Make a Really Positive Difference
Recruitment FAQs
Do you offer accommodation?
We don’t provide accommodation but are fortunate that all our centres are located in areas where there is generally a reasonable amount of affordable rental properties. We have a Facebook and/or WhatsApp group for new starters where staff can get in contact with each other and discuss housing arrangements before starting, and there are also dedicated members of our current team who can help with any housing issues. We find that it’s much better for overall work-life balance for staff not to live on site.
Taking account of the year-round employment, great career development and wonderful place to work that we offer, many of our current team have worked with us for 10 years or more. We are keen for people to stay with us long term and when doing this, most people appreciate their own place to go home to in preference to rented accommodation on centre. Many have taken advantage of our house purchase assistance scheme, to help them get their foot on the housing ladder.
How close do I need to live?
We advise living within a 45-minute commute of the centre you are working at and ideally within 30 minutes. The action-packed nature of the shifts at Robinwood makes a lengthy commute, a very tiring day. It is important to us that our staff have considered this and the impact this could have on their wellbeing.
Maes y Nant is a short commute by car from Wrexham and within a 25-minute cycle for those preferring pedal power. Your own mode of transport is recommended for this centre, though not essential.
Dobroyd Castle sits above the town of Todmorden and is easily commutable by foot or car. Though public transport is readily available to Todmorden, our shift patterns do not always align with timetables, making it difficult to rely on.
The ability to drive and owning a vehicle is essential for working at Barhaugh Hall, as the centre is located outside of a town with no public transport running near it.
How long do I have to stay in the job?
All staff at Robinwood are on permanent contracts, and we are happy for you to stay as long as you like! Due to the investment in training and support, we need everybody to commit to staying for a minimum of 12 months.
What hours will I be working?
All new starters begin on a 29 hour per week contract, with their normal working week after induction training being 4 days. We use an annualised hours system to ensure that you receive a consistent monthly wage, regardless of differences in your monthly work hours. Your permanent, year-round contract provides financial stability, helping you plan for the future.
Barhaugh Hall and Cross Lanes only operate Monday to Friday, so all staff work those days. Dobroyd Castle operates 7 days a week so staff are either on a Mon-Fri contract or a Wed-Sun contract. Everybody does one group lead a week (a core duty) which involves running all the activities for their group, then the other days are timetabled for shifts like bedtimes and wake-up duties, site work or catering.
Group Lead / Core Shift:
This shift is where the Group Leader takes their group of children on every activity over the 3 days.
Example Shift Times: Day 1: 9.15am-8.45pm. Day 2: 8.30am-8.45pm. Day 3: 8.30am-3.30pm.
Support shifts take place on an ‘extra’ day which is a day in the staff members’ working week that isn’t their core shift. There are a variety of support shifts that a Group Leader could be timetabled for.
What is the pay?
Find out the latest pay here
How does the selection process work?
After filling out the application form, successful candidates will be offered a place on an online selection event. These events last about 4 hours and involve around 8-12 people. If successful at this stage, you will be invited to the activity centre for a day. This will include observing activities led by an experienced Group Leader, jumping off our Trapeze tower and meeting with a Centre Manager. Successful candidates can choose which centre they work at and will be offered a position at that centre on the next available start date.
Is the job seasonal?
No, at Robinwood we don’t have seasonal contracts or apprenticeships. Just permanent year-round employment.
Do I have to stay overnight?
Whilst group leading, you don’t stay overnight. But as part of Robinwood’s 24-hour care, you will on occasion work Night Duty shifts. These are typically 8.30 pm till 8.30 am and are done in blocks of either 2 or 4 nights. These are spread across the staff team, and you would do approximately 1 set per term.
Why should I work for Robinwood?
There are many reasons why people choose to work at Robinwood, the work-life balance, the like-minded friendly team, and the joy of making a really positive difference to the lives of children. But we also provide free food and uniform, fully paid training, ongoing development with Line Managers who care about you, extra pay for weekend and night shifts, the majority of school holidays off, and an annual profit bonus.