Join our team
*
Join our team *
Awen Learning Facilitator (Part Time - 22 hours a week)
About the role
We are seeking a passionate, grounded, and imaginative part-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.
Salary: £26,000 per annum pro rata
Location: Barry/Wenvoe, Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales
Hours: Part time, in-person
Holidays: 6 weeks paid holiday per year
Contract Type: Self employed with view to permanent (14-week probation period)
Start Date: 8th December 2025
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
And here we are talking about the type of person we would love to join us
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
* Support tribe recruitment and outreach in the wider community
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 and media 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: Friday 21st November 2025
First Interviews: 26th/27th November 2025
Final Round (in-person with tribe and community): 3rd December
Start Date 8th December 2025
