture and offer an extensive range of benefits including generous holiday entitlement, occupational pension schemes, training and development opportunities, travel to work scheme and a competitive relocation package. Visit our benefits page for full details.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare of our staff and students and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants should be aware that ARU will carry out online searches as part of the due diligence on short listed candidates.

All appointments at ARU Writtle are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, including a satisfactory Enhanced criminal records with Children’s Barred List check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Further information can be obtained from https://www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check. Shortlisted candidates will be required to disclose any prior disciplinary action or investigation related to sexual misconduct or abuse.  

This role is considered exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide.

We value diversity at ARU and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We have a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK and will conduct Right to Work checks in line with UKVI’s Right to Work policy and our own institutional policy. Furthermore, we must note: 

• Applicants applying from outside the UK: At this time, ARU is unable to sponsor applicants applying from overseas for a Worker Route visa.
• Applicants already in the UK: ARU is unable to offer Worker Route visa sponsorship to applicants whose salary does not meet our minimum sponsorship threshold, which aligns with roles at Grade 6 and above.

Committed to being inclusive and open to discuss flexible working. 

We reserve the right to close this vacancy once we have received sufficient applications.

Guidance Notes: 

Please download the Job Description Person Specification for key requirements. To apply, demonstrate how your skills and experience meet the criteria.