Job Description

Who We Are

The Awen Project is a democratic learning community based in nature in The Vale of Glamorgan.

We currently welcome tribe members aged 11-16, creating space for young people to explore self-directed learning in a nurturing, inclusive, and creative environment.

Our four guiding pillars are:

Democracy: All members have an equal say in decision-making.

Accessibility: Education at Awen is free and inclusive.

Learning in Nature: We coexist with and learn from our natural environment.

Creativity: We value process over product and innovation over conformity.

Watch our short film to hear directly from the young people: https://youtu.be/YqgdxvWV05I

And here we are talking about the type of person we would love to join us

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QG6tVTe9X0

About the Role

We are seeking a passionate, grounded, and imaginative full-time Learning Facilitator to join our team and work closely with tribe members aged 11-16. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of genuine social change, where education is reimagined as collaborative, nature-based, and deeply human.

You will work face-to-face four days per week, helping guide a learner-led, democratic, and creative space. Your role will combine education facilitation, emotional support, community building, land stewardship, and creative risk-taking, safeguarding, impact monitoring and measuring.

Key Responsibilities

Education & Facilitation

Co-design and deliver engaging educational offerings based on learners' interests and goals
Facilitate self-directed, project-based and academic learning, including support in core subjects
Help young people reflect on their learning journeys and track their progress meaningfully
Prepare and maintain a weekly timetable collaboratively with other facilitators

Democratic Practice

Co-facilitate "The Gathering" - our democratic decision-making forum
Model and champion democratic values and collaborative conflict resolution

Safety & Wellbeing

Uphold and promote safeguarding, H&S policies, and maintain incident and risk logs
Register daily attendance and ensure a safe site with regular student-led audits
Respond to day-to-day issues with calm, creativity, and compassion ("firefighting" with grace)

Community & Families

Maintain strong communication with parents and guardians
Participate in community events such as open days, parent evenings, and training

Nature & Land

Collaborate with young people to develop, maintain, and care for our woodland/natural space
Encourage learning through nature and nurture connection to the environment

Professional Practice

Attend staff meetings, planning days, and training as part of professional development
Embrace a flexible culture that includes volunteer contributions and reflective practice

Impact

Collect important progress data and collate reports to evidence outcomes

Person Specification

Essential

Experience working creatively with young people aged 11-16
Calm, kind, open-minded, and generous in character
Passionate about democratic education and reimagining learning
Comfortable working outdoors in all seasons
Able to manage risk thoughtfully and encourage safe exploration
Creative, curious, and willing to learn alongside others
Strong communication and relational skills
Able to safely hold space and de-escalate emotional or social challenges
A reflective, collaborative team player

Desirable

Experience with or interest in: music, art, languages, sport, or other passions
Understanding of trauma-informed practice
Experience working in community or nature-based projects
Ability to facilitate learning in creative writing, the arts or other key subject areas
A Welsh speaker or learner (not essential)
A sense of humour and love for nature and animals
Multiple interests and a flexible, multi-skilled approach

Who this role is NOT for

We are committed to equity, kindness and deep listening. This role will not suit someone who:

Is authoritarian, passive-aggressive, or unable to adapt to learner-led education
Lacks patience, humour, or empathy for neurodivergent and diverse learners
Is unwilling to work collaboratively with both young people and adults
Is opposed to our core values of inclusion, environmental responsibility and democracy

How to Apply

We encourage applications from candidates of all identities and backgrounds, particularly those that are underrepresented in our field of work.

Please send a cover letter (no more than two pages) and your CV to hannah@theawenproject.com

Deadline: Sunday 21st November 2025

First Interviews: 26th/27th November 2025

Final Round (in-person with tribe and community): 3rd December 2025

Job Type: Freelance

Pay: From 13.33 per hour

Work Location: In person