Activity Leader Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt University

Move Language Ahead; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000

Job description

Activity Leader
Job Type: Residential/Non-Res, Full-Time
Location: Edinburgh
All locations: London King’s, London Dulwich, London Uxbridge, London Richmond, Reading, Guildford, Worcester, Northampton, Carmarthen, Dover
DATES: June 27^th to August 1^st 2025 (Possibility of extension)

MLA (Move Language Ahead) is an industry leader in providing safe, educational, and cultural holidays to students from around the world. Each year thousands of students travel with MLA as part of our short-term English as a Foreign Language (EFL) programmes. Along with our proprietary task-based EFL curriculum, we also provide our students with great excursions featuring some of the most popular historical and tourist destinations across the globe.

MLA WELFARE AND SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT
MLA is committed to the welfare and safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All students should expect to feel safe within all areas of our seasonal programme. The primary concern at all times is the interests and safety of each student and the organisation takes all reasonable steps to protect children from harm, discrimination or degrading treatment and to uphold their rights.

MLA staff working with young learners will all go through our safer recruitment process including online or face-to-face interviews, record checks of references and background checks, in line with the country’s regulations, to ensure they are able to work with young people, provide evidence of qualifications and work experience as part of the process and according to our Safeguarding Policy and Prevent Policy.

POSITION OVERVIEW

• Responsible for the activity and excursion programme for international students
• Full-time summer role available from mid-June – mid-August
• Represent MLA values
• 6 days per week (Monday to Saturday)
• Residential employment available from late June – mid-August

Your role as an MLA Activity Leader goes beyond just ensuring safety and well-being; it's about fostering a sense of excitement and connection among our diverse group of international students. Your days will be filled with creativity as you design and lead engaging activities, from afternoon sports to evening dance parties, ensuring every moment is brimming with energy and enthusiasm.

REQUIREMENTS

Essential

• Must have an EU passport/right to work in the UK, and a valid Criminal Record Check from your country of residence
• Proven suitability to work with students under 18: at least 2 references.

Desirable

• Summer School experience in Ireland or the UK

Person Specification

• Ability to develop positive relationships with students, earning their trust whilst maintaining proper professional boundaries
• Display absolute commitment to the highest standards of professional behaviour and, at all times, to promoting the welfare and safeguarding of children
• Positive outlook
• Enthusiasm and creativity
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work long hours in a high-pressure environment
• Passion for working with youth
• Flexibility and adaptability

SCHEDULE

As an Activity Leader, you’ll enjoy a dynamic and flexible work schedule designed to meet the exciting demands of our programme. Shifts will vary across mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekends, providing you with diverse working hours. Each staff member is contracted for up to 44 hours per week. At the end of every week, you’ll be required to confirm and sign off on your worked hours to ensure everything is accurately recorded.

KEY POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Ensure adequate preparation & set up for on/offsite activities and excursions
• Lead, supervise, motivate & engage students on activities and excursions
• Pro-actively encouraging the children to take part in planned activities both during the day and in the evenings
• Ensuring you have read and are adhering to all risk assessments
• Assist in the organisation and preparation of a wide range of activities, including during the day, evenings, weekend excursions and pastoral duties
• Participate in, supervise and lead all activities including sports, karaoke, disco nights, etc.
• Establish accurate meeting locations and times, and effectively communicate this information to the guests for activities and excursions
• Provide guided tours once the group arrives at the destination to familiarize and educate guests

Training & CPD

• Attend all required training and induction meetings and take an active part in discussion and feedback prior to start of employment
• Review itineraries and become knowledgeable about attractions
• Complete any required training sessions/courses both online and in person as directed
• Provide all necessary paperwork prior to employment

Administrative

• Support our Group Leaders with their needs and questions
• Answer phones and make calls to confirm bookings, reservations, etc.
• Assist the center administration in making photocopies, running errands, preparing activities, etc.

Safeguarding & Welfare

• Promoting the welfare of students and adhere to the MLA Safeguarding Policy
• Provide safety and welfare assistance to students.
• Be vigilant for possible welfare problems of students
• Inform your CD/Welfare Manager of any absences immediately
• Report any issues which may be affecting students’ safety, wellbeing and academic performance
• Be aware of relevant fire, health and safety issues in the classroom and around the centre

COMPENSATION

Activity Leader (Non Residential)
Per Hour GBP 13
Activity Leader (Residential)
GBP 510.00 per week
*Holiday Pay (12.07%) is to be added to weekly pay.
*Single Bonus for returning Activity Leaders GBP 200
*Housing deduction of GBP 9.10 per day will be applied for residential positions.

MLA REPUTATION & CODE OF CONDUCT

• Actively support MLA in its mission to provide top quality programmes
• Provide courses that will support and enable the students to realise their potential and achieve their academic targets
• Comply with management requests to follow the guidelines of external organisations such as British Council in a timely and accurate manner
• Be dressed in a presentable professional way
• Start on time, if this is not possible you must inform your manager as early as possible
• Develop a good rapport with the students and Group Leaders and avoid absences as much as possible
• Follow the code of conduct specifically detailed in your Handbook.

MLA EQUALITY STATEMENT
MLA Move Language Ahead is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to excellence through diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, marital status, being pregnant or on maternity leave, race (including ethnic or national origin, nationality and colour), disability, sexual orientation or expression, religion, beliefs, or any other non-job-related criteria.