Water Sports – Team Leader

Role Overview

The GLNE County Team Lead – Water Activities is responsible for coordinating, developing, and overseeing water activities across the county. The role ensures that these programmes are safe, compliant, and accessible, while supporting the development of qualified instructors and delivering high-quality experiences for young people.

The Team Lead will guide a team of instructors and activity volunteers, ensuring all activities align with the policies and standards of The Scout Association (UK).

Key Outcomes / Success Measures

• Increased participation in Water Activity sports activities across GLNE.
• Growth in qualified instructors and permit holders.
• Safe and compliant delivery of all activities.
• Positive feedback from young people and leaders.

Time Commitment

• Flexible volunteer commitment.
• Attendance at occasional meetings, training sessions, and county events.
• Additional time during major camps or activity programmes.

Key Responsibilities

Programme Development

Develop, support and promote the delivery of activities listed below across GLNE County:

• Paddling & Boating
• Canoeing (paddling techniques, steering, teamwork)
• Kayaking (solo and tandem)
• Rowing instruction and coordination
• Dragon boating and group paddling events
• Paddleboarding
• Bellboating
• Dinghy sailing instruction
• Raft sailing activities
• Basic maritime navigation (wind direction, tides, and navigation skills)
• Raft building and water testing
• Boat rescue drills and safety training
• Water navigation challenges using maps and compasses
• Offshore Sailing
• Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)
• Snorkeling sessions
• Narrow Boating

Leadership & Team Management

• Create a positive, inclusive, and encouraging environment for all participants.
• Support individuals in overcoming fear, developing confidence, and building new skills.
• Recruit, coordinate, and provide ongoing support to water activity instructors and activity volunteers.
• Build and maintain a strong, county‑wide network of trained instructors.
• Provide mentoring and guidance to volunteers working toward activity permits.
• Support volunteers in gaining relevant activity permits and undertaking instructor training.
• Identify gaps in water activity instructors and permit capability across the County and propose practical solutions.
• Encourage continuous professional development among instructors and activity leaders.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all target sports activities comply with Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR) of The Scout Association (UK).
• Promote safe practices and risk management across all activities.
• Ensure instructors hold the required permits, qualifications, and approvals.

Stakeholder Engagement

Work collaboratively with:

• District Programme Teams
• County Activities Team
• Event’s Organisers

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Demonstrated strong organisational abilities and effective leadership skills.
• Genuine passion for delivering adventurous, challenging activities for young people.
• Skilled in coordinating volunteers and overseeing safe, high‑quality activity delivery.
• Solid understanding of safety management principles and conducting risk assessments.
• Experience leading water activity sessions.
• Capable of managing groups confidently and providing clear, supportive leadership.
• Able to engage positively with young people and manage large groups effectively.
• Strong communicator with excellent problem‑solving skills.
• Calm, safety‑minded approach with a strong commitment to safeguarding.
• Enthusiastic and motivating, with the ability to build confidence in others.
• Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills.
• Highly dependable, responsible, and consistent in delivering on commitments.

Desirable

• Activity qualifications and permits in one activity listed above
• Experience with scouts and outdoor education
• Knowledge of risk assessments and safety management
• Outdoor instruction and coaching