Frequently Asked Questions

Have some questions? Check out our FAQs below...

• Do I have to be 18 to apply?

  To live on a PGL site or work in our Activity Team you’ll need to be 18+ years old when you start work with us.

  If you are 16-17 years old you can live-off site and work in one of our hospitality roles such as Catering Assistant, Housekeeping or Retail Assistant.

• How do I apply for a role with PGL?

  Applying is quick and easy! Our careers site is kept up to date with our latest opportunities. Use the Job Search function to browse our roles across our Activity Centres and Support Offices.

  The application process in online and consists of a short form and CV upload. If you are already working for PGL you can either apply online or via the internal portal. The adverts will tell you if the role is permanent or fixed-term, full-time or part-time, live-on or live-off, and the working pattern.

• Can I set up 'job alerts'?

  Yes! If we don’t have any vacancies matching your search criteria you can set up job alerts, so should we start recruiting for a role that maybe of interest, we will email you. 
   
  To set up a job alert is easy; simply enter your search criteria, then click ’Create an alert’. You can cancel this alert at any time by logging into My Careers Hub (but it will automatically be deleted after 90 days).  

• What are the 'pre-employment checks'?

  Because we work with children and young people we need to be thorough with pre-employment checking.

  As part of your application you’ll be required to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which looks at criminal records, so if you have a conviction relation to violence, drugs or safeguarding then this could affect your application. For more advice you can speak to our Resourcing Team on 0333 321 2123 or email resourcing@pgl.co.uk

   

• I don't have permission to work in the UK, can I still apply?

  Unfortunately, we are unable to provide work permits or visas on your behalf, but if you are eligible for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa then we would love for you to apply.

• How do I ask for a helpful adjustment to support me with my application process?

  We are committed to ensuring our application process is accessible to everyone so are happy to provide reasonable adjustments to make it easier to complete. Simply email resourcing@pgl.co.uk or give us a call on 0333 321 2123 with details around the adjustments you need, such as; seeing interview questions early or additional time for assessments.

• I have a disability, can I apply?

  Absolutely! If you are the right person for the job then we want you on board. We’ll make all reasonable adjustments to make your role and workplace work for you.

  We value inclusivity and are committed to being an equal opportunities employer. We’ve partnered with various disability and social mobility organisations to help us increase applications from all backgrounds.

• What happens during the interview process?

  Your interviews may be a mix of online (via Microsoft Teams) and/or face to face interviews with the hiring manager. Your Resourcing Officer will explain your interview journey after your application.

  You’ll be asked competency based questions around our company values, and questions to measure your skills and experience. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask us any questions you may have about the role, the centres or PGL. Senior roles may require psychometric assessments.

  A link to the Microsoft Teams meeting will be sent to your email address, and you don’t need an account to join.

   

• How do I see the status of my application?

  You can log into your portal here to view the status of your application.

  Your username will be the email address you used to apply. If you have forgotten your password then select ‘Forgotten Password’.

  If you are still having issues logging into the portal then please contact the Resourcing Team on 0333 321 2123 or email resourcing@pgl.co.uk

• How do I view my contract once I've accepted?

  Please read our guide here.

• I worked for PGL previously, how do I reapply?

  If you are currently working for us; before you finish your season you will have an ‘End of Contract’ review with your team leader and they will let you know about a contract for next season.

  For those of you who have previously worked for us please apply via the ‘Job Search’ search button. You’ll be asked a question about whether you’ve worked for PGL before during your application.

• I'm a student looking for a placement

  We have great opportunities for people looking for a student placement. Most students come to PGL from April – September, but we can accept work placement students for a minimum of eight weeks (between May – July).

  We are keen to offer placements for students studying outdoor activities, sports, hospitality, catering, Field Studies, or French.

  Register your interest
• What meals and accommodation do I get if I live on centre?

  We offer a great package for all of our ‘live-on’ colleagues which includes accommodation and three tasty meals a day, at a discounted rate.

  Living on-site gives you the opportunity to socialise with your colleagues and enjoy the centre facilities.

  All our centres are unique, so we can’t tell you exactly what your room would be like, but we can promise you a warm, comfy bed and a space that will quickly feel like home. The majority of our accommodation is shared rooms, with separate showers and toilets.

  Menus always offer variety, fresh fruit and vegetarian options so you’re sure to find something to enjoy. If you have any other dietary requirements or allergies, please contact the recruitment team before you start at your centre.

• What facilities are there if I live on centre?

  All our centres have dedicated colleague areas for relaxing and socialising – most often there’ll be TVs, games and wi-fi.

  Our larger centres also have on-site social hubs for events, quizzes and clubs.

  All centres have laundry facilities for our teams.

• What can I do during my free time?

  We want you to make the most of your free time and encourage you to take advantage of your centre’s location and go somewhere different on your day off. The majority of our centres are located in tourist areas and regions perfect for participating in outdoor activities.

  Public transport is available from most locations, and some centres may run minibus trips into the local town. Many of our centre-based colleagues also bring their own vehicles with them so you will always be able to find someone willing to offer lifts.

  Centres may also let colleagues use the activity equipment in their spare time when it is not being used by guests. This can make swimming at Barton, sailing at Little Canada or biking at Boreatton easier than you think!

  Whilst living on centre you will be allowed to have your own visitors at your General Manager’s discretion. So, once you’ve got to grips with the local area you can have your friends and family visit and show them around.

• Can I smoke or drink whilst on centre?

  All centres have designated smoking areas away from our guests.

  Our larger centres have on-site social hubs which have licences to sell alcohol.

  PGL has a zero tolerance approach to prohibited substances on our centres. Any colleague found to be under the influence of or in possession of non-medically prescribed drugs will be automatically taken through our disciplinary procedures.

• Do you offer work experience or placements for students?

  We have great opportunities for students over 16 years looking for a short term school work experience placement. This could be either an experience taster day or one week.  

  We are keen to offer work experience for students studying PE, Sports Coaching, Outdoor Activities, Cooking, Hospitality, Geography or French so we can ensure your learning outcomes align with your studies. All initial enquiries should come from your school or college by emailing  resourcing@pgl.co.uk or give us a call on  0333 321 2123.  

• What should I bring with me when living on a centre?

  • Linen. Bedding is provided for all our live-on colleagues, but you are welcome to bring your own if you want to personalise your room. Towels are not provided so don’t forget to pack some.
  • Toiletries. There is a shop on centre that stocks basic toiletries but we recommend you bring what you need as your first few days will be busy.
  • Clothing. Uniform isn’t provided until you complete your training, so bring weather appropriate clothing to cover your first five days. We recommend clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting wet and/or muddy!
  • Electricals. Feel free to bring hairdryers/straighteners, and don’t forget your phone/watch chargers and an extension cable.
  • Notepad and pen. To take notes during training
  • Water bottle and travel mug. To keep refreshed and hydrated throughout the day!
  • Right to Work ID. Bring your passport/birth certificate and NI number (original documents) and overseas police check (if required).

   

  PGL cannot accept responsibility for any damage or loss to your personal belongings so we recommend that you do not bring anything of significant value and get insurance to cover your belongings.

• Do you have a recommend a friend scheme?

  Yes! If you have a friend who you think would be a great fit for PGL, ask them to get in touch with us, we’ll do our best to put you both at the same centre if you’d like this.

  You’ll be rewarded for your referral with a £300 bonus once they’ve passed their probation. Just make sure they mention your name during the application and/or interview process.

• Do you work with recruitment agencies?

  We have a small approved supplier list (ASL) that we will contact should we need to work with external agencies. At present, we are not able to accept cold calls from those not on our ASL and due to the high volume of calls we are experiencing, our recruitment team are not able to pass details onto other colleagues or departments. We are grateful for your cooperation with this policy.