Residential Summer Schools Welfare Officer
Career stage: Mid-Level
Freelance / self-employed role
Total fee: £3,500 (all inclusive)
Engagement period: Sunday 12 July – Saturday 8 August 2026 (inclusive)
Onsite accommodation provided at Freemen’s School, full board
Location: Freemen’s School, Surrey (residential during programme delivery)
Guildhall School is a vibrant, international community of musicians, actors and production artists in the heart of the City of London. Ranked as the top conservatoire in the Guardian University Guide music league table, we deliver world‑class professional training in partnership with outstanding artists, companies and ensembles.
Open Programmes is a key part of Guildhall School’s lifelong learning offer, providing inspiring training opportunities for children, young people and adults across music, drama and production arts.
We are seeking an experienced, calm and compassionate Residential Summer Schools Welfare Officer to take a central role in safeguarding and supporting under‑18 participants attending our Residential Drama Summer Schools. This is a key pastoral position, responsible for ensuring the safety, wellbeing and emotional care of young people living on site throughout the programme.
The Welfare Officer is a fully residential role during delivery, based at Freemen’s School in Surrey. The role acts as the central point of responsibility and coordination for residential welfare and safeguarding matters, working closely with the Open Programmes team and Residential Summer School Team to ensure participants are safe, supported, and appropriately cared for throughout their stay. You will act as the named welfare contact for participants, providing day‑to‑day pastoral support and overseeing wellbeing outside of teaching hours. This includes morning routines, evenings, overnight supervision, arrival and departure days, and critical transition points during the programme. You will be a visible, approachable and trusted adult presence.
Working closely with the Open Programmes team and the wider Residential Summer Schools team, you will coordinate safeguarding practice within the residential setting, maintain accurate and confidential welfare records, and liaise with tutors, assistants and families where appropriate. You will also provide first aid, support access to medical care when needed, and offer guidance and informal supervision to Residential Summer Schools Assistants during evenings and weekends.
We are looking for someone with significant experience working with young people in a residential, education or pastoral context, strong safeguarding knowledge, and a confident, supportive approach to managing sensitive situations. A current enhanced DBS check, safeguarding training and first aid qualification are essential. You should be organised, observant and resilient, with the ability to work collaboratively and remain calm in a busy residential environment.
An enhanced DBS check is required.
To apply for the role, please submit the following:
* A CV, outlining your relevant experience; and
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