Neil Pratt - 93981

PROFILE

I have over 20 years of experience as a youth worker in inner city Glasgow, as both a volunteer and paid worker. In that time, I've developed a wide range of initiatives in response to the needs and priorities of the young people I've worked with.

I spent 11 years in Higher Education, leading a degree programme focused on the training and development of community development workers. As a result, I have extensive experience of curriculum design and development, the tutoring and mentoring of trainees, and of helping voluntary organisations build the capacity to sustain quality, effective work with young people and their families.

In recent years, I've focused on my long-standing passion for working outdoors with young people. My particular interests lie in the benefits that accrue to young people as they spend time outdoors, both for their personal and social development, and also their physical and psychological well being.

As part of this, I continue to be heavily involved in SiMY; a voluntary youth work project based in the Townhead area of Glasgow, where I give around 15-20 hours per week to help with their strategic development, and the growth of their educational activity outdoors with young people.

EXPERIENCE

Freelance Outdoor Educator, 360 Degrees Outdoor — 2013-Present

I currently operate as a sole trader, offering my experience in community and personal development, backed up with several NGB awards for outdoor activities, to contribute to outdoor education programmes for a range of organisations, including Glasgow Life. The nature of this work can vary from ‘taster’ sessions for specific activities, through to guided walks, environmental awareness sessions and team building activities. I am also able to provide training, supervision and assessment for DofE Expedition activities.

Team Leader, SiMY Community Development — 2010-present

I currently spend part of my week supporting a community development organisation which has recently become an incorporated charitable company.

My role includes: development of the strategic business plan, developing the operational processes required for the delivery of effective developmental work with young people, managing an existing team of committed volunteers, recruitment and training of new staff, networking with other organisations and improving the visibility of the organisation within existing networks, supporting the development of an effective Board of Directors, oversee the development and delivery of a programme of developmental youth work, based in the outdoors, which is responsive to the needs of the young people we work with.

Co-Founder, GK Experience — 2009-2011

Working with a colleague, we refurbished a small bunkhouse facility in Dunoon as a base for developmental work with young people in an outdoor setting. It was established as a charitable company in 2011, employing my colleague to develop the work, while I focused on my activities with SiMY as listed above.

Director of Youth Work Studies, International Christian College — 1998-2009

I was originally recruited to lead the development of a 2 year Diploma level programme of training for church based youth workers. Under my leadership, this developed into a 4 year Honours Degree programme, validated by the University of Aberdeen and professionally accredited by CeVe, the standards body for Community Learning and Development in Scotland.

The programme itself is built around a sustained experience of reflective practice for the student, during which they are required to demonstrate how their class-based learning shapes and informs their practice, and in particular how their worldview and values shape their assumptions and priorities in their work. Graduates of the programme are now leading some of the most innovative youth work currently underway throughout Scotland and beyond.

My role included the following responsibilities: Curriculum Design and Development, Staff Recruitment and Management, Work-based Placements, Student Recruitment and Tutoring

Youth Worker, Springburn Youth & Community Project — 1993-1998

My role in this post involved the development and delivery of a range of youth work activities, support to the management committee, fundraising, mentoring and development of volunteer staff and networking with other agencies in the area.

EDUCATION

Brunel University — MA Youth & Community Studies 1992-1995

Glasgow Bible College - BA (Hons) Theology 1989-1992

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

Winter Mountain Leader Award

Summer Mountain Leader Award

SPA Award

SMBLA Trail Cycle Leader

SMBLA Expedition Module

Rec 2 First Aid Certificate

MREW Casualty Care Certificate

DofE Supervisor

DofE Bronze/Silver Assessor

Membership of PVG vetting scheme

REFEREES

Please contact for up to date professional or personal references.