Role Introduction

We are looking for an inspiring and committed coach who can instill a love of the sport in a fun and engaging way. Willingness to work in a team and share good practice and ideas is essential, as is an open and approachable personality. As a Rowing Coach, your main task will be to coach to various crews of Eton College Boat Club (ECBC). This will mainly be at the Eton College Rowing Centre at Dorney Lake but may also be on the River Thames from Andrew’s, Rafts or Masters’ boathouses. 

As an Assistant Boatman you will also have some responsibility to maintain and transport, under the direction of the Head Boatman, the boats and equipment of the Eton College Boat Club (ECBC) fleet, to assist in the maintenance, cleaning and safe administration of ECBC boathouses, to assist with the smooth running of events both at Eton and elsewhere at busier periods throughout the year.

Working Pattern

This is a permanent full-time position working 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year (inclusive of holiday). Due to the nature of the post it might be that this pattern is exceeded during term time, however time off in lieu during the school holidays will be given. There is also a requirement to work some early mornings, late evenings and weekends. Exact working patterns would be by agreement with your line manager.

The salary range for this position is from £29,459 to £34,091 per annum, dependent on skills and experience.

Due to the needs of the school and the department, we may interview suitable candidates before the closing date. This job may also close early if a large number of applications are received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid missing your chance to apply.

Main Duties

  Key Tasks and Responsibilities

  Coaching responsibilities

• Coaching members of Eton College Boat Club to improve their skills in rowing and sculling;
• Assist with the delivery and monitoring of training across the entire Boat club;
• Assist with land training;
• Assisting Master in Charge of Rowing with the administration and day to day running of the Boat Club.
• Assisting Mater in Charge of Rowing and the Head Boatman with planning, logistics and support for events (regattas, national team trials, training camps both in the UK and abroad, etc.) in which the Boat Club is involved.
• To encourage the development of the students rowing skills;
• Keeping records of individual student’s progress;
• To promote and adhere to all safety procedures at all times;
• To register who is present at each session, making sure to keep an accurate record;

Boat/Fleet responsibilities

• During busier periods carry out routine maintenance and refurbishment of ECBC rowing, safety and coaching equipment, after initial “triage” by the Head Boatman. (It is expected that a significant proportion of this work will necessarily have to be carried out in the morning so that the afternoon sessions are clear for coaching responsibilities.)

General responsibilities

• Accompanying the ECBC on away fixtures as directed by the Head Boatman or Master in Charge of Rowing. Typically, this would involve:

           a) five sculling and small boat Head Races or Great Britain assessment weekends in the Michaelmas term;

           b) six Head races or Great Britain assessment weekends in the Lent term;

           c) most weekends during the Summer term, including Friday and Saturday of the                     National Schools’ Regatta and, at the discretion of the Master in Charge of Rowing, parts of GB Junior Final Trials and British Rowing Junior Championships.

• To be in attendance on the Fourth of June celebrations (celebration of the birthday of King George III, Eton's greatest patron) and to help get the Procession of Boats fleet boated and re-racked;
• To rig boats as requested by Head Boatman or coaches of external racing crews;
• To assist at ECBC bumping races and ECBC Internal events;
• To assist with transport of ECBC equipment to and from training camps abroad;
• Commitment and promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion;
• All positions at Eton are classed as ‘regulated activity’ as per the Keeping Children Safe in Education 2022 guidance, therefore a good understanding of safeguarding procedures is essential;
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, including by not limited to, completing safeguarding training as required, and ensuring any safeguarding updates issued by the College are read and understood;
• Understand and comply with procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality.

The Ideal Candidate

Skills and Competencies Required

To be successful in this role, the incumbent should:

• Have extensive knowledge in the sport, either through prior Coaching experience or competing at a high level is essential;
• Have strong understanding of issues of safety on the water and an ability to instil the importance of this in young people;
• Have the ability to enthuse and encourage those they coach;
• Have the ability to build good individual relationships;
• Show a passion and enjoyment to work with young people;
• Be reliable and punctual;
• Mini bus and trailer driving licence is desirable;
• RYA level 2 Powerboating certificate is desirable;
• Experience of boat building, repairs maintenance and general carpentry skills would also be desirable.;
• British Rowing coaching qualification, Instructor’s Award level or higher / or equivalent or a background in high performance rowing is essential.

Benefits

Eton College offers a wide range of benefits, including an 11% employer contribution to your pension (with 4.9% employee contribution), Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme, a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities and discounts at local retailers and businesses.

About the College

We are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment that values individuality and difference and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils by fostering perseverance, tolerance and integrity. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.

If you have any queries about the application process or any problem with submitting your application online, the Recruitment Team will be happy to help. Should you require any reasonable adjustments to be made or facilities provided to enable you to apply online, please do not hesitate to contact us on recruitment@etoncollege.org.uk so we can make adjustments accordingly. 

DISCLOSURE CHECKS

Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including, but not limited to, reference checks with past employers, an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (including Barred List information), an online search and, where applicable, Prohibition checks. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form.  Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with any guidance and/or Code of Practice published by the DBS. The College is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings (including those which would normally be considered as “spent” under the Act) must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to attempt to apply for a position at the College.

Eton College