The Head of Expeditions combines wide experience, the ability to prioritise significant detail and excellent critical judgement with a capacity for pragmatism and dynamic risk assessment. They are motivated by the opportunities we can provide to the young people we serve, and by the Leaders we are lucky enough to work with. They oversee the delivery and quality assure the effectiveness of all international, domestic and online adventures, expedition programmes and preparatory training. The Head of Expeditions is responsible for overseeing the design and delivery of processes across the team and, through their line reports, all our expeditions and programmes.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reporting to: CEO
Responsible for: Expedition Manager, Senior Expedition Coordinators, Curriculum,
Impact and Training Manager, Expedition Training and Leadership Advisor and Kit
Stores Co-ordinator (freelance contracts)
Liaison with: All members of staff, Expedition Leaders, Technical Advisors,
Operations Sub-Committee, multiple external stakeholders
Contract period: Permanent, Full time
Salary: £50k+ per annum depending on experience
Usual working hours: 9.30am – 5.30pm Monday to Friday
Location: South Kensington, West London - for at least 2 days per week

Introduction
British Exploring Society is a world class youth development charity with a unique heritage,
founded on the belief that challenging experiences can transform lives, empowering and
equipping young people with the courage, skills, resilience, and determination to make the
most of their future.
We prepare and take young people on digital and in-person adventures and expeditions
to remote locations in the UK and overseas where they face challenges, gain skills and learn
about themselves - as well as acquiring knowledge relevant to their lives and to the fragile
environments that they explore.
The results are transformative – not just in terms of practical skills and resilience, but in a
new-found confidence and self-belief which they carry forward to their future life.
More than this, through their adventure together, our young people forge friendships for life
and become part of a unique supportive and continuing community of explorers with
shared experiences, values and perspectives on the world.
We are committed to building an executive and volunteer team that together represent a
diverse variety of backgrounds, skills, and perspectives on the world. The more inclusive we
are, the better we think we’ll be at delivering our charitable aims.
We are an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate on the grounds of gender
identity, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or
national origin, religion or belief, disability, or age.
If you are interested in applying and require any accessibility adjustments to the interview
process, please do let us know when you apply. Thank you.

The Role
The Head of Expeditions combines wide experience, the ability to prioritise significant detail
and excellent critical judgement with a capacity for pragmatism and dynamic risk
assessment. They are motivated by the opportunities we can provide to the young people
we serve, and by the Leaders we are lucky enough to work with. They oversee the delivery
and quality assure the effectiveness of all international, domestic and online adventures,
expedition programmes and preparatory training. The Head of Expeditions is responsible for
overseeing the design and delivery of processes across the team and, through their line
reports, all our expeditions and programmes.
As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Head of Expeditions contributes to
organisational strategy and plays a key role in liaison and reporting to the board of trustees
on operational and safeguarding matters. They work with the Operations Sub-Committee throughout the year.

Main responsibilities & accountabilities (including but not limited to)

Operations and Processes
○ Oversight of leader recruitment, management, communications, training,
events.
○ Budget management and controls for programmes and oversight for team
members. Demonstrating leadership in all financial matters to ensure an
effective balance of value for money, safety and positive outcomes.
○ Quality assuring design and delivery of fit for purpose training for multidisciplinary teams, to include on-line experts, expedition leaders, medics,
base camp managers and scientists, making the best use of skills.
○ Design and implementation of safety management to meet legal
requirements to meet safeguarding legislation, AALA regulations, BS8848
standards, industry best practise and our policies.
○ Working with Technical Advisors. Keeping accurate records and ensuring
implementation of advice.
○ Working with the Senior Manager, Young People on selection and screening
procedures for young people.
○ Working with our Expedition Manager to ensure robust, sustainable
processes for procurement and provisioning, including the management of
our kit stores, effective storage and maintenance procedures.
○ Oversight of identification, vetting, contracting of international agents and
suppliers.
○ Management of structure, training and resources of the 24-hour Duty
Operations Team which supports expeditions in the field.
○ Design and delivery of robust monitoring, evaluation and reporting.
○ Maintenance and timely management of industry memberships and
accreditation; AALA licence, Learning Outside the Classroom quality badge
and related BS8848 audit, membership of IOL, EPA etc.
○ Oversight of safeguarding procedures and culture as nominated
Safeguarding Lead and member of executive Safeguarding Team.
○ Identification of expedition destinations in line with strategy, mission,
budgetary and environmental commitments.
○ Management of all relevant Policies and Standard Operating Procedures.

Strategy, governance and general management
○ Line management and support of paid and voluntary staff in relation to
performance management or conduct issues.
○ Attendance at weekly Senior Leadership Team Meetings.
○ Liaison with the Operations Sub-Committee and reporting to board of
trustees.
○ As part of SLT, devising and agreeing our future programme

Personal Attributes
● A strong empathy with British Exploring Society’s aims and ethos
● Outstanding team player
● Open, honest & hard working
● Flexible & adaptable and able to respond to dynamic change
● High levels of integrity and sound judgement
● Receptive to challenge, ability to challenge
● Approachable and supportive

Working Practices
Normal working hours are Monday to Friday 09.30 – 17.30. Additional, evening and
weekend working is expected as part of this role, including ‘on call’ duties. You may also be
required to spend some of your working time at our kit storage unit, as well as our office in
South Kensington.
Full-time staff are entitled to 23 days’ paid holiday per holiday year in addition to normal
English Bank and Public holidays. Staff receive their birthday as leave on completion of
probation.
This role is dependent on satisfactory receipt of professional references and an enhanced
DBS check and proof of Right to Work in the UK.

British Exploring Society is unable to sponsor work visas.

How to apply
To apply for the role, please complete the Head of Expeditions application form HERE which
asks you to answer four competency-based questions and submit your CV and contact
details. We utilise an anonymous shortlisting process, which means that no personal data
will be visible to the shortlisting panel.
The shortlisting panel will review answers to the competency-based questions, and
shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview. The shortlisting panel will then be given
access to your CV to support your application.
The closing date and time for applications is Monday 2nd December 2024 at 9am

1st round interviews will commence on Friday 6th December and will either take place at our office in South Kensington or digitally via Zoom.

Ideal start date: Anytime between December to February 2025
If you are not invited for interview, we will contact by email to let you know. Unfortunately, we will not be able to offer feedback to any candidates not shortlisted.

Thank you for your interest in this role and British Exploring Society.