Staff Profiles

Before Robinwood

I was studying P.E. and Sports Science at Loughborough University. I came for a selection day during my final year and joined the Robinwood staff team after my graduation.

My job at Robinwood

As a group leader and instructor at Robinwood my days at work range from working with a group of children throughout their 3 day course, to specialist instructor days leading canoeing, climbing or stream walk sessions. This is mixed in with the occasional night duty shift, enabling Robinwood to offer 24 hour supervision of groups, and a range of site work tasks.

I work with a great team of staff, in an enjoyable job where I get to develop kids confidence and teamwork in a memorable experience for them. Robinwood looks after its staff team, whether it be through the bonus incentive scheme, qualifications offered or even just a good night out on the company Being a small company its more friendly than others so you feel your voice can be heard and its constantly evolving, striving for improvement, so it’s never dull.

What have I gained?

The best gain I’ve had since starting at Robinwood is a new network of friends. Existing staff and old staff I have kept in touch with and meet up with for climbing trips, canoeing trips and weddings!

Unlike other centres I have worked at, at Robinwood it is possible to have a life outside the job with at least two days off each week, with the timetable provided well in advance.

Training provided / qualifications gained since starting work at Robinwood include:

GNAS archery leader, First aid at work, BCU 2 star kayak, BCU 4 star canoe, BCU canoe safety test, Level 3 Canoe Coach training, SPA climbing training, Mountain Leader training, MIDAS minibus driving.

What visiting schools say about Alice

• Alice gave the group confidence with her energy and reassurance. She encouraged the children to work in their "stretch zone" and to be adventurous.
• Very thorough with safety and keen to ensure the children were happy and achieved the challenges. Bradley said " Alice is the best grown up I have met."
• Excellent knowledge, sense of humour, care & empathy which combined to make each child feel special!

Before Robinwood

I studies sports science at University then I worked as a swimming teacher and lifeguard for a year.

My job at Robinwood

In my role developing the centre and the staff team, I get involved in a wide range of things from staff training and development to buying new activity equipment. I also get to lead some sessions with the children. I love the daily challenges of working with children and giving them the opportunities to try new things and develop themselves. I also really enjoy working with the staff team we have at the centre.

What have I gained?

I’ve gained a good understanding of children and become tuned into their needs and issues. I have also gained management experience and experiences of promotion interviews!

Training provided / qualifications gained since starting work at Robinwood include:

GNAS archery leader, Outdoor First aid, BCU 4 star canoe, BCU canoe safety test, BCU Level 3 Canoe Coach training, SPA climbing training, Walking Group Leader training, ML training, two Open University management modules.

What visiting schools say about Ashleigh

• Extremely helpful right from the moment we arrived. She made it clear that she was available at anytime to discuss problems etc. Excellent.
• Excellent! Really kept us informed, very helpful, looked after the staff as much as the children.

Before Robinwood

I studied geology at University and when I graduated in 2009 I knew it wouldn't be the career for me. Whilst at Uni I had learnt to kayak and climb and spent my summers helping on D of E expeditions and this inspired me to seek a career outdoors. I spent a year bouncing between retail and warehouse work before arriving at Robinwood and didn't think I'd be here more than a season or two! My temporary contract became a permanent one and now I will be here for the forseeable future!

My job at Robinwood

As a group leader I can be responsible for up to 13 children (and their teachers) for a 3 day period. Each group gets a taster session of 15 activities from archery and problem solving to zip wire and canoeing. My job is to deliver each session in a way that will benefit the group. Some groups can be more challenging than others and there's no doubt it can be hard work, but it's also incredibly rewarding too! There is also lots of opportunity for me to get involved in the development of the centre during sitework and projects and contribute my ideas. When children ask me if I like my job I always replay with "I get to spend 3 days hanging out with amazing funny kids and doing activities that I love; this is the best job ever!"

What have I gained?

I have gained a rewarding job, lots of friends and many technical skills. I've met people who want to help me develop my climbing skills, take me down caves, surfing on days off and even have dedicated X-factor evenings!

Training provided / qualifications gained since starting work at Robinwood include:

GNAS Archery leader, First Aid, Mountain Leader Training, Climbing Wall Award Training, UKCC Level 2 Training, BCU 3* Kayak, BCU 3* Canoe.

What visiting schools say about Lisa

• Lisa did a fine job, explaining things clearly and showing great energy.
• Excellent, lively and motivated the children. She challenged all the children and supported individuals who were unsure of the activity.
• Lisa was just amazing - she was full on with the children ALL the time. She never failed to give 100% and after 3 days was still as energetic as the first !! FABULOUS girl.

Before Robinwood

I was a life guard and then went to work at another activity centre, before starting work at Robinwood. When I started at Robinwood in May I thought I would stay until November and then go travelling. I enjoyed Robinwood so much that I returned after travelling in the New Year and have stayed ever since.

My job at Robinwood

As centre manager I make sure that everything runs smoothly, safely and on time. I watch our excellent instructor staff team and help them improve. I listen to staff ideas about how to improve the centre and decide together with the staff, which ones to do. I train and select new staff, make sure we are not spending too much money and if there’s time left send some e-mails. I fix toilets, arrange better seating for the staff houses, eat dinner with the teachers and have fun.

It is nice seeing both staff and children change and develop over their time here, whether it is children on a 3 day course getting over their fear of heights and piranhas or seeing a person come to work for us, developing new skills in the outdoors, taking charge of groups and in life in general.

What have I gained?

I have gained real confidence in my ability to work with teams of staff, kids or teachers. In my time here I have also gained a beautiful wife, 3 fantastic kids, a mortgage, an allotment and a car. My children like to feed the piranhas at Robinwood and my eldest child, Jacob, can do a good impression of Martin the boss. I am a better more rounded person thanks to working here. I am also now very good at complaining when I am being served at other places that don’t live up to the standards set at Robinwood.

Training provided / qualifications gained since starting work at Robinwood include:

GNAS archery leader, BTF trampolining coach, BOF orienteering, First aid at work, First Aid Trainers Course, BCU 2 star kayak, BCU 2 star canoe, BCU canoe safety test, SPA climbing assessment, Mountain Leader training, RYA helmsman certificate, NVQ level 2 in activity leadership, staff appraisal course, MIDAS minibus driving, PCV Driving Licence, Open University – Managing People course

What visiting schools say about Stu

• Always reassured those worried, including myself. Clear instructions - cheerful & friendly. Outstanding.
• Best yet. Excellent leader, full of encouragement and enthusiasm. The children adored him.
• Stu ran the course to maximise pupil enjoyment. Very professional and approachable.