High Ropes – Team Leader

Role Purpose

The GLNE Team Lead – High Ropes is responsible for coordinating, developing, and 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).

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

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

• Crate Stacking – participants build a tower of crates while being belayed by their team.
• Zip Wire (Zip Line) – supervise safe launch, ride, and landing procedures.
• High Ropes Course – guide participants through elevated rope and cable obstacles.
• Jacob’s Ladder – facilitate teamwork climbing challenges.
• Spider’s Web – manage problem-solving and team coordination activity.
• Low Ropes Course – lead ground-level rope and balance challenges.
• Tree Climbing (Rope Assisted) – instruct participants using harness and rope systems.
• Abseiling – supervise controlled rope descents from towers or cliffs.
• Rope Traverse / Tyrolean Traverse – oversee safe crossing using ropes and safety lines.

Support events, camps, and activity days requiring activities listed above.

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.

Desirable

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