Garden jobs

At the National Garden Scheme a central office with a team of 13 is the hub for a wide range of activity involving hundreds of volunteers, thousands of garden owners and a large audience of beneficiary charities, suppliers, supporters and partners, as well as members of the public who want to visit gardens and engage with the charity.

The Head of Operations leads and manages County Support, a team of four who deliver the resources, information and support needed by our volunteer county organising teams who support the garden owners. The Head of Operations is key in ensuring that the volunteers feel valued and supported. 

The right candidate will have experience of database management, ideally Microsoft Dynamics, so that they can update, interrogate and maintain our database and online portal through which garden owners register and manage their garden data. We are currently updating our IT system and there will be a need for change management to ensure that staff and volunteers are comfortable using the new system.

The successful applicant will thrive in a busy, hands-on and varied role and the key requirements are efficiency and excellent communication skills.  This is a role for a meticulous, problem-solving people person.

The ethos of the organisation is rooted in generosity and kindness and the office is a warm and welcoming place to work.

Key responsibilities

Manage the county support team

• Lead and manage the county support team
• Manage smooth working relations between the county support team and other staff
• Lead the county support team in their day to day activities and relationships with county organising teams, garden owners, visitors and other stakeholders

To work closely with and manage liaison with county team volunteers

• To work with county organisers to maximise levels of service from head office
• To work with county organisers for smooth recruitment and succession for volunteer roles

To manage and deliver the annual data gathering and fulfilment operations

• To work with county support and county teams in annual gathering of garden data
• To ensure timely delivery of material to publisher
• To organise and deliver with county support the annual delivery of bulk orders to county teams

To manage key operational elements for the organisation

• To oversee the insurance of garden openings, including claims

To support the Chief Executive in the provision of HR to employees and volunteers

• To recruit, induct and train new members of staff as required
• To carry out performance reviews for some members of staff
• To manage welcome days at head office for new volunteers.

Other duties include:

• Attend national garden shows (e.g. Chelsea) and other events as required.
• Protect and enhance the organisation’s public reputation when speaking on its behalf.

Benefits:

• 28 days holiday (inclusive of public holidays), subsequent increases up to 33 days.
• Permanent, full time role, 35 hours a week – 9am to 5pm with one hour lunch break.

Person Specification

Skills

Essential/Desirable

Confident knowledge of Microsoft Office suite

E

Knowledge and experience of databases, preferably Microsoft Dynamics

D

Experience as an office administrator

D

Personal Skills

Efficiency and reliability

E

Excellent interpersonal skills

E

Excellent oral communication skills

E

Accuracy and attention to detail

E

Ability to prioritise and work to strict deadlines

E

Car owner and driver

E

Do you have a passion for gardening, the outdoors and creativity and enjoy sharing these interests with children and young people?

If so, we would love to hear from you.

Manchester Young Lives are recruiting a Garden Play Worker to enrich our Ofsted registered afterschool play provision for 6–13-year-olds. This is an exciting opportunity to help children connect with nature develop environmental awareness and take pride in creating and caring for a flourishing garden within our Adventure Playground.

We are looking for someone who can facilitate environmental and outdoor play supporting children to build self-confidence, self-esteem, and wellbeing while learning through the hands-on gardening and exploration.

The successful Candidate will:

Develop and support an engaging garden project within our outdoor play space.

Facilitate creative nature-based play and learning activities.

Build positive trusting relationships with Children.

Encourage Team work, responsibility, and enjoyment of the outdoors.

Manchester Young Lives supports children and young people, often from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to learn, develop and connect with their communities. Our work provides safe supportive relationships with committed staff and space to play, explore and let off steam in our outdoor space.

If you enjoy being outside, love gardening, and have a natural ability to engage and inspire children through play, this role could be perfect for you.

This role is at Manchester Young Lives Adventure Playground in Wythenshawe, and includes Monday – Friday play sessions, 3.45-6.15pm, and daytime holiday playschemes.

Forest Farm Peace Garden is a small East London charity offering ecotherapy and community gardening to support people’s mental health and wellbeing.

We are looking for a strategic, hands‑on Director (21 hours per week) to lead our next chapter, working closely with a committed staff team, trustees and volunteers.

As Director you will hold overall responsibility for the charity’s vision, strategy and day‑to‑day operations, ensuring our programmes run safely, sustainably and in line with our values. You will lead on fundraising and finance, including developing and delivering a fundraising strategy, managing budgets and reporting to funders and the Board of Trustees.

You will line‑manage our Ecotherapy Worker, Gardener, and three sessional staff, nurture a positive, inclusive culture, and make sure staff and volunteers are supported to do their best work. Building relationships with local mental health services, community organisations and partners will be central to the role, helping us reach people who can benefit most from time in the garden.

This role would suit someone who enjoys combining strategic thinking with practical delivery in a small organisation, and who is confident working independently while collaborating closely with others. If you care about mental health, social justice and nature connection, and want to help a much‑loved local project thrive, we would love to hear from you.

Overview of the Role:  We are recruiting a London Senior Programme Officer for the National Education Nature Park to:

· Lead the National Education Nature Park programme across London, increasing participation in schools and education settings

· Manage and support a regional Programme Officer, including performance, development and wellbeing

· Build strong partnerships with schools, colleges, local authorities, NGOs and environmental networks

· Deliver a regional engagement strategy aligned with national KPIs on biodiversity, climate education and wellbeing

· Be a passionate advocate for nature-based learning, sustainability, biodiversity gain and green skills for children and young people

· Manage a regional budget, travel planning and reporting, ensuring compliance and audit requirements

· Facilitate workshops, training and events for educators, children and young people

· Provide expert guidance on outdoor learning, horticulture, biodiversity and environmental education resources

To work for the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is to join a thriving charity, whose mission is to be there for everyone on their lifelong adventure with gardening. Everything we do is built on the transformational power of gardening – and the benefits it brings to people, places and our planet.

And we couldn’t do this without our people. We’re proud of the knowledge, enthusiasm and ideas that each one of our team members brings. From working across our social media channels, to volunteering in the RHS Gardens, from serving customers in our garden centres to running national marketing campaigns, we believe that every member of the RHS team should have the opportunity to make a difference.  Our careers portal here provides a comprehensive overview of what we offer, the teams that work at the RHS and our great benefits.

Location: Home-based within the London region, with regular travel across the region, or opportuntiy to be based at RHS Vincent Square.

Safeguarding and Inclusion

The RHS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expects all personnel to share in this commitment. We are an inclusive employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Overview of the Role:  We are recruiting a South East Senior Programme Officer for the National Education Nature Park to:

· Lead the National Education Nature Park programme across South East England, increasing participation in schools and education settings

· Manage and support a regional Programme Officer, including performance, development and wellbeing

· Build strong partnerships with schools, colleges, local authorities, NGOs and environmental networks

· Deliver a regional engagement strategy aligned with national KPIs on biodiversity, climate education and wellbeing

· Be a passionate advocate for nature-based learning, sustainability, biodiversity gain and green skills for children and young people

· Manage a regional budget, travel planning and reporting, ensuring compliance and audit requirements

· Facilitate workshops, training and events for educators, children and young people

· Provide expert guidance on outdoor learning, horticulture, biodiversity and environmental education resources

To work for the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is to join a thriving charity, whose mission is to be there for everyone on their lifelong adventure with gardening. Everything we do is built on the transformational power of gardening – and the benefits it brings to people, places and our planet.

And we couldn’t do this without our people. We’re proud of the knowledge, enthusiasm and ideas that each one of our team members brings. From working across our social media channels, to volunteering in the RHS Gardens, from serving customers in our garden centres to running national marketing campaigns, we believe that every member of the RHS team should have the opportunity to make a difference.  Our careers portal here provides a comprehensive overview of what we offer, the teams that work at the RHS and our great benefits.

Location: Home-based within the South East region, with regular travel across the region, or opportuntiy to be based at RHS Wisley.

Contract: 12 month Fixed Term Contract (maternity cover) to 31st July 2027

Safeguarding and Inclusion

The RHS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expects all personnel to share in this commitment. We are an inclusive employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

We are seeking a passionate and community-focused Community Engagement Officer to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in strengthening community connections, supporting vulnerable residents, and delivering inclusive programmes that make a meaningful impact. 

Working closely with the Community Development Manager, you will lead on engagement activities, coordinate community events, support advocacy work, and help activate our community garden. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Build strong, positive relationships with local residents and stakeholders. 

• Increase engagement and participation in community activities. 

• Organise trips, community meals, and celebrations as part of our Welcome Project for migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, and for larger community events for key faith and cultural events. 

• Assist community members with form filling, signposting, and general advocacy support. 

• Oversee the upkeep and activation of the community garden, encouraging participation and engagement. 

Thrive’s vision is that gardening is actively encouraged as part of personal health and wellbeing management and Social & Therapeutic Horticulture (STH) services are available wherever people live.

Working across multiple income streams, the postholder will support the development and delivery of high-impact fundraising campaigns, compelling cases for support, and meaningful donor communications. With a strong focus on Regular Giving growth and supporter stewardship, the role plays an important part in strengthening long-term financial sustainability.

This is a proactive role requiring strong content development skills, attention to insight and performance, and the ability to contribute to continuous improvement in fundraising systems and processes.

For more information, please download the Information Pack. For an informal conversation about the role, please email recruitment in the first instance.

For further information and full JD please refer to the attachment below. 

#Fundraising #Fundraising Planning # Fundraising officer #Funding  #Fundraising oppurtunities 

Overview:

Job Title: Compost Coordinator

Responsible to: Community Delivery & Development Lead

Hours of Work: 2 days or 10 hours a week

Location: Flexible working will be required across evenings and weekends Our Compost sites and main office; Hay Hall, Tyseley All Saints Church, Omnia Medical Practice

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract

Salary: Circa £7,000

Compost Culture is a five-year project taking place in Birmingham, supported by the National Lottery’s Climate Action Fund (NLCAF) and led by Incredible Surplus, that seeks to change the narrative on compost and support behaviour change, following a two- year initial project. This project will involve practical compost and growing initiatives alongside creative media and storytelling to show the relevance and importance of compost in how society moves forward. The project will build a resilient, self-sustaining network of composting and growing activity across Birmingham. It will inspire and support individuals, community groups, organisations and businesses to try composting and embed it as part of their daily activity and press the local authority and other agencies to support hyper-local composting as a valuable element of food waste management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop a “Compost Village” approach across project sites by building strong relationships with households, community organisations, churches, local groups and schools.
• Facilitate community knowledge-sharing around composting, soil health, waste reduction, and the role composting plays in climate action and local sustainability.
• Support the development of local composting loops, encouraging communities to reuse organic materials effectively and reduce waste.
• Deliver a strong schools-focused programme, including educating pupils and school staff on composting, biodiversity, and environmental responsibility.
• Support the installation and ongoing use of Ridan composting systems within schools alongside other composting methods appropriate to each setting.
• Work collaboratively across project delivery, supporting wider engagement activities and site-based practical work. 

Skills, Knowledge and Experience:

• A genuine passion for nature, sustainability, composting, and environmental education.
• Basic understanding of soil health, composting processes, growth cycles, and the organisms that support healthy ecosystems.
• Interest in biodiversity, wildlife, and “mini beasts” that contribute to healthy soil systems.
• Confident communicator with the ability to engage positively with schools, community groups, and volunteers.
• Good level of physical fitness, with the ability to undertake practical outdoor work while following safe lifting and manual handling guidelines.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a small delivery team.

Desirable:



• Experience working with schools, young people, or community engagement projects.
• Experience in composting, horticulture, environmental projects, or outdoor education.
• Knowledge of climate action, circular economy principles, or community sustainability initiatives.

Benefits:

We offer our team members a comprehensive staff benefits offering to include: 

• 9 Day working week - every other Monday is Non-working!
• Annual Leave – 38 days! ( Pro Rata ) 25 days AL (increasing to 29 days with service) plus 5 wellbeing days and 8 bank holidays. 
• Flexible working, home working and remote working options available 
• Nest Pension – 8% employer contribution - 3% employee contribution. 
• Heath Cash Plan – giving you discounts on everyday healthcare such as dental, optical, physio, prescriptions & more. 
• Employee Assistance Programme (counselling and DRs on call 24hrs a day). 
• Fantastic volunteering opportunities within The Active Wellbeing Society every month.

Fundraising Assistant
West Dean, West Sussex | 21 hours per week | Permanent

Are you an organised and proactive administrator looking for a rewarding role where your work helps support arts, heritage, education, and creativity?

West Dean is seeking a Fundraising Assistant to join our friendly and collaborative fundraising team at our stunning Sussex campus in the South Downs National Park. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting donor engagement, fundraising activities, and student funding within one of the UK’s most distinctive cultural and educational organisations.

West Dean, operated by The Edward James Foundation Ltd, is internationally recognised for its work in arts, craft, design, and conservation. From our historic Sussex estate to our London-based KLC School of Design, we provide inspiring environments where creativity and heritage thrive.

About the Role

As Fundraising Assistant, you will provide essential administrative and operational support across a wide range of fundraising activities. You’ll help maintain accurate donor records, process donations, coordinate communications, support donor visits and events, and assist with reporting and prospect research.

Working closely with colleagues across fundraising, finance, marketing, and academic teams, you’ll help ensure excellent donor care while contributing to fundraising initiatives that directly support students, projects, and the future development of West Dean.

This is a varied and engaging role that would suit someone who enjoys organisation, relationship-building, and working with data and systems in a meaningful environment.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
• Confident managing multiple priorities and deadlines
• Comfortable working with databases, spreadsheets, and administrative systems
• Professional, approachable, and an excellent communicator
• Able to build positive relationships with colleagues and supporters
• Interested in developing a career within fundraising or the charity sector
• Previous administrative experience is essential, while experience working with CRM systems, events, or customer-facing environments would be advantageous.

What We Offer

Salary: £15,000 per annum (£25,000 FTE)

21 hours per week worked across a minimum of 3 days

• Generous contributory pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Free entry to West Dean Gardens
• Free use of swimming pool, tennis courts, and library
• Staff discounts and subsidised short courses
• Subsidised bed and breakfast rates on campus
• A unique and inspiring place to work surrounded by creativity, heritage, and beautiful landscapes

If you’re looking to join an organisation where your work truly makes a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now via the West Dean Careers website.

Lightbox Gallery & Museum is entering an ambitious new phase as we prepare for our 20th anniversary in 2027. This role offers an exciting opportunity for an experienced and initiative-taking fundraiser to help shape the organisation’s future by developing new income streams and leading our anniversary campaign, Lightbox20.

You will take ownership of the campaign activity across the organisation - developing strategy, building relationships with donors and partners, and delivering income to agreed targets. At the same time, you will manage the practical detail that underpins successful fundraising, including stewardship and our CRM system.

Key priorities are developing and delivering the Big Give campaign this year, capital fundraising for the garden and our 20th anniversary Lightbox 20.  

This role will suit someone who thrives in a small organisation, understands the unique challenges and opportunity this brings and who is self-motivated to build an ambitious campaign from the ground up. The successful appointee will combine strategic thinking with direct delivery, collaborating closely with the Director and Trustees to secure the next chapter of Lightbox Gallery’s success.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Fundraising Leadership

• Lead the delivery of the Lightbox20 anniversary campaign, creating compelling cases for support, preparing fundraising collateral, and engaging supporters and stakeholders.
• Deliver an ambitious fundraising campaign with clear targets that is aligned with organisational goals.
• Identify and develop new fundraising opportunities, partnerships, and income streams, including the Big Give campaign for Giving Tuesday December 2026.

Relationship and pipeline management

• Collaborate closely with the Trustees and Director to identify, build, and manage relationships with individual donors, supporters and prospects.
• Develop cultivation and stewardship plans, including face-to-face meetings, events, and personalised engagement.
• Confidently represent the organisation when meeting donors and supporters.

• Identify local business sponsorship opportunities and approach relevant businesses to celebrate Lightbox20.
• Maintain strong relationships with funding partners through effective reporting and stewardship.

Event support

• Support and attend fundraising events and campaigns, including Director’s Circle events, and donor cultivation and stewardship activities.
• Work collaboratively across the organisation to maximise fundraising opportunities within exhibitions and public programmes.

Fundraising Operations & Administration

• Manage campaign donor communications, acknowledgements, and stewardship processes.
• Conduct prospect research and maintain accurate records.
• Monitor income, prepare reports, and track fundraising performance on the database, Raiser’s Edge.
• Ensure fundraising activities comply with relevant regulations and best practice.

For the person specification, please see the Job Description attached.

As a fundraising and grant-making charity, we bring to life projects that transform patient care - from sensory packs for children in A&E to a peaceful sanctuary garden for people living with dementia. We’re a small, ambitious and supportive team, and in just three years we’ve tripled our income. Our goal is to become the charity of choice for our local community in Islington and Haringey.

Over the past 18 months, this role has built community and challenge events income from the ground up, creating real momentum. There’s still huge untapped potential locally, offering an exciting opportunity to grow and innovate.

This is a varied and rewarding role where you’ll build meaningful relationships with clinicians, donors and the community, and see first-hand the impact of your work. You’ll lead on community fundraising, challenge events and volunteering, with real autonomy. It's a fantastic step up for someone ready to develop and make their mark.

The successful candidate will benefit from an NHS Agenda for Change salary and excellent NHS benefits, including a generous pension and annual leave.

Thrive’s vision is that gardening is actively encouraged as part of personal health and wellbeing management and Social & Therapeutic Horticulture (STH) services are available wherever people live.

We’re looking for a skilled and enthusiastic Trusts & Grants Fundraising Officer to join our Philanthropy Team and help bring Thrive’s mission to life. This role is all about producing compelling, high-quality funding applications and reports that help secure income to support Thrive’s work across the UK.

If you have strong writing and organisational skills, an eye for detail, and want to make a real impact within a purpose-driven organisation, we’d love to hear from you.

For further information and full JD please refer to the attachement below. 

#Trusts and Grants Fundraising #Trusts and Grants #Fundraising # Fundraising officer #Funding #Grants Fundraising 

Room to Heal is a human rights charity and therapeutic community based in London. We support people who have survived torture and organised violence to rebuild their lives in exile, through an integrated programme of therapeutic and casework assistance. We offer a range of activities including: therapeutic support groups, gardening, individual therapy and casework, cooking and social gatherings, and therapeutic retreats.

We are looking for a Co-Director who will:

• ensure the overall financial sustainability of the charity through fundraising and financial strategy and management;
• work with the Co-Director, Chair and Board to ensure appropriate governance and legal compliance;
• continue to raise the profile of RtH and its work, establishing relationships with a wide range of stakeholders including public, private and voluntary partners;
• develop and implement strategic priorities, goals and objectives to achieve Room to Heal’s (RtH) vision

Hours:    Full time (35 hours) preferred; part time considered (minimum 28 hours).

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday if full time

Contract: Permanent

Responsible to:  CEO (may change)

Responsible for:  2 service coordinators. Joint responsibility with the two coordinators for the housekeepers, handypersons and gardeners plus any volunteers used to support the service

Location: Hybrid in line with our Hybrid Working Policy. Office location is the White House Community Centre, Hampton. Community locations and in the homes of older people as needed.

Salary: £34,000 – 38,500 FTE DOE plus 5% pension contribution pension contribution. Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Blue Light card and Age UK discount schemes.

Lead a team giving great practical support to local older people

Age UK Richmond upon Thames is a local independent charity supporting older people across the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. We provide a wide range of valuable and well used local services in Richmond upon Thames designed to improve wellbeing and enhance independence. These include information, advice and welfare benefits support; social & wellbeing centres; support after hospital discharge; digital skills development; Dementia Friendly Richmond; mental health peer support and Home Services such as handyperson, housekeeping and gardening.

Partnership is central to our work. We  collaborate closely with other voluntary sector partners and wider organisations to maximise our impact and reach. Our friendly and committed team of 50 staff and over 100 volunteers support over 4,000 local older people each year.

Our Home Services are a core part of our organisation, providing housekeeping, handyperson support, and gardening and plays a crucial role in enabling older people to live independently and maintain their wellbeing. Our Home Services team help with practical jobs around the home, such as cleaning, dusting, hoovering, laundry, light shopping, help with DIY, and gardening.

At Age UK Richmond, we have an exciting opportunity to lead, shape, and grow our vital community services. We are recruiting for a Home Services Manager.

Are you a motivated and forward-thinking with a passion for making a difference to the lives of older people? As the Home Services Manager you will lead a team of staff and volunteers delivering a range of services designed to promote independence and enable older people to remain in their homes for as long as possible.

This role would suit someone with excellent coordination / administration skills, highly organised and with an interest in developing a service. Experience in a management role would also be highly advantageous.

We are looking for:

1. Experience of successfully managing or coordinating a busy demanding service.

2. Strong coordination, operations or logistics experience.

3. Excellent communication and relationship building skills.

4. Strong administration and IT skills.

5. Good numeracy skills.

6. A proactive and friendly approach to service growth and improvement.

7. A genuine desire to support and improve the lives of older people, and an understanding of and empathy with their challenges and needs.

Access to a car is preferred, but not essential. You will need to be prepared to travel around Richmond upon Thames as needed.  

The full job description is available on our website - follow the link. Closing date for applications is 9 a.m. on Thursday 4th June 2026. Interviews will take place at the White House Community Centre, Hampton on Monday 8th June 2026.