Recruitment at Boulders

Before going any further, why not find out more about what it’s like to work at Boulders? Read more about our core policies, expectations and details of what to expect when working with Boulders.

Climbing Instructor @ Cardiff

Duty Manager @ Cheltenham

All Rounder and Key Holder @ Cheltenham

Working with Team Boulders 

We value our people and encourage a healthy work life balance. We recognise that not everyone wants to work in the same way and we strive to accommodate an inclusive structure where everybody benefits. Detailed below are the ways in which we currently work with our colleagues. 

Permanent Colleague 

Permanent employees may be full-time or part-time and have a stable, ongoing employment relationship with us.

• If you are a permanent employee, you work a set number of hours each month, including evenings and weekends. While the pattern of your hours may change and overtime may be required, you are expected to work the hours allocated to you in the rota unless an alternative arrangement was agreed as part of your contract before you joined.

• You hold a permanent position with Boulders. Although your contract has no fixed end date, it may be ended by either you or Boulders with the appropriate notice.

• Any change to your contracted hours can only be made with agreement from Boulders and would require a permanent amendment to your contract of employment.

• Your line manager will advise you of any changes to your hours of work.

• If you hold a part-time contract, you occupy a permanent position but work fewer hours than full-time colleagues.

• If you hold a fixed-term contract, you are employed for a specific period—typically to complete a project, meet seasonal demand, or cover another employee who is on sickness or extended leave.

• If you want to take holiday, please book it as outlined in your contract of employment and the staff handbook.

• You may be required to request permission before undertaking secondary employment, particularly where it could reasonably pose a risk to, or conflict with, the interests of the business.

30 hours or more

• Free climbing* for you during opening hours, including full membership benefits such as café and shop discounts

• Guest passes* for your climbing partner(s) during opening hours (no additional membership benefits), subject to fair use

• Tea and coffee from the staff room during working hours

• One free hot drink from the café per full shift (6 hours or more)

• Bike to Work scheme

29 hours or less

• Free climbing* for you during opening hours, including full membership benefits such as café and shop discounts

• Guest passes* for your climbing partner(s) when they accompany you during your own climbing time

• Tea and coffee from the staff room during working hours

• One free hot drink from the café per full shift (6 hours or more)

Casual Staff – Zero Hours Contract Over 18-year olds 

We employ casual staff on an as-needed basis, to accommodate fluctuating demands of the business.This could be during busy periods, or to replace absent permanent employees. Casual employment is also a good option for those who need some extra income and like the freedom to choose when they work.   

As a casual employee, you do not have a fixed schedule or guaranteed hours.  This type of contract means:  

• Your contract with us is a zero-hours agreement.

• You are free to accept or decline any work Boulders offers. You choose when you work, and we are not obliged to offer any shifts.

• You sign the contract to confirm you agree to our terms and conditions in order to be eligible for work.

• Once you accept any hours, you are expected to work them or arrange suitable cover from appropriately qualified colleagues.

• This arrangement gives you more flexibility in your schedule.

• You may work for Boulders only occasionally, and you are free to take on work with other organisations, study, travel, or pursue other projects. We simply ask that you keep us informed if you will be unavailable for work.

• When working, you are under the supervision of a line manager.

• Boulders will deduct tax and National Insurance contributions from your wages.

• You must use Boulders-owned and inspected Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

• There is no notice period required by either party, other than for hours already accepted.

• We will regularly review your working hours. If you consistently work 16 hours or more per week over any continuous three-month period, a zero-hours contract may no longer be appropriate.

• If you wish to take holiday, please book it as outlined in your contract.

• Some benefits are available to casual workers.

Free climbing* for you during opening hours (plus full paying membership benefits e.g. Café / shop discount), to qualify you must have received a payslip and pay, for the month prior to access.  Access subject to performance. Can be removed at any time.   

Tea and coffee from the staff room during working hours 

One free hot drink from the café per full shift (6 hours or more).

Project Crew - Zero Hours Contract

16- to 18-year-olds 

We sometimes appoint 16 to 18-year-olds on a casual basis as above and if this is you, you will be able to work alongside a Front of House Assistant supporting them with their responsibilities for up to a maximum of 8 hours in any given week.  

Tea and coffee from staff room during working hours 

One free hot drink from the café per full shift (6 hours or more)

Freelance

If you are a self-employed worker with Boulders we do not pay you through PAYE,  

• You submit invoices for the work you’ve done. 

• You are responsible for agreeing your hourly rate with Boulders in advance and reviewing it at appropriate intervals. 

• You’re responsible for paying your own National Insurance and tax. 

• You don’t get holiday or sick pay when you’re not working. 

• You work under a contract (sometimes known as a ‘contract for services’ or ‘consultancy agreement’) 

• You don’t have the employment rights and responsibilities of employees. 

• You do not have the same free access rights to the centre as a casual or permanent staff member.  

• If you are a Climbing Instructor or Climbing Assistant you must use Boulders-owned and inspected Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). 

• Appropriately qualified for the work they do. 

Tea and coffee from staff room during working hours 

One free hot drink from the café per full shift (6 hours or more) 

Free climbing* for you ONLY on the days you work, before or after the working shift, during opening hours 

*Free climbing subject to our “Staff, Volunteers and ‘Friends of Boulders’ Climbing Rights” terms and conditions see https://bouldersuk.com/terms-conditions