Senior Activity Leader

Job overview

At our more excursion-focused centres, a Senior Activity Leader plays a key role in supporting the Activity Managerwith planning and acts as a mentor figure for the rest of the activity team.

You’ll still perform many of the Activity Leader duties, but also take ownership of the on-site activity programme – motivating the team, leading with enthusiasm, and keeping energy levels high when times get challenging.

You’ll lead by example, embodying our CHEERS values – Care, Honesty, Energy, Empathy, Respect, and Smiles – to create a positive, supportive, and inspiring environment for both students and staff.

Activity Management

Staff stories

I loved working as a Senior Activity Leader as it allowed me to gain some additional responsibilities and experience, but I was still able to do what I loved the most – work as an Activity Leader! A lot of the other management roles are quite office based which wasn’t for me, so I loved being more of a mentor figure for the other ALs out “in the field” when on excursions in Edinburgh.

Job details

Full Board

Accommodation and meals provided throughout your contract. No deduction will be made for this.

Salary

£605.00* per week

Holiday Pay

12.07% holiday pay will be added to your salary.

Working Hours

Up to 48 hours per week based on 6 working days.

Reporting to

Activity Manager

Locations

Edinburgh, Royal Russell & Colchester.

Available Contract Dates

Temporary – July & August 2026

Pre-joining training dates

Essential training is provided in the first few days of your contract.

An online safeguarding course will need to be completed prior to your arrival at the centre.

Key responsibilities:

Activities

At our “city centres” with significantly more excursions, there is still a smaller programme of onsite activities, such as discos, movie nights and karaoke.

You’ll be expected to:

Set up necessary equipment and run activities safely
Make sure the activity team is engaged and understands how the evening should run
Occasionally make a fool of yourself – you might need to start the dancing at the disco!
Some activities will be outside your skill set. The important thing is to always have energy and enthusiasm!
Support less experienced Activity Leaders
Always be “switched on” and engaging with the students whenever you’re in uniform!
Ensure risk assessments are being followed by the team for each activity and that everyone is alert for safeguarding issues

Excursions

There will be daily half day excursions and several full-day excursions each week. In addition to fulfilling the standard Activity Leader role, you’ll need to support the rest of the team as well.

Check in with the other ALs beforehand – will everyone be heading out as prepared?
Offer advice to any new ALs who may need it
Help the team co-ordinate the use of public transport, getting to and from the centre
Working with our clients – the students’ Group Leaders – and making sure they’re satisfied with how the day is going
Getting groups to any entrances on time and managing any tickets
Perform your own walking tour to a high standard, keeping the students excited and engaged
Whenever out in public, have an awareness of risk assessments and support the team in responding to any safety and safeguarding issues

Key Performance Indicators

Consistently demonstrate energy, enthusiasm, and active engagement with students.
Positive student and Group Leader feedback
Manages entrances successfully
Demonstrates proactive problem-solving and takes initiative
Maintains control, safety, and engagement of student groups at all times
Read and sign all necessary risk assessments and complete an online safeguarding course prior to your arrival

Arrivals

Arrival days are busy and full of energy — they set the tone for the whole stay.

You’ll welcome a new group at the airport, accompany them to the centre, and help them settle in and feel at home.

Site Logistics

You’ll support the management team with any operational challenges that arise, contributing flexibly and helping to keep the centre running smoothly.

Centre Set Up

Everyone helps with setting up the centre to prepare for the students’ arrival – branding with Dusemond flags, posters and bunting, room checks and equipment inventory

Community & pastoral Care

Safeguarding and student wellbeing are everyone’s responsibility. You’ll help create a safe, welcoming environment and support students’ pastoral needs, which may include assisting with fire drills, office duty, or meal supervision — all key opportunities to connect with students and contribute to a positive community.

Your eligibility

You must:

be over 18 years of age
be eligible to work in the UK
get an enhanced DBS check**

You should:

have existing summer school experience
be an energetic team player
be responsible and proactive
be adaptable to our methods

It's a plus if:

you are a first aider
you have existing people management experience
you’ve done this before!

** Dusemond will assist applicants in obtaining an enhanced DBS check and cover the cost.

Working for Dusemond means:

Lasting Friendships

Our staff build close friendships and camaraderie that often lasts well beyond the end of our programmes, with the chance to be re-united the next season!

Career progression

If you thrive in the amazing environments we work so hard to create, you’ll want to grow with us. Many first year staff return to become supervisors and managers.

References Provided

The broad range of skillsets required, make Dusemond centres excellent places to develop and substantiate your abilities for future roles.