Role Overview
The County Team Lead – Hike Walking is responsible for coordinating, developing, and developing safe and engaging mountain-based activities within the county. overseeing High Ropes 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).
The position ensures activities meet recognised outdoor safety standards and supports youth expedition programmes such as the Chief Scout Awards, King Scout Awards and The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
Key Outcomes / Success Measures
- Increased participation in High Ropes 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
Lead, develop, support and promote the delivery of hillwalking qualifications in GLNE as follows:
- Terrain Zero defined in POR Rule 9.12.7
- Terrain 1 Permit: Required for hillwalking activities in Terrain One or Terrain Two. It allows individuals to participate in hillwalking with others who hold a personal permit.
- Terrain 2 Permit: Similar to Terrain 1, but for activities in Terrain Two. It requires the same personal permit requirement.
- Supervisory Permit: Allows the holder to remotely supervise multiple hillwalking groups. This permit requires adequate systems for monitoring and communication with the groups.
- Mountain Leader Qualification: A nationally recognized qualification for those leading hillwalking activities. It is open to both Scouts and the general public.
- Mountain Leader Course: A series of weekends to cover the full syllabus, including lightweight camping aspects.
- Assessment Training: For those who do not have sufficient experience or the skills required for a permit, this training is available to develop skills.
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 target‑sports 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 high rope sports 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 high‑ropes sessions.
- Knowledgeable in rope systems, harness use, and belaying techniques.
- 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.
- Fully confident working at height and in outdoor environments.
- Strong experience in mountain hiking and hillwalking in the UK
- Experience leading multi-day mountain expeditions
- Knowledge of mountain weather and route planning
- Mountain Leader Qualification (ML)
Desirable
- Activity qualifications and permits in one activity listed above
- Experience with scouts and outdoor education
- Knowledge of risk assessments and safety management
