Experienced gardener jobs

Are you looking for a fulfilling role where you can make a real difference? 

We have an exciting opportunity at our London Battersea centre to support the day-to-day operations of our client services team.

Thrive is a national charity that uses gardening to change lives. We’re looking for a

Client Services Coordinator (Client Gardeners) who will provide office and operational

support to our delivery team.

Working as a key part of the team at Thrive in London, the Client Services Coordinator

will provide administrative support  and be responsible for the client gardener referral

functions at the centre. The successful candidate will have administrative and

organisational skills and up to date IT knowledge.

Appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring

Service check. Thrive complies fully with the DBS Code of Practice. Having a criminal

record will not necessarily prevent an individual from working for Thrive.

conversation about the role, please email recruitment in

General requirements

• To understand fully, and have a commitment to, carrying out the aims and objectives of Mudlarks.
• To work within the Mudlarks’ policies and procedures to provide a high quality of service and in particular to always have a high regard for the organisation’s Equal Opportunities Policy.
• To act in accordance with the General Data Projection Regulation (2018).
• To act in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) and the organisation’s Health and safety policy statement.

Specific duties and tasks

• To support and train the service users involved in Mudlarks activities, including people with learning disabilities, students on work experience, people with mental health concerns and other volunteers. This requires supporting people who may exhibit some challenging behaviour, in all weather conditions year-round.
• To support service users to learn new skills required for on-site projects.
• To organise site activities and prepare and prioritise tasks.
• To be responsible for the tidiness of the site.
• To assist the site manager and the rest of the team in the everyday running and development of Mudlarks.
• To provide personal care support to service users when required, such as toileting and hygiene.

Additional requirements

• To take part and assist with the planning of projects on site and in the community.
• Provide information for reports and review meetings.
• To keep up-to-date with changes in policies/laws/regulations/practices and implement them in the Mudlarks ethos in all aspects of Mudlarks.
• To safeguard the long-term future of the charity.
• You may be required to carry out other duties, as within your capabilities and level of responsibility, in order to meet the needs of the organisation. This includes a range of annual events throughout the year in which you will receive TOIL that will be used during the winter months when our site closes early.

Person specification

Education and training

Essential

• A good level of communication skills.
• Experience of working with people with learning difficulties and/or working in the care sector.

Desirable

• Training and/or qualifications in care.
• An interest in and/or experience of one or more of the activities undertaken at Mudlarks

Skills and abilities

Essential

• Ability to think logically and creatively to provide practical solutions to a changing range of problems and issues.
• Ability to respond effectively to challenging behaviour.
• Ability to work positively both as a member of a team and independently, with general direction and within a clear framework of accountability.
• Self-motivated and able to use own initiative.
• Willingness to be flexible.
• Prepared and able to work outdoors in all weather.

Desirable

• Good written communication skills.
• Good IT skills.

DBS Clearance

Please note that as this post will involve working with children and vulnerable adults, your appointment is subject to you receiving satisfactory DBS clearance.

This is an exciting opportunity to join one of London’s leading city farms and play a key role in providing nature and habitats, opportunities, education, training to the local community and beyond. As a small yet growing charitable

organisation, this also offers candidates an opportunity for personal and professional growth. Vauxhall City Farm turns 50 in 2026, and you will join a team that is committed, enthusiastic and future focused.

The Community Gardener will provide continuity for the Community Garden and horticultural areas across Vauxhall City Farm during the substantive postholder’s sabbatical.

The role combines practical organic horticulture, ecological site management, habitat creation, volunteer leadership and inclusive community programme delivery. The postholder will ensure that the gardens are productive, biodiverse, welcoming and managed in a way that reflects The Farm’s commitment to sustainability, environmental responsibility and community participation.

This is an exciting opportunity for an excellent communicator with experience in collaboration and partnership working who is keen to make good quality income maximisation advice and support accessible to families across Scotland.

As Development Officer (Income Maximisation in Schools) you will play a lead role in looking at the actions needed at different levels to sustainably embed advice in schools across Scotland. You’ll be involving and engaging schools, advice services and other partners to develop practical recommendations which can be used to improve provision nationally. You will also be helping to develop resources and professional learning to increase awareness and confidence in schools around financial entitlements and pathways to income maximisation support.

You will be based within the Cost of the School Day team at CPAG in Scotland and will work closely with Welfare Rights, Digital and Policy colleagues.

We welcome applications from individuals with the skills and experience outlined and we can be flexible about working arrangements. We operate a hybrid working system and would be happy to discuss any flexibilities required. CPAG is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion which you can read more about in the job pack.

For more information about this post and to apply, download the Development Officer (Income Maximisation in Schools) job pack and application form.

If you have questions or need specific arrangements or reasonable adjustments to take part in the selection process please contact us at.

Closing date for applications: 11.59pm 16 August 2026

Interviews will be held at our Glasgow office in person on: 25 August 2026 

Role Description

Working closely with colleagues and project partners, the Volunteer Manager will lead the recruitment, training, development and management of volunteers across the Cathedral and Abbey site as part of the Abbey of St Edmund Reborn project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The postholder will develop and implement a comprehensive volunteering strategy, ensuring volunteers are recruited safely, supported effectively and equipped with the skills to deliver a wide range of roles. The role will promote an inclusive volunteering culture, strengthen partnerships and ensure volunteers make a meaningful contribution to the Cathedral, the Abbey site and the wider heritage project.

About Our Volunteers

Volunteers are at the heart of Cathedral life and make an invaluable contribution to worship, welcome, learning, heritage, visitor engagement and events. Current volunteer opportunities are wide and varied, including Bell Ringers, Guides, Flower Arrangers, Shop Volunteers, Learning Volunteers, Sunday Morning Coffee Volunteers, St Ed's Singers, Gardeners, Young Families Volunteers, Servers, Events Volunteers, Vergers and Welcome and Information Volunteers. The Volunteer Manager will support these established teams while developing new opportunities as the Abbey of St Edmund Reborn project progresses.

Key Responsibilities

Volunteer Strategy and Leadership

• Develop, implement and review the Cathedral's Volunteering Strategy.
• Lead the development of a sustainable volunteer programme.
• Ensure volunteering reflects sector best practice and supports the Cathedral's strategic objectives.
• Build strong working relationships with volunteer team leaders and provide ongoing support and guidance.
• Act as the primary point of contact for volunteers.

Recruitment, Induction and Volunteer Management

• Lead the recruitment, induction and ongoing management of volunteers across a wide range of roles.
• Ensure all volunteer recruitment complies with Church of England Safer Recruitment principles, including references and DBS checks where required.
• Develop and maintain volunteer role descriptions in partnership with volunteer team leaders.
• Maintain an accurate volunteer database, matching volunteers' skills and interests with organisational needs.
• Produce, maintain and regularly review the Volunteer Handbook.
• Receive volunteer feedback, concerns and ideas, escalating issues where appropriate.

Training and Development

• Design, coordinate and deliver volunteer induction, training and ongoing development programmes.
• Identify opportunities for volunteers to develop new skills.
• Ensure safeguarding and mandatory training remains current and accurately recorded.
• Regularly review volunteer practices to maintain high standards of service and visitor experience.

Inclusion, Engagement and Communications

• Promote equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility throughout the volunteer programme.
• Develop recruitment approaches that encourage applications from underrepresented communities and remove barriers to participation.
• Implement an effective volunteer communications plan to keep volunteers informed, engaged and recognised.
• Work closely with the Marketing and Communications Manager to promote volunteering opportunities and celebrate volunteer achievements. Key Responsibilities

Partnership Working

• Work collaboratively with partners including English Heritage, Historic England, West Suffolk Council and local organisations to ensure a consistent and positive volunteer experience across the Cathedral, Abbey and wider heritage site.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with community organisations across the region.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Budget Management

• Collect, monitor and analyse volunteer data, including volunteer numbers, hours and feedback.
• Support project evaluation and reporting requirements for the Abbey of St Edmund Reborn project.
• Produce regular reports identifying trends, achievements and future opportunities.
• Prepare and manage the volunteer budget, monitoring expenditure and reporting against forecasts.

Visitor Experience

• Ensure volunteers contribute to an outstanding visitor experience for all users of the Cathedral, including worshippers, pilgrims, tourists and event attendees.
• Support volunteers in presenting a welcoming, professional and inclusive image of the Cathedral in all interactions with visitors and stakeholders.

General Responsibilities

• Demonstrate commitment to the Cathedral's values, mission and inclusive culture.
• Work collaboratively with clergy, staff, volunteers and the wider congregation.
• Comply with all organisational policies relating to safeguarding, health and safety, equality, data protection and other statutory requirements.
• Work flexibly, including occasional evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays. Time off in lieu will normally be provided, with overtime payable for agreed external events where applicable.
• Undertake any other duties reasonably required by the Chief Operating Officer.

Person Specification

Essential Qualities

• Managing volunteers across a range of roles using recognised best practice.
• Developing and implementing volunteer strategies, policies and procedures.
• Recruiting, inducting, training and supporting volunteers.
• Working successfully with paid staff and volunteers. Monitoring, evaluating and reporting on projects or programmes.
• Developing partnerships with community organisations, charities or public bodies.
• Leading teams within a visitor-focused environment.
• Line management, partnership working and stakeholder engagement.
• Working with diverse communities and promoting inclusive participation.

Knowledge and skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise competing demands.
• Ability to influence, motivate and build positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively within a heritage, commercial and place of worship environment.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.

Personal Attributes

• Understanding of the Cathedral's role as a place of worship, welcome, heritage and community engagement.
• Flexible approach to working hours, including occasional evenings and weekends.
• Collaborative, approachable and committed to excellent visitor and volunteer experiences.
• High Emotional Intelligence

Desirable Qualities

• Experience within a cathedral, church or heritage organisation.
• Background in heritage, tourism, hospitality or the cultural sector.
• Degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• Awareness of the ministry, mission and civic role of the Church of England and its cathedrals