You won’t just find a job here. You’ll find purpose, challenge and real impact.
At Outward Bound, we use outdoor adventure to change lives. And we’re always looking for people who want to be part of something bigger.
Working here means more than a role in the outdoors or behind a desk. It means:
- Helping young people build confidence, compassion and self-belief.
- Being part of a supportive team that cares deeply about what they do.
- Getting outside, taking on challenges, and growing yourself too.
Whether you’re instructing up a mountain or coordinating behind the scenes, you’ll play a part in something that matters.
See current vacancies
Ready to apply? Browse our latest job opportunities and start your journey with Outward Bound.
Find your place
Work, live and grow in Loch Eil, Eskdale, Ullswater or Aberdyfi – inspiring places to start your Outward Bound journey.
What it's like here
Meet the people who make Outward Bound, Outward Bound. Whether at a centre, office or working remotely – this is what it's like to be part of our team.
The way we work together
We’re proud to work for Outward Bound, not just because of what we do, but also because of how we do it.
We are a small organisation with talented and committed staff. Everyone has a part to play and a chance to lead; your ideas, input and initiative matter whether you’re heading up a course or supporting in other areas such as operations, sales and fundraising.
- Everyone can be a leader. We don’t wait for permission to make a difference.
- We trust one another. You’re here for a reason – and we’ll back you to do the job.
- We praise one another. We recognise good work and call out the positive.
- We communicate well. Because when we do, everything runs better.
This isn’t just what we say. It’s how we show up for each other, every day.
Our core values
We believe:
That we all have undiscovered potential.
In the power and intensity of learning through adventure.
In the balance between risk, reward and responsibility.
In compassion and respect for each other and the environment.
That everyone should feel valued and able to be themselves.
How we look after you
We offer more than just fair pay. Our benefits reflect what our people need - on and off the hill. Whether you’re based in the mountains or behind a desk, you’ll be well supported, fairly paid, and encouraged to grow.
Your health
We’ve got your back when it matters most.
- Medicash healthcare plan – claim money back on everyday health costs, from dental to physio (after probation)
- Income Protection Scheme – financial support if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury
- Best Doctors – get second opinions on serious medical cases from global experts
- Medical Care Direct – access reduced-cost private treatment with fixed prices
- Unum app – instant GP access, physio, counselling and more
- Personal accident insurance – covers you at work and while commuting
- Sick pay – up to 8 weeks at full pay in any 12-month period
Your wellbeing
We support your whole self - not just your job.
- A range of flexible working options and support to enable a healthy and happy work-life balance for you and your family
- Employee care counselling – free, confidential advice and wellbeing support
- Cycle to work scheme – tax-efficient bike purchase
- Season ticket loans – interest-free support for annual travel (for contracts over one year)
- Holiday entitlement – 24 days' leave a year, rising to 30 with service, plus bank holidays
- Living Wage employer – accredited and committed to fair pay across the organisation
Your family
Support that extends to the people who matter most.
- Life assurance – three times your salary, from your first day
- Summer Adventure discounts – one free 19-day course and 75% off 7-day courses for close family
Your future
Helping you grow and plan.
- Pension scheme – 3% employee and 5% employer contributions after 3 months
- Learning and development – from on-the-job training to new qualifications, we’ll help you build skills and confidence
- We provide an organisation-wide induction, which involves spending two days at one of our sites with other new colleagues across the business.
- Your ongoing development is supported with regular 1-1's, coaching, feedback and support from your line manager
Your adventures
We believe in 'walk-the-talk'.
- Berghaus kit – branded uniform provided, plus quarterly staff discounts
- Extended/unpaid leave – apply for time out to pursue your own expeditions (after the qualifying period)
- Staff conference – two days of connection, learning and shared purpose
Thinking of joining us?
Curious about what it’s like to work with us? From how to apply to what to expect day-to-day, our FAQs cover the things people ask most before joining Outward Bound.
What qualifications do I need to become an instructor at Outward Bound?
To join our instructor team, you should have:
- At least two of the following National Governing Body (NGB) qualifications:
- Summer Mountain Leader Award
- Rock Climbing Instructor
- British Canoeing Paddlesport Leader Award or Paddlesport Instructor plus Canoe Award (or an equivalent recognised award)
- Training in the third qualification listed above
- A valid First Aid Certificate
- A full driving licence (preferably with D1 entitlement)
- Experience in guiding others through personal development
You'll also need to demonstrate your ability to safely deliver personal development courses to young people.
What does the recruitment process involve for instructors?
We typically recruit instructors in small groups for our centres in Aberdyfi, Ogwen Cottage, Eskdale, Ullswater and Howtown, and Loch Eil.
Instructor vacancies are posted on our website, social media, and external job sites.
To apply, you'll need to complete an online application form or send us a letter/email explaining why the role suits you. If shortlisted, interviews are conducted in person at the relevant centre.
All new instructors participate in a 5–7 week induction programme.
What should I include in my instructor application?
Please provide:
- Your current CV
- A cover letter detailing:
- Why you want to work at Outward Bound
- How your experience and qualifications align with the role
- Any relevant personal development experiences.
Can I apply if I don't have all the listed qualifications?
We value potential and a willingness to learn. If you meet most of the requirements and are committed to developing the necessary skills, we encourage you to apply.
What are the progression opportunities for instructors?
At Outward Bound, we support your growth from day one. We offer a progressive 8-point salary scale - starting with 2 levels for instructors, followed by 6 for senior instructors.
Progression depends on a mix of formal qualifications and practical competence. We recognise and reward your development in both outdoor skills and your ability to teach and facilitate impactful learning. The indicators for each level are reviewed regularly to reflect the evolving needs of our work with young people.
As you move up the scale, we expect you to build on your skills, take on more responsibility, and lead with confidence and care.
Many senior instructors go on to become Learning and Adventure Managers. This team shapes the learning and adventure at our Centres, coaches other instructors, and ensures every course makes a lasting difference.
Do you offer Mountain Training or DLOG experience?
We’re not able to offer Mountain Training or rock climbing digital logbook (DLOG) experience. This is due to how our programmes are structured and staffed, as well as safeguarding responsibilities.
We know how valuable that experience is and wish you all the best as you continue your development elsewhere.
Do you have an apprenticeship for outdoor instructors?
We don’t currently offer apprenticeships for outdoor instructors.
Are there other roles available besides instructors?
Yes, we offer various roles across our centres and head office, including positions in hospitality, administration, logistics, and more. Check our current vacancies for the latest opportunities.
How do I apply for a position?
Visit our job vacancies page to view current openings. Follow the application instructions provided for each role.
What benefits do employees receive?
Benefits include:
- 24 days of annual leave, increasing with service (up to 30 days), plus bank holidays
- Outward Bound-branded uniform provided by Berghaus
- Healthcare scheme (Medicash) after probation
- Long-term disability insurance
- Living Wage employer commitment
- Opportunities for learning and development
Do you offer work placements or internships?
Yes, we occasionally offer placements and internships. Keep an eye on our job vacancies page for such opportunities.
Can I do voluntary work at Outward Bound?
We don’t currently offer voluntary roles at our centres. This is because of the safety and safeguarding responsibilities involved in working with young people, as well as how our programmes are staffed and run.
But there are other ways you can support our mission:
Fundraising
Take on a personal challenge or join one of our organised events. If your workplace is looking for a charity partner, our corporate team would love to talk - your support could help more young people access life-changing experiences.
Outward Bound Associations
Across the UK, local volunteer groups known as Outward Bound Associations (OBAs) raise funds and awareness to help young people in their communities take part in our courses. Some members are alumni, others come from schools, youth services or community groups - but they all believe in giving young people the chance to grow through adventure.
If you'd like to support Outward Bound in other ways, get in touch with us.
What is your policy on recruiting ex-offenders?
We believe in fair opportunities for everyone.
As an organisation working with young people, The Outward Bound Trust uses the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) to assess applicants for positions of trust. But having a criminal record won’t automatically stop you from working with us.
We welcome applications from a wide range of people - including those with criminal records - and judge every candidate on their skills, experience and potential. If a role requires a DBS check, this will always be made clear during the application process.
We only ask about criminal records where it’s relevant to the role. And if a disclosure is needed, we’ll give you the chance to share details in confidence and have an open conversation during the recruitment process.
Everyone involved in our hiring process is trained to handle this information respectfully and in line with the law. We follow the DBS Code of Practice and the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
If you're unsure or have questions about this, feel free to contact us confidentially.
