Title: Welfare Manager (Residential)
Job Type: Residential, Full-Time
Reports to: Centre Director
Dates: June 22nd to August 1st 2026 (Possibility of extension in some centres)
Country: United Kingdom
Location: London King’s, London Uxbridge, Reading, Guildford, Worcester, Dover, Oxford, Edinburgh
Position Overview
- Full-time summer employment from mid-June – mid-August
- Responsible for all aspects of the ESL summer camp programming, including off‑campus excursions and on‑campus activities
- Represent MLA values
- Reports to Centre Director and Operations Manager
- 6 working days per week
- 1 day off per week
- Residential employment includes all meals and accommodation
Key Position Accountabilities
- Complete all required, paid training/induction meetings prior to and during the programme
- Review itineraries and become knowledgeable with all aspects of the programme
- Complete risk assessments
- Lead the delivery of high‑quality welfare and pastoral support for all junior students
- Act as a primary point of contact for student welfare concerns, including homesickness, well‑being issues, and behavioural matters
- Ensure students feel safe, supported, and respected throughout their stay
- Monitor student well‑being and take proactive steps to address emerging issues
- Implement and uphold MLA safeguarding and child protection policies at centre level
- Receive, record, and respond to safeguarding concerns in line with MLA procedures
- Support the implementation of health & safety procedures related to student welfare
- Oversee student medical information, medication procedures, and welfare‑related risk assessments
- Respond to accidents, incidents, and emergencies involving students, ensuring appropriate follow‑up and documentation
- Liaise with the Centre Manager and Head Office Safeguarding Team regarding serious or complex cases
- Ensure all safeguarding records are accurate, confidential, and securely maintained
- Use the MLA software effectively
Training & CPD
- Complete all required pre‑employment training
- Attend the in‑person induction training and take an active part in discussions
- Read and understand MLA policies sent during the recruitment process
- Read, understand and adhere to the guidelines set out in your Handbook
- Be open to feedback during appraisals and set your own developmental goals for you to work on during your time with MLA
- Request guidance on and actively seek professional development to improve your skills
- Work with the MLA Management Team in designing necessary on‑site training
- Carry out inductions and training for Activity Leaders
- Carry out two staff appraisals in line with the MLA guidelines
Administrative Duties
- Maintain accurate lists of students’ medical needs, histories, and dietary requirements
- Maintain the MLA software files with detailed housing, dining, and facilities usage
- Support the Centre Admin in the reporting of campus damages
- Oversee the maintenance requests by group leaders and students and ensure they are communicated and completed by the campus partners
- Complete all Risk Assessments
- Maintain the Centre Noticeboard providing accurate information and announcements to Group Leaders and students
- Attend regular staff meetings to maintain good communication and positive morale
Safeguarding & Welfare
- Promote the welfare of students and adhere to, and comply with the Safeguarding Policy
- Constantly monitor student and staff safety and welfare, addressing any concerns promptly and effectively
- Assist the Centre Director and Welfare Manager with communicating to staff and guests site‑specific emergency evacuation and preparedness plans
- Maintain 24‑hour on‑call emergency assistance for the centre
- Address any guest or staff concerns and properly document and report concerns
- Be aware of any specific safeguarding needs of minors (those under the age of 18)
- Work with the Centre Director to ensure that what has been sold to the guests is being provided by the centre
- Participate in a comprehensive Centre induction to all new guests within 24‑hours of arrival
- Follow‑up with MLA Activity Staff to verify all guest inquiries are handled promptly and effectively
Liaising
- Develop a good business relationship with the college/university
- Support the Centre Director to ensure grievance and disciplinary procedures are adhered to
- Provide support for all direct reports and subordinates when necessary
- Use company‑provided communication channels for all business correspondences including company email and phone
- Develop and maintain open lines of communication with Group Leaders
- Support MLA Activity Managers at other centres when required
Off‑Campus Excursions
- Make decisions while on excursions regarding the safety and welfare of our guests
- Confirm all meals scheduled off‑campus included all dietary needs and requests
- Complete relative Risk Assessments for each excursion
On‑Campus Activities
- Maintain a visible presence at the Centre
- Make regular visits to the dining hall during mealtimes to interact with the group leaders and students to confirm operations are running smoothly
- Work with dining services to ensure all food is properly labelled and special dietary meals are available for students to meet their specific needs
- Coordinate student birthday celebrations with the MLA staff and group leaders
Residence Hall Supervision
- Support the Night Guardian, Activity Leaders and security staff in the event any issues arise requiring that more than one person be present
Requirements
Essential
- Must have a UK passport/right to work in the UK, and a valid DBS (England & Wales) or PVG (Scotland). If you’re based outside the UK, also a Criminal Record Check from your country of residence
- Proven suitability to work with students under 18: at least 2 references
- Be proficient in the use of IT
Desirable
- Summer School experience in the UK or in Ireland
- Prior work experience as a manager
- First Aid certification or willingness to obtain
- Previous experience in a welfare, pastoral care, safeguarding, or student support role
- Practical experience of safeguarding and child protection
- Volunteering experience
- Involvement in active groups (e.g. scouts, trekking, sports, etc.)
Person Specification
- Ability to develop positive relationships with students, earning their trust whilst maintaining proper professional boundaries
- Ability to establish excellent relationships with our clients and service providers, especially the Group Leaders bringing students from abroad
- Ability to manage sensitive and confidential issues with professionalism and discretion
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Calm, resilient, and confident decision‑making under pressure
- Strong organisational and record‑keeping skills
- Ability to work flexibly, including evenings, weekends, and on‑call duties
- Willingness to undergo enhanced safeguarding checks
- Team player
- Ability to provide safety and welfare assistance to students
- Excellent communication skills (verbal, written and interpersonal)
- Display absolute commitment to the highest standards of professional behaviour
- Positive outlook
- Enthusiasm and creativity
- Ability to work long hours in a high‑pressure environment
- Passion for working with youth
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Ability to multi‑task
- Attention to detail
- Aptitude to effectively use Microsoft Word and Excel
- Ability to be pleasant, polite, and cooperative
Schedule
As a Welfare Manager, you’ll enjoy a dynamic and flexible work schedule designed to meet the exciting demands of our programme. Shifts will vary across mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekends, providing you with diverse working hours. Each staff member is contracted for up to 44 hours per week. At the end of every week, you’ll be required to confirm and sign off on your worked hours to ensure everything is accurately recorded.
Compensation
Residential Welfare Manager GBP 550 weekly. Holiday pay (12.07%) will be added to rates. Inclusive of holiday pay up to GBP 616 weekly.
- Paid training and induction.
- Work as part of a strong team and gain experience.
- Opportunities for professional development e.g. appraisals, opportunities for promotion.
- Complimentary room and full board as part of the compensation package.
MLA EQUALITY STATEMENT
MLA Move Language Ahead is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to excellence through diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, marital status, being pregnant or on maternity leave, race (including ethnic or national origin, nationality and colour), disability, sexual orientation or expression, religion, beliefs, or any other non‑job related criteria.
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