Workshop Leader (Crafts)
| Posting date: | 25 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £14.20 per hour |
| Hours: | Part time |
| Closing date: | 10 March 2026 |
| Location: | EH46 7HJ |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Garvald West Linton |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: |
Summary
The Crafts Workshop Leader provides a therapeutic environment in which individuals can thrive and flourish. The Garvald Workshops enable residents and day service users to have a structured and fulfilling day, enjoying a creative process and when appropriate, producing an object or product. These stimulating workshops provide a safe and positive environment where self-expression is encouraged, and a sense of community is perpetuated for all attendees.
Key Priorities
To ensure that a holistic approach (based on Rudolph Steiner’s principles) is applied in practice, striving to meet the needs of the whole human being and working to create a healthy social atmosphere in the Crafts workshop.
To support residents and day care users to achieve positive outcomes within the workshop setting.
To support residents and day care users to develop their abilities and talents, develop emotionally and socially, gain self-confidence and strive for greater independence.
Works in accordance with Garvald policy and procedure, the National Care Standards and the SSSC Codes of Practice.
Tasks
Attends daily morning meet (9am) with all other Workshop Leaders to plan that day’s activities and allocate workshop places to residents and day service users dependent on prevailing circumstances.
Attend the weekly Workshop leaders meeting and, any other meeting where Craft workshop leader attendance would be helpful, i.e. development groups, etc.
To liaise and develop collaboration with other workshops on joint projects where and when appropriate.
Prepares workshop and ensures all materials, products and/or pieces of equipment are ready for the day ahead.
Teaches the skills of the Crafts workshop to all attendees.
Runs the workshop in accordance with the needs of the individuals in attendance, supervising their tasks throughout the day whilst providing stimulating but therapeutic guidance and assistance.
Oversees the work of One-to-One Workers, students, and volunteers when they are based in the Workshop. The assessment, informal training and support of new relief workers.
Orders and purchases materials from GWL suppliers appropriate to the Crafts workshop, and responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of all equipment. Is alert to the physical and emotional needs of all workshop attendees and responds to them appropriately, whilst being mindful of maintaining the work of the group as a whole.
Liaises with other workshop leaders and staff throughout the organisation on matters concerning residents and day service users, as well as on practical questions.
Reports and follows up resident and day service user absences from the workshop weekly.
Communicates with parents/stakeholders to discuss individuals’ needs, provide updates and answer practical questions as required.Contributes to residents’ and day services users’ six-monthly reviews, providing comprehensive reports.
Responsible for fire risk assessment in the workshop and for ensuring good practice in relation to fire safety.
Ensures that the workshop respects the recommendations made following any announced or unannounced Care Inspectorate inspection.
Where appropriate, markets and sells workshops products.
When necessary, covers workshops for colleagues during periods of absence or holiday.
Adheres to the cleaning schedule of the workshop.
Qualifications in Art, Craft, Teaching, and in the caring field would be advantageous. The post holder will be required to undertake any training considered necessary to maintain the quality and consistency of the service offered to residents and day service users, and to meet the requirements of the SSSC and Care Inspectorate.
The ability and knowledge to work with various craft mediums, i.e. clay/pottery, candle making including beeswax etc.
The interest and ability to introduce other Craft mediums, i.e. stained glass/fused glass, willow basket weaving, jewellery making, woodcraft, etc.
Key Priorities
To ensure that a holistic approach (based on Rudolph Steiner’s principles) is applied in practice, striving to meet the needs of the whole human being and working to create a healthy social atmosphere in the Crafts workshop.
To support residents and day care users to achieve positive outcomes within the workshop setting.
To support residents and day care users to develop their abilities and talents, develop emotionally and socially, gain self-confidence and strive for greater independence.
Works in accordance with Garvald policy and procedure, the National Care Standards and the SSSC Codes of Practice.
Tasks
Attends daily morning meet (9am) with all other Workshop Leaders to plan that day’s activities and allocate workshop places to residents and day service users dependent on prevailing circumstances.
Attend the weekly Workshop leaders meeting and, any other meeting where Craft workshop leader attendance would be helpful, i.e. development groups, etc.
To liaise and develop collaboration with other workshops on joint projects where and when appropriate.
Prepares workshop and ensures all materials, products and/or pieces of equipment are ready for the day ahead.
Teaches the skills of the Crafts workshop to all attendees.
Runs the workshop in accordance with the needs of the individuals in attendance, supervising their tasks throughout the day whilst providing stimulating but therapeutic guidance and assistance.
Oversees the work of One-to-One Workers, students, and volunteers when they are based in the Workshop. The assessment, informal training and support of new relief workers.
Orders and purchases materials from GWL suppliers appropriate to the Crafts workshop, and responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of all equipment. Is alert to the physical and emotional needs of all workshop attendees and responds to them appropriately, whilst being mindful of maintaining the work of the group as a whole.
Liaises with other workshop leaders and staff throughout the organisation on matters concerning residents and day service users, as well as on practical questions.
Reports and follows up resident and day service user absences from the workshop weekly.
Communicates with parents/stakeholders to discuss individuals’ needs, provide updates and answer practical questions as required.Contributes to residents’ and day services users’ six-monthly reviews, providing comprehensive reports.
Responsible for fire risk assessment in the workshop and for ensuring good practice in relation to fire safety.
Ensures that the workshop respects the recommendations made following any announced or unannounced Care Inspectorate inspection.
Where appropriate, markets and sells workshops products.
When necessary, covers workshops for colleagues during periods of absence or holiday.
Adheres to the cleaning schedule of the workshop.
Qualifications in Art, Craft, Teaching, and in the caring field would be advantageous. The post holder will be required to undertake any training considered necessary to maintain the quality and consistency of the service offered to residents and day service users, and to meet the requirements of the SSSC and Care Inspectorate.
The ability and knowledge to work with various craft mediums, i.e. clay/pottery, candle making including beeswax etc.
The interest and ability to introduce other Craft mediums, i.e. stained glass/fused glass, willow basket weaving, jewellery making, woodcraft, etc.