National Saturday Club Manager

Our Provost – Learning and Teaching department drives forward the University’s ambition to provide excellence and opportunities for all students; building on Derby’s long-standing reputation for teaching excellence, ensuring the development of sector-leading flexible, integrated learning that aligns to the needs of learners, not just now but in the future.

The Civic Team at the University of Derby underpins the University’s commitment to public good and place-based impact by building, stewarding and enabling meaningful partnerships with communities, public services, civil society and industry. With strong insight into local and regional priorities, policy contexts and lived experience, the team supports civic-minded teaching, research and engagement that address societal challenges, widen participation and strengthen social value. The Civic Team ensures that civic activity is inclusive, ethical and sustainable, and closely aligned to the University’s mission, values and long-term civic strategy.

The team delivers a wide range of civic, community and industry focused projects; including our flagship projects; S.H.E.D, National Saturday Club, Civic Curiosity E-Bikes, CivicLAB, our annual Civic Conference, and our civic and community grant programme as well as supporting a wide range of stakeholder and public engagement projects and festivals that we have recently received funding to deliver. 

These projects are making a real difference to local communities and individuals – opening doors to opportunities, raising aspirations and helping to transform lives.

The postholder will join the Civic team and lead the delivery of the Derby Saturday Club: Society and Change at the University of Derby, working in partnership with local stakeholders. This exciting initiative is the first of its kind in Derby and forms part of the nationally recognised National Saturday Club programme.

The Club will provide a unique learning experience for young people aged 13–16, with a focus on exploring themes of Society and Change. The role directly supports the University of Derby’s commitment to civic engagement, community partnership, and public engagement, contributing to the University's wider Civic Strategy and goals.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the planning, development and delivery of the programme, including creating schemes of work and lesson plans, developing learning resources, procuring materials, organising educational visits (including trips to London), and overseeing the day-to-day management of the Club and its members. The role will also involve coordinating student ambassadors, managing guest speakers, and building positive relationships with external partners and stakeholders.

This position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the skills development, confidence and aspirations of young people across Derby. Working closely with local learners, the postholder will facilitate engaging and inclusive learning experiences that place youth voice, creativity and talent development at their heart. The role will also contribute to the University's broader civic and public engagement offer, helping to strengthen connections between the University and local communities.

Please note this is a 12 month Fixed Term Contract, 10 hours per week. The Club runs on a Saturday between 10am and 1pm; the remaining hours/days to be discussed at interview

We are looking for an organised and community-focused individual who is passionate about supporting young people to develop their skills, confidence and aspirations.

The successful candidate will hold a Level 3 qualification (A Level or equivalent) or be able to demonstrate equivalent relevant experience. They will have experience of working with people from a wide range of ages, cultures and abilities, with a commitment to creating inclusive and engaging learning environments where all participants can thrive.

You will have experience of working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to support the successful planning and delivery of projects, including coordinating resources, managing relationships and ensuring activities are delivered effectively. Strong communication and organisational skills are essential, along with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.

A sound understanding of safeguarding principles, policies and procedures is required, together with a commitment to promoting the welfare of children and young people. A safeguarding qualification and First Aid certification are desirable; however, training can be provided for candidates who are willing to work towards these qualifications.

Most importantly, you will be motivated by the opportunity to make a positive difference to the lives of young people across Derby, championing youth voice, creativity and talent development through an innovative and inspiring programme.

1. Induct, supervise, and advise all stakeholders, including learners, teaching and research staff, and external customers on the operation of the club and relevant club processes.
2. Develop an innovative scheme of work for the academic year, deciding upon the modules and projects to be taught.
3. Be responsible for identifying, booking, and supervising all guest speakers and technicians required during the club programme.
4. Train and manage all student ambassadors who facilitate sessions on each Saturday.
5. Liaise constantly with the Communications teams at University of Derby, with local partners and National Saturday Club to help promote the club in schools, process club applications, and communicate regularly throughout the programme year.
6. Be solely responsible for communication and the handling of enquiries and complaints from the club members, their parents/carers, and the schools.
7. Work cohesively with colleagues from the University of Derby and with local partners of the Derby Saturday Club: Society and Change.
8. Work cohesively with colleagues from the National Saturday Club Head office, to ensure that the local club in Derby is organised professionally and in conjunction with the department.
9. Manage all Safeguarding and Health and Safety of the club members and internal and external stakeholders. This includes producing Risk Assessments, especially when equipment or dangerous substances are being used.
10. Collaborate with the National Saturday Club to organise visits, to follow their instructions and adhere to our contract.
11. Organise and manage two off campus visits to showcase work of attendees and develop their skills and experience.
12. Manage the participation of the Saturday Club from Derby’s exhibition and award ceremony at Summerset House, London.
13. Manage a small budget, to buy materials, refreshments, and to organise and fund the off-campus visits travel/accommodation/hospitality.
14. To attend ‘Tutors Training/Meetings’ provided by the Saturday Club Trust, for continued professional development. Health and safety and Safeguarding are a priority and will be embedded in all tasks and responsibilities of the role. The post holder will ensure the Health and Safety of any person for which they are responsible, and all the activities being carried out within the club. This is delivered through the provision of risk assessments, safe processes of work and effective monitoring and supervision. The post holder is also responsible for the safeguarding of club members whilst on campus and during London visits.
15. Undertake Risk Assessments of all equipment, processes and procedures associated with the role and to ensure their correct implementation within the Health & Safety framework of the University on a continuous basis.
16. Ensure that club members are trained or supervised in the use of equipment and related techniques, to ensure compliance with statutory Health & Safety and manufacturer guidelines.
17. In accordance with Safeguarding procedures, to deal with any disclosures, concerns, or incidents in an appropriate and empathetic manner, and to inform your line manager and the university Safeguarding Lead at the earliest opportunity.