Garden jobs

The Organisation

The Royal Parks (TRP) is a charity created in March 2017. We manage over 5,000 acres of diverse parkland, rare habitats and historic buildings and monuments in eight Royal Parks across London. These are Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, The Green Park, St James’s Park, The Regent's Park and Primrose Hill, Greenwich Park, Richmond Park and Bushy Park.

We also manage other important public spaces, including Brompton Cemetery and Victoria Tower Gardens. Our eight Royal Parks and other iconic green spaces are among the most visited attractions in the UK with tens of millions of visits every year.

We are now looking for a Horticultural Curator to join us on a full-time, permanent basis, working 36 hours per week.

The Benefits

• £48,000 - £51,000 per annum depending on experience
• 26 days' annual leave plus public holidays, increasing to 29 days after 3 years’ service
• Pension scheme (3% employee contribution; up to 10% employer contribution)
• Hybrid/agile working options
• Private medical insurance and healthcare cash plan
• Employee assistance programme and access to mental health first aiders
• Learning and development opportunities
• Cycle to work scheme
• Offices in a beautiful location

This is an unmissable opportunity for a high-calibre horticultural professional who has managed curated public landscapes and possesses broad plant knowledge to join our iconic charity organisation.

You’ll have the rare chance to influence horticulture on a remarkable scale, leaving a visible and lasting mark on more than 5,000 acres of parkland, historic landscapes and public spaces.

What’s more, you’ll join an organisation that values both professional growth and personal wellbeing, with learning and development opportunities, a supportive team, and offices in a beautiful location.

So, if you’re ready to help guide the future of horticulture across these cherished sites, read on and apply today!

The Role

As a Horticultural Curator, you will support the development of beautiful, resilient and biodiverse landscapes across The Royal Parks.

Specifically, you will deliver one of our key strategic objectives to ‘Conserve and Enhance’. This will involve five key themes: everyday wonder, creating iconic horticulture, diverse planting, respecting heritage, and a sustainable future. More information about each of these themes is available when you select the apply button.

Working closely with our eleven Head Gardeners, you will support horticultural projects across the parks through both practical and planning input, ensuring planting schemes respond to heritage, climate change and biodiversity challenges.

You will help source plants from a diverse range of nurseries, support procurement planning for larger projects and ensure new plantings deliver the best outcomes for people, nature and long-term landscape sustainability.

Additionally, you will:

• Manage and issue horticultural guidance documents and support quality standards
• Oversee and administer the Expert Horticultural Counsel volunteer group
• Support the Head Gardener team with plant sourcing and horticultural diversity across the parks ensuring each park has its own style and identity without duplication
• Contribute to Landscape Character Assessments and Park Management Plans
• Support the development of National Plant Collections in collaboration with Plant Heritage and the Head Gardener Team

About You

To be considered as a Horticultural Curator, you will need:

• Experience working at management level in a curated landscape garden setting that has a wide breadth of plant groups
• Demonstrable experience working in spaces open to the public
• Experience curating a broad range of plant groups
• Experience writing copy to explain and communicate changes and evolution of horticulture for media, press and PR interpretation and fundraising material
• Broad knowledge and understanding of horticultural plant diversity, its display and curation, and how to interpret it to visitors
• Knowledge of the UK and, in some cases, European nurseries
• An understanding of the sensitivities involved with evolving planting styles
• Wide reaching networks through plant committees and industry bodies to enable collaboration and best value for the charity

Other organisations may call this role Botanical Curator, Garden Curator, Parks Horticulture Manager or Head of Living Collections.

We want to put everyone in the best possible position to succeed and use Recite-me accessibility software. At the top of the application page, there is an “Accessibility Tools” button which you can use to complete the application form in a way that works for you. If you think that you may need more support to complete our application process, please do get in touch.

The Royal Parks is strongly committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. Please visit our website to find out more on our approach to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

So, if you are interested in this unique opportunity as a Horticultural Curator, please apply via the button shown. Successful candidates will be appointed on merit.

Sydenham Garden is seeking to appoint a Grants, Trusts and Statutory Fundraising Lead for two days per week on a fixed term contract for two years. They will join our team of 14 staff and 70 volunteers supporting people living with mental ill-health and dementia in south-east London. 

Position:  Grants, Trusts and Statutory Fundraising Lead 

Contract:  Fixed term for 2 years 

Hours:  0.4 FTE 15 hours per week

Salary: £38,000 pro rata

Annual leave: 33 days including bank holidays pro rata

Location: Sydenham Garden Resource Centre, SE23 2LW or working from home – minimum 1 day a month in office

Application closing date: 9am Monday 13 April 

Interview date: Friday 1 May 

Our Organisation 

Sydenham Garden, based in Lewisham in South-East London, is a special, unique and beloved wellbeing centre utilising its gardens, nature reserve and activity rooms to help people living with and recovering from mental and physical ill-health. We were established in 2002 and will celebrate our 25th anniversary in 2027. We provide nature and arts based creative, social and therapeutic activities for co-workers (the name we give our primary beneficiaries). People are referred to us from community organisations and health professionals and we use an integrative approach where those with different degrees of mental and physical ill health come together with volunteers from the local community to reduce social exclusion and prejudice. Each year we work with on average over 250 co-workers and over 70 volunteers. 

About you 

You’ll have experience in building relationships with a range of Trusts, Foundations and statutory funders, drafting compelling funding proposals and demonstrating impact through high-quality reports. You’ll have excellent communication and people skills and feel comfortable both thinking strategically and managing competing priorities day-to-day. Most importantly, you’ll thrive in a small team working to make a big impact for people living with mental ill-health and dementia. 

Why you should join us  

Sydenham Garden is a small team rooted in our local community, and that community is at the centre of everything we do; from the people we support, to the volunteers and neighbours who get involved in our gardens and our work in all sorts of ways. 

We work collaboratively, support each other across different areas of the organisation, and aren't afraid to try new approaches and learn from what doesn't work. We're values-led, we care deeply about our impact, and we hold ourselves accountable to the people and communities we serve. 

We're also confident advocates for our work, and comfortable making the case for Sydenham Garden to funders, partners and the wider community. 

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion 

Sydenham Garden is committed to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). We want to build a diverse and inclusive staff, volunteer and trustee team where everyone feels that they belong and that reflects the profile of the communities we serve. Therefore, we will welcome and consider applications from candidates of all backgrounds and protected characteristics, and we particularly encourage applications from people of African or Caribbean heritage to ensure our staff team represents the communities we serve. 

Sydenham Garden is seeking to appoint a Community Engagement and Fundraising Lead for two days per week on a fixed term contract for two years. They will join our team of 14 staff and 70 volunteers supporting people living with mental ill-health and dementia in south-east London. 

Positions:  Community Engagement and Fundraising Lead 

Contract:  Fixed term for 1 year,

Hours: 0.4 FTE 15 hours per week 

Salary: £38,000 pro rata 

Annual leave: 33 days including bank holidays pro rata

Location: Sydenham Garden Resource Centre, SE23 2LW or working from home – minimum 1 day a month in office

Application closing date: 9am Monday 13 April 

Interview date:  Friday 24 April

Our Organisation 

Sydenham Garden, based in Lewisham in South-East London, is a special, unique and beloved wellbeing centre utilising its gardens, nature reserve and activity rooms to help people living with and recovering from mental and physical ill-health. We were established in 2002 and will celebrate our 25th anniversary in 2027. We provide nature and arts based creative, social and therapeutic activities for co-workers (the name we give our primary beneficiaries). People are referred to us from community organisations and health professionals and we use an integrative approach where those with different degrees of mental and physical ill health come together with volunteers from the local community to reduce social exclusion and prejudice. Each year we work with on average over 250 co-workers and over 70 volunteers. 

About you 

You’ll have experience in building relationships with individual donors, increasing income from community sources and engaging and enthusing volunteers and supporters around a cause. You’ll have excellent communication and people skills and feel comfortable both thinking strategically and managing competing priorities day-to-day. Most importantly, you’ll thrive in a small team working to make a big impact for people living with mental ill-health and dementia. 

Why you should join us  

Sydenham Garden is a small team rooted in our local community, and that community is at the centre of everything we do; from the people we support, to the volunteers and neighbours who get involved in our gardens and our work in all sorts of ways. 

We work collaboratively, support each other across different areas of the organisation, and aren't afraid to try new approaches and learn from what doesn't work. We're values-led, we care deeply about our impact, and we hold ourselves accountable to the people and communities we serve. 

We're also confident advocates for our work, and comfortable making the case for Sydenham Garden to funders, partners and the wider community. 

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion 

Sydenham Garden is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). We want to build a diverse and inclusive staff, volunteer and trustee team where everyone feels that they belong and that reflects the profile of the communities we serve. Therefore, we will welcome and consider applications from candidates of all backgrounds and protected characteristics, and we particularly encourage applications from people of African or Caribbean heritage to ensure our staff team represents the communities we serve. 

This post is responsible for Marketing & Communications for Gilbert White’s House & Gardens. You will plan, create and deliver an annual plan, working closely with departments, management and trustees.

The aim being to promote our visitor experience, events, education and trading activities, alongside a regular spotlight on our strategy, values and impact as a charity.

The focus of this role will be to increase our income generation and expand our voice in support of the natural world. This will be achieved through an increase in visitor numbers, event bookings, educational bookings, memberships, partnerships and increase in our trading income. You will have proven experience, experience of working in a public facing organisation, and an interest in the environment, heritage and museums. When in post you will have the opportunity to be a key part of the implementation of our new strategy launched in this our 70th anniversary year.  This is initially focussed on ensuring that our image, offer and impact is relevant to the 21st century, audience development and raising awareness of  the key theme of our work - the natural world.

Key Responsibilities As a small independent museum this role offers an opportunity to take responsibility across all elements of the marketing and communication portfolio. This means that you will be hands-on in its delivery working closely with other departments to ensure a proactive and timely approach to developing, maintaining and boosting our image. In this stand-alone role you will primarily be responsible for:

• Leading the development of our annual Marketing & Communications strategy and implementation plan across all channels. Ensuring that within your role sustainability is a key theme in selecting materials, use of online resources and more generally in our external image.

• Planning  and supporting with the wider team with the marketing and communications associated with events, fundraising campaigns, membership programmes etc. to meet specific aims such as attendance, supporter growth and membership expansion.                                                                                                                                             

• Support the creation of a ‘voice’ for the charity that reflects our values and creates content in all forms that is accessible and relevant to the public. This will include working with the Collections Manager to support the development of museum displays, signage, literature and other outputs relevant to our strategy.

• Leading our communication channels with content creation, planning and execution of its delivery.  To include our website, social media, LinkedIn, digital advertising, newsletters, local magazines, leaflets, posters, brochures, signage etc  Keeping material and content up to date.

• Managing a small delegated budget in coordination with the General Manager to meet the key aims of the charity and be responsible for reporting on it.  You will liaise and engage with external agencies and suppliers, project managing their work and final output.

• Championing  our charity branding and consistent presentation of printed and online materials produced by or for us. To include supporting the team in the design and copy writing new materials and update existing materials.

• Work with the Funding & Development manager to ensure that our impact as a charity is regularly shared and our voice in the sector is heard to support our development plans.

• Responsibility for an up-to-date image and video library for use by all members of the team.  This includes an ability to take photos and videos for immediate use in our communications e.g. social media.

• Liaising with the press in the form of printed, TV,  radio and podcasts.  To coordinate visits, provision of content and arranging with the wider team what is required to ensure quality input.

• Responsibility for marketing performance analysis and reporting, using analytics to improve performance and reach to inform our wider operations and future marketing and communications strategy.

Other Responsibilities As a member of a small team you will be required to support, as necessary, the wider operations of the charity.  This includes but is not limited to;

• Hands-on working with our marketing and communications tools including, but not limited to, WordPress website, Canva, Capcut, MailChimp, Microsoft Office and knowledge of CRM databases for campaign work.                                                 

 • Monitor and record our presence in the wider media, online, with influencers and on TV and radio etc.  Working with stakeholders to protect our reputation and responding swiftly to issues.

• Manage the GDPR of marketing and communications including opt-ins, image consent, data retention etc.

• Attend as a representative of the charity our own exhibitions and events, in order to understand in depth our work, record, gain feedback and develop relationships with visitors and our supporters. 

 • Network regionally to develop relationships, promote sector collaboration and more to ensure we remain relevant and up to date in our marketing and communications.

• Act as a duty manager on rota to support the daily operations of the museum.

The Candidate This is an excellent opportunity to take the lead for Marketing and Communications in a small independent charity, which whilst based in rural East Hampshire, has a reach well beyond our boundaries due to the fame of Gilbert White.  We welcome visitors and attract attention not only nationally but also internationally. You will have:

• Proven experience of developing, planning and executing marketing and communication strategies,

• Excellent digital skills, including managing social media and website, graphic design and experience of content management systems.  Knowledge of SEO.

• Strong copywriting and storytelling skills able to plan, write and edit copy for diverse audiences.

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to network with everyone from the public to key stakeholders and representatives of sector bodies associated with our work.

• Experience working with external suppliers such as designers, film makers and web developers.

• Experience of handling media enquiries and generating press coverage.

• Able to work independently yet collaboratively across all departments with demonstrable experience of managing a diverse workload; being able to prioritise tasks and work under pressure.

• Strong organisational and administrative skills including excellent attention to detail and effective time management.

• Experience working in the not-for-profit and/or environment/conservation/heritage sectors.

• Knowledge of data protection best practice.

Whilst a full driving licence is not essential public transport to our location is very limited and given the nature of the role to liaise with partners and represent the charity an ability to undertake travel across the area to for meetings will be an advantage.

Working Hours and Salary

This role can be adapted to suite those looking for a career development opportunity, those seeking a more flexible approach to working life as a parent/carer, or those seeking to step back from a full-time career for whatever reason. What we ask for in return is a passion and dedication to ensure that we are recognised and our voice is heard thereby attracting visitors, supporters, partners and funders who share our values.  £28-32,000 (pro-rata) per year based on experience, with the flexibility to offer a full-time  or part-time role again dependent on experience. Some home working can be considered. Occasional evening and weekend work required.

You will work within the values which lead our practice:

• Being inclusive and welcoming to all,

• Connecting with those that journey in the natural world,

• Educational in what we share with others,

• Seeking a sustainable way of doing our work.

The position is permanent and will be based in Selborne, East Hampshire.   

About Us Gilbert Whites House & Gardens offers a window into the origins of the science that underpins the study of natural history through the lives of three explorers whose curiosity led to a deeper understanding of the world we live in. 

• Our vision is to: To inspire journeys of discovery in the natural world to make better lives for people and the planet.   

• Our mission to create a place where everyone can connect with nature and learn from explorers of the natural world, showing the way to a sustainable future, collaborating widely and, following in the footsteps of Gilbert White, sharing our passion to observe and record nature.

The ‘Natural History of Selborne’ has been continuously in print since its first publication in 1789 and is reputedly the fourth most published work in the English language.  Written by Gilbert White it has contributed to the fields of ecology (the natural science of the relationships among living organisms and their environment) and phenology (the timing of biological events in relation to climate) ever since. He undertook his scientific observations in the small rural village of Selborne and this work has since inspired others to observe, enquire and record nature to understand the relationships that exist within our environment.  Charles Darwin wrote that he  ‘stood on the shoulders’ of White when he came on ‘a pilgrimage to Selborne’ as a young man in June 1857 David Attenborough wrote that Gilbert White was ‘A man in total harmony with his world.’ Introduction to Selborne, 1977 This unique historical manuscript is today housed in the home where Gilbert was born in 1720 and later lived for 66 years. The curation of this heritage home and its grounds was made possible by a generous donation from the Oates family, supporting a trust which purchased the property to establish a library and museum dedicated to natural history that opened in 1955.

The museum is now in its 70th year celebrating the lives of all three explorers of the natural world: Gilbert’s studies in Selborne in the 1700’s, Frank’s work in Africa and Central America in the mid-1800s and Lawrence’s famed contribution to the Scott expedition to the South Pole in 1912. Together they are celebrated through their original drawings, writings, specimens and artefacts housed in our galleries.  They provide an insight over three centuries to the curiosity that contributed to our understanding of nature, our environment and the climate change we are currently witnessing. Today the UK is recognised as one of the least nature connected and most nature depleted countries in the world.  Our renewed strategy is to ensure that the legacy that we curate is accessible, relevant, educational and inspirational for future generations. Our aim over the coming five years is to update the interpretation of our collections and heritage assets, expanding the ‘story’ of our explorers to the 21st century, showing the importance of all of our relationships to the natural world in order to inspire thought and change.  The goal being to create a new narrative as a Museum of Natural World at the home of Gilbert White & The Oates Collections. 

Head of Finance

Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) is seeking to appoint a Head of Finance who will be responsible for all finance functions across the BGCI Group, including financial and management reporting, company secretarial, tax, financial risk and controls, project reporting, audit liaison, banking and compliance, as well as the management of a small Finance team located in the UK and Kenya.

Title of post:

Head of Finance

Job Purpose:

Control of finance function

Reports to:

Secretary General

Contract Type:

Job-share, Part-time (3 days a week; potential to go full-time)

BGCI Offices, Kew, London*; Hybrid (working 1 day per week in office)*

Remuneration:

£50-52000 FTE (Actual:  £30-31200) Grade S2.  Salary dependent on level of skills, experience and necessary qualifications

About BGCI

Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) is the largest global plant conservation network with over 950 member institutions in more than 120 countries. BGCI plays a key coordinating role, facilitating collaboration between botanic gardens and other conservation organisations, and supports the development and long-term functioning of botanic garden networks. BGCI ensures that local expertise contributes to global impact, and mobilises funding and technical assistance for practical conservation efforts worldwide.

*Please note that our temporary offices in 2026 are in Putney, London

Person Specification

BGCI is seeking to appoint a person interested in a job-share but with the potential to go to full-time if desired. Candidates for this post will have a proven track record working for a conservation or scientific organisation, preferably in plant conservation. The post holder will demonstrate sensitivity to complex, multicultural and multinational institutions and structures.

Open to applicants looking for full time (37.5 hours per week); or part time, working morning or afternoon, with number of hours tbc by mutual agreement and business need.

Our Facilities team works hard to ensure that every guest visiting Woodrow has a safe and memorable visit. You will be working alongside the wider team to maintain all buildings, including our Grade II listed Manor House and Leisure Centre, and the outside grounds and activity areas, to ensure the site is welcoming, tidy and safe for all. You will assist the Facilities Manager in ensuring we remain compliant with relevant Health & Safety legislation; and will be involved in various duties that contribute to the wider success of the Centre and London Youth. 

What you will be doing 

The Facilities Assistant provides logistical and maintenance support for the Woodrow estate and holds the following core responsibilities. This is not intended as an exhaustive list, and the job may change over time to reflect the changing needs of our centre, as well as the personal development needs of the post holder. 

Grounds upkeep: 

• General upkeep of the 26-acre estate grounds e.g. pruning, mowing, planting, tidying gardens. 
• Keeping grounds, paths and hard surfaces safe and free of ice, snow, leaves, weeds, etc. 
• Maintaining the 3G astro pitch, cycle circuit and outdoor activity areas.

Building maintenance: 

• Undertake day-to-day minor repairs, e.g. patching, painting, leaky taps, hinges, caulking, etc. 
• Undertake cyclical / seasonal jobs e.g. clearing gutters, drains, drain gratings, etc. 
• Support with biomass boiler maintenance and receive woodchip deliveries. 
• Support with basic utilities issues as they arise, e.g. heating, plumbing, electrical, etc. 

Health and safety: 

• Undertake routine safety/compliance checks of all facilities including, among other things, legionella temperature aduits, emergency equipment inspections and tests, etc. 
• Support the FM with risk assessments and work procedures relevant to the role. 
• Maintain accurate records of all work carried out using systems in place for auditing. 

General duties: 

• Basic joinery, carpentry and build projects done in house, under direction of the FM. 
• Supervise outside contractors to ensure all jobs are carried out to agreed standards. 
• Supervise corporate volunteer groups who support us with gardening or build projects. 
• Support with setup and occasional on-the-day attendance at various events. 
• Undertake other duties as reasonably requested by London Youth's management that ensure the ongoing success of the charity and delivery of excellent customer experiences. 

What you bring to the role 

Experience, Knowledge & Skills 

We do not expect candidates to have expertise in all areas, but at a minimum experience of minor buildings repairs and maintenance and groundskeeping work is essential to this role. Training will be provided to address some gaps where necessary and relevant. 

• Experience with grounds maintenance including tree and lawn care, gardening, etc. 
• Experience of maintenance in heating, plumbing, electrical systems. 
• Demonstrable good practical DIY skills, including decorating, joinery, carpentry, repairs, etc. 
• Experience using power and maintenance tools, including small tractor with mower, jigsaws, strimmers, etc. 
• Demonstrable understanding of Health & Safety regulations relevant to this type of role; the importance of compliance, evidencing and contributing to this. 
• Hold a good level of fitness and able to work outside in variable weather conditions. 
• Experience of conducting regular compliance checks, recording and reporting on them. 
• Able to use digital systems for record keeping, including Microsoft Office and various apps. 
• A current driving licence (tractor experience is also desirable).

Qualifications in the use of a chainsaw, power tools, tractor driving, pool plant are desirable. 

Attributes and Behaviours

• Someone who takes pride in their work and enjoys getting things done. 
• Customer centric mindset and a firm commitment to customer excellence and safety. 
• Able to quickly establish a rapport and build effective relationships with a wide range of people. 
• Composed demeanor and calm under pressure, able to dynamically prioritse and problem solve. 
• Keen attention to detail, following procedures and recording actions reliably and consistently. 
• Able to work independently, demonstrating proactivity and initiative. 
• Collaborative team player with a willingness to work effectively with others. 
• Self-motivated with a positive attitude, growth mindset and keen willingness to develop. 
• Willing to both give and receive direction from others. 
• Impeccable work ethic with a practical, flexible, and dynamic approach to work. 
• Absolute commitment ot London Youth's principles of equality, diversity and inclusion. 

You will be able to demonstrate our values of being: 

• Ambitious 
• Collaborative 
• Inclusive 
• Accountable 

Why work at Woodrow High House

• Health Care Cash Plan to help cover your healthcare essentials. 
• Free access for you and your family to the Employee Assistance Programme. 
• Free onsite parking. 
• Branded quality uniform provided. 
• Free access to the 'Headspace' app for you and your family. 
• Free access to the Charity Mentoring Network, as a mentee or mentor. 
• Free tea and coffee available in the 'Tea & Coffee Bar'. 
• Free meals provided whilst on duty when the kitchen is serving young people in residence. 
• Magnificent location on a historic estate, surrounded by nature. 
• Cycle to Work scheme. 
• You'll be working with a fantastic team of passionate colleagues across London Youth. 
• An outstanding culture and ethos where staff and visitors enjoy, challenge, and achieve. 
• Occasional supply of sweet - sometimes savoury - always yummy - treats are guaranteed. 
• You will be making a difference to the lives of young people! 

At Thrive, our Practitioners work with plants and people to improve an individual’s physical and psychological health, social interaction. skills and confidence.

We’re looking for a Specialist STH Practitioner with qualifications in Horticulture and a Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement who can deliver, primarily, our City & Guild Level 1 Practical Horticulture Skills for our Pathways programme. There would be some flexibility required to provide other Social and Therapeutic Horticulture (STH) programmes for adults in our gardens in Battersea Park and outreach settings.

Working alongside volunteers this role will support people with learning disabilities, autism, long term health conditions or disabilities to move into their next step in their life whether is further training or employment.

Based at Thrive’s London Centre in Battersea Park. The role will involve some work undertaken off-site in London and occasional travel to the Thrive Centres in Reading and Birmingham.

Appointment to this post will be subject to receipt of 2 references and 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.

37.5 hours per week / permanent / working Monday to Friday 9am-5pm.

At YMCA DownsLink Group, our mission is to help children and young people have a fair chance to be who they want to be. We do this by providing a safe home, building life skills and self-confidence, and supporting emotional wellbeing and mental health.

Our Values - we do what’s right, we work with heart, and we build real connections - guide and shape how we show up for children and young people we support and for each other.

Do you take pride in creating safe, welcoming homes that make a real difference in young people’s lives?

Our Maintenance team works across multiple properties to ensure our residents have safe, good‑quality homes. We work closely with service staff to identify and complete repairs, carry out ad hoc cleaning and decoration, ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, and prepare empty homes for new residents.

We operate across West Sussex, centred around our Foyers in Horsham and Crawley, which provide 24‑hour supported housing for young people aged 16–25. We also manage several larger shared houses (typically 4–8 residents) through our Transitional Housing teams, supporting young people on their journey to independence.
In total, the team helps maintain safe homes for approximately 300 residents across the county.

As a Maintenance Worker covering sites across West Sussex, you will take on a hands‑on role combining practical maintenance tasks with caretaking responsibilities. You will help create and maintain safe, welcoming, and psychologically informed accommodation for the people we support.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide a comprehensive maintenance, caretaking, and cleaning service to ensure safe, welcoming, and psychologically informed accommodation.
• Carry out day‑to‑day maintenance across our West Sussex sites, with occasional support to other housing schemes.
• Complete maintenance, cleaning, repair, and redecoration works within agreed timescales, delegating tasks where appropriate.
• Perform or delegate general caretaking and cleaning duties, including cleaning communal areas, litter‑picking, and waste removal.

If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t match every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply. We know that skills and potential come in many forms, and your background may offer valuable transferable strengths.

We’re looking for a someone with a positive, flexible attitude and a genuine desire to contribute to young people’s wellbeing.

Experience and Knowledge

We are searching for someone with:

• Strong maintenance experience across a range of trade or repair tasks, including delivering high‑quality maintenance and decorating work
• Experience working in supported housing, residential, or community‑based settings
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and resident wellbeing
• Good understanding of health & safety requirements and compliance processes
• A proactive, organised approach to workload and prioritisation

Qualifications and Training (Desirable)

It would be beneficial, though not essential, if you have:

• City & Guilds or equivalent qualification in one or more maintenance skill areas
• Manual handling training
• Training in handling bodily fluids
• Boundaries training
• First Aid training

CLOSING DATE: Sunday 5 April 2026 at midnight. If we find the right candidate sooner than expected, we may close the advert early - so early applications are strongly encouraged.

Please note that we are unable to offer a work permit or visa sponsorship for this role; applicants must already have the right to live and work in the UK independently.

An inclusive workplace We are committed to policies and practices of equity, diversity, and inclusion and to supporting our people to make sure our culture is consistent with this commitment. 

Accessibility If you require assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please do contact us.

YMCA DLG requires all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns. 

Successful applicants will undergo a thorough background screening process, conducted by an accredited third-party provider. This includes an Enhanced DBS check (with Children’s and Adults’ Barred Lists) as well as comprehensive reference and activity checks.

37.5 hours per week / permanent / working Monday to Friday 9am-5pm.

At YMCA DownsLink Group, our mission is to help children and young people have a fair chance to be who they want to be. We do this by providing a safe home, building life skills and self-confidence, and supporting emotional wellbeing and mental health.

Our Values - we do what’s right, we work with heart, and we build real connections - guide and shape how we show up for children and young people we support and for each other.

Are you an experienced maintenance professional looking to step into a senior role? Do you take pride in creating safe, welcoming homes that make a real difference in young people’s lives?

Our Maintenance team works across multiple properties to ensure our residents have safe, good‑quality homes. We work closely with service staff to identify and complete repairs, carry out ad hoc cleaning and decoration, ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, and prepare empty homes for new residents.

We operate across East Sussex, centred around our Foyers in Eastbourne and Hastings, which provide 24‑hour supported housing for young people aged 16–25. We also manage several larger shared houses (typically 4–8 residents) through our Transitional Housing teams, supporting young people on their journey to independence.
In total, the team helps maintain safe homes for approximately 180 residents across the county.

We are recruiting for a Senior Maintenance Worker to supervise a small team of Maintenance Workers across East Sussex. This is a hands-on role, combining practical maintenance tasks with day‑to‑day staff supervision.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervising maintenance staff, offering constructive feedback, coaching, and support
• Providing a comprehensive maintenance, caretaking, and cleaning service to ensure safe, welcoming, psychologically informed accommodation
• Carrying out day‑to‑day maintenance across our sites in East Sussex, and occasionally supporting other housing schemes
• Completing maintenance, cleaning, repair, and redecoration works within agreed timescales, and delegating tasks where appropriate
• Performing or delegating general caretaking and cleaning duties, including cleaning communal areas, litter‑picking, and waste removal

 If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t match every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply. We know that skills and potential come in many forms, and your background may offer valuable transferable strengths.

We’re looking for a someone with a positive, flexible attitude and a genuine desire to contribute to young people’s wellbeing.

Experience and Knowledge

We are searching for someone with:

• Previous supervisory or team‑leading experience, with the ability to organise and direct a small team effectively
• Strong maintenance experience across a range of trade or repair tasks, including delivering high‑quality maintenance and decorating work
• Experience working in supported housing, residential, or community‑based settings
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and resident wellbeing
• Good understanding of health & safety requirements and compliance processes
• A proactive, organised approach to workload and prioritisation

Qualifications and Training (Desirable)

It would be beneficial, though not essential, if you have:

• City & Guilds or equivalent qualification in one or more maintenance skill areas
• Manual handling training
• Training in handling bodily fluids
• Boundaries training
• First Aid training

CLOSING DATE: Sunday 5 April 2026 at midnight. If we find the right candidate sooner than expected, we may close the advert early - so early applications are strongly encouraged. 

Please note that we are unable to offer a work permit or visa sponsorship for this role; applicants must already have the right to live and work in the UK independently.

An inclusive workplace We are committed to policies and practices of equity, diversity, and inclusion and to supporting our people to make sure our culture is consistent with this commitment. 

Accessibility If you require assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please do contact us.

YMCA DLG requires all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns. 

Successful applicants will undergo a thorough background screening process, conducted by an accredited third-party provider. This includes an Enhanced DBS check (with Children’s and Adults’ Barred Lists) as well as comprehensive reference and activity checks.

Are you passionate about creating exceptional volunteer experiences and shaping an inclusive, thriving volunteer community? The RHS is seeking a dedicated Volunteer Development Manager on a 12month contract (sabbatical cover) to help deliver our Vision for Volunteering and support the meaningful involvement of over 1,400 volunteers across our Gardens and Libraries.

About the Role

This hybrid role is based at the RHS Head Office in Vincent Square, London, or RHS Garden Wisley, Surrey.

In this influential role, you will champion best practice in volunteer engagement across several RHS sites, ensuring every volunteer feels welcomed, valued and able to contribute to our strategic goals. You will provide guidance, support, and expertise to Volunteer Supervisors across our Gardens and Libraries, helping to achieve the RHS Vision for Volunteering.

A central focus of this role is developing an inclusive volunteering culture, by removing barriers, improving accessibility, and actively broadening the diversity of our volunteer community. You will help streamline processes, refine systems, and cultivate environments that empower volunteers to thrive.

Collaboration is at the heart of this role. You will work closely with Volunteer Managers at RHS Garden Wisley and RHS Garden Bridgewater, the central People Team and multiple internal teams, collectively working towards the implementation of the Vision for Volunteering.

About You

We’re looking for someone who brings:

• Significant experience in volunteer management across multiple sites
• A strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
• Excellent collaboration and relationship‑building skills
• The ability to influence, support, and guide colleagues across multiple locations
• A proactive, solution‑focused mindset and a passion for continuous improvement

If you are motivated by empowering others, increasing impact, and supporting a dynamic volunteer programme at scale, we’d love to hear from you.

Why Join Us?

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.

Our careers portal here provides a comprehensive overview of what we offer, the teams that work at the RHS and our great benefits.

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.

Vauxhall City Farm is looking for a dynamic Education Officer to support the delivery of our unique range of educational opportunities - from creative, curriculum-linked programmes rooted in animal care, gardening, wellbeing, and sustainability - to drop in community events throughout the year. You will play a vital role in supporting children, young people, and community groups, particularly those facing barriers to acheiving their potential, and be a vital part of the wider Vauxhall City Farm team. This is a rare opportunity to combine meaningful work with professional growth in one of London’s leading city farms. 

We're looking for someone with:

• Experience delivering educational activities/workshops for diverse audiences
• Commitment to education, conservation and the environment
• A practical and enthusiastic approach to learning outside of the classroom
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• Excellent literacy, numeracy and IT skills
• Knowledge of safeguarding and health safety practices
• Comfortable working with and handling animals
• Willing to undergo an enhanced DBS check

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Sessional Farm Education Assistant

Based at Oasis Southampton City Farm, Green Lane, Southampton SO16 9FQ

Hours: Flexible

Contract: Sessional

Hourly Rate: £12.73 per hour

Oasis Southampton City Farm is a community focused registered charity working in Southampton. We provide a range of supportive, wellbeing boosting, and nature-based activities for our communities, which include young people and adult learners with disabilities.

We are looking for sessional farm assistants who will support the Farm Lead in delivering the vision for the farm by supporting the delivery of the farm’s variety of activities, including:

 · To deliver youth activities on the farm, supporting young people to help care for the animals

· To deliver birthday parties on weekends to groups of up to 30,

· To deliver animal experiences, giving families the opportunity to meet and greet our rescued and rehomed animals

· To support our adult day service with caring for our animals

· To support with the animal cleaning and feeding rota, alongside groups or individuals.

· To support with the running of our café, which runs on the weekends. Working alongside our youth volunteers to serve refreshments and food.

The successful applicant will need to demonstrate:

· Relevant qualifications and experience in animal management/public sector

· Relevant qualifications and experience in youth work, teaching, or community based projects

· The flexibility to work across the week, including some weekends.

· Excellent verbal communication skills

· Proven ability to work alongside others in projects that work with the public.

· Punctuality, reliability, and honesty.

· Ability to always evidence the Oasis ethos and values.

This is a unique opportunity for a friendly, hardworking and driven individual, who is looking to make a difference in a growing and community focused field of work. In return we offer:

· Flexible working practices which encourage innovation and fresh ideas.

· A supportive network and friendly team in a motivating working environment.

If you are interested, please send your CV and Supporting Statement   In your supporting statement please address these questions:

1. Expand on your CV to explain how your skills and experience meets the Job Description.  Give specific examples.

2. What personal attributes does a person need to do well in this role? 

3. How do you see the Oasis ethos and 9 Habits being displayed in this role?

Applications will be looked at on a rolling basis with an invite to interview and a trial session.

We actively encourage applications from people of all ethnic backgrounds and minority and underrepresented groups. If you require any assistance to overcome potential barriers, please let us know. 

Applicants must be able to prove their right to work in the UK. Oasis is committed to making a difference to the lives of the communities it works in, and as such you must show a willingness to demonstrate commitment to the values and behaviours which flow from the Oasis ethos.  We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to undergo appropriate checks, including enhanced DBS checks.

Oasis supports Equal Opportunities.  Registered Charity No. 1163889

Organisation: Life for a Life Memorial Forests
Location: Oldham (in person)
Working Pattern: 5 out of 7 days, including some weekends
Pay: £27,976 per annum (£13.45 per hour) 
Start Date: April–May 2026 (expected)

About Life for a Life Memorial Forests

Life for a Life Memorial Forests is a UK charity dedicated to creating living memorials through the planting and care of trees. Our forests provide peaceful spaces for remembrance, support biodiversity, enhance green spaces, and benefit local communities. Working with us means being part of a team that makes a tangible difference to the environment and the lives of the families we support.

We are looking for team members who are passionate about nature, enjoy working for a charity, and take pride in contributing to projects that benefit both people and the planet.

Full Job Description

As part of our Grounds and Woodland Team, you will undertake a diverse range of practical responsibilities to ensure our memorial forests are accessible, well-maintained, and thriving ecosystems. The role requires balancing environmental stewardship with compassionate support for visiting families.

Key Responsibilities

Memorial Forest Maintenance
Carry out seasonal tasks including grass cutting, meadow management, hedge cutting, and tree pruning. Daily maintenance tasks include planting medium to large trees and caring for them over time, as well as installing memorial benches and plaques.

Memorial Tree Dedications
Planting and preparing the memorial trees, and assist families during tree dedication ceremonies, offering guidance and respectful support during sensitive occasions.

Planting and Conservation
Plant trees and manage woodland areas in line with the charity’s environmental objectives and long-term sustainability plans.

Public Engagement
Interact professionally with visitors, explain the charity’s mission, and provide assistance where required.

Health and Safety
Ensure all work is undertaken in accordance with current health and safety legislation and best practice.

Equipment Management
Operate and maintain groundskeeping tools and machinery safely and efficiently.

Collaborative Projects
Work alongside volunteers, families and community groups during planting events and engagement activities.

Adaptability & Responsive Working
This role requires the ability to respond positively to changing priorities. Daily tasks may need to change at short notice due to weather conditions, urgent site issues, health and safety concerns, or family visits. The successful candidate must be flexible, calm under pressure, and able to adapt their workload accordingly while maintaining high standards.

Please note that this role is physically demanding due to the practical nature of the work and involves working outdoors in varying weather conditions.

As a public-facing organisation, we expect all staff to treat colleagues, visitors, and the environment with respect. Life for a Life Memorial Forests is deeply embedded within the communities we serve, and successful applicants must uphold our values and maintain the charity’s reputation at all times. High standards of workmanship, reliability, and personal conduct are essential.

The Successful Candidate Will:

• Have excellent verbal communication skills
• Be confident interacting with members of the public, including during sensitive situations
• Demonstrate a proactive, problem-solving attitude
• Be adaptable and able to adjust plans when priorities change
• Work effectively both independently and as part of a small team
• Take pride in delivering high-quality practical work

Essential Requirements

To be considered for this role, candidates must confirm that:

• You hold a full, clean manual driving licence
• You are confident driving a medium wheelbase, high-roof van (Additional training available if required)
• You are comfortable towing a trailer for transporting machinery (Training can be provided)
• You can reliably travel to our yard in Royton, Oldham (typically 8am or 9am starts)
• You are willing to work a 5-out-of-7 working pattern, including regular weekends
• You are comfortable working outdoors in most weather conditions

Experience ​and knowledge of working on land-based activities, managing woodland or previous experience in a related field, and experience with tree planting, pruning, and general landscape maintenance are desirable.​

If you are passionate about nature, compassionate toward others, and looking for a practical role where your work genuinely makes a difference, we would love to hear from you.

Reporting to: Head of Communications & Individual Giving
Location: Hybrid, minimum 40% in office in Welwyn Garden City

Principal responsibilities and duties

Budget Management

• With the Head of Comms & Individual Giving, set annual budgets and programmes of activity, actively monitoring performance against these and adapting approach as necessary
• Plan, monitor and control expenditure as appropriate and manage income against set budget, KPIs; providing regular revised projections and narrative for the Senior Leadership Team and trustees as required
• Analyse individual giving performance, reporting as required and using the results to improve practice, including evaluation of cost effectiveness and sustainability

Communicating and building relationships

• Cultivate and steward meaningful relationships with individual donors to maintain their engagement and support and ensure a stable and growing donor base
• Create compelling fundraising materials and appeals targeted at individual donors
• Provide excellent donor stewardship through timely acknowledgement of gifts, personalised communication and recognition efforts.
• Develop and deliver a plan of regular communications for recurring givers and high-value donors
• Represent the charity at Willow or third-party events, to promote fundraising products and talk to potential supporters about ways they can get involved
• Manage relationships with suppliers, agencies and partners

Programme Development

• Conduct regular reviews of income streams and put recommendations into action
• Work with other members of the fundraising team to develop a successful stewardship programme across all supporter types
• Develop and execute strategies to solicit and secure donations from individual donors across various online and offline channels
• Promote and manage our in-memory products, enabling donors to remember their loved ones whilst supporting Willow
• Develop a regular giving programme, executing strategies to acquire, retain, and upgrade individual donors
• Grow our legacy programme and increase the number of people leaving a gift to Willow
• Develop our digital fundraising programme, bringing more supporters online

Data management

• Utilise the charity database (RE NXT) to track donor interactions, manage gift processing and generate reports for analysis and decision making
• Work with the Finance Team, Data & Insight Officer and Supporter Care Officer to ensure accurate data recording
• Use data to identify areas of prospective growth and build plans to deliver these
• Adopt a data-led fundraising approach, segmenting data and using supporter journeys to maintain engagement and speak to people about the right products for them
• Monitor donor attrition and implement measures to mitigate disengagement

Additional

• Build excellent working relationships with colleagues across the organisation, creating processes that support efficiencies and collaborative working
• Work with office volunteers to ensure administrative or support tasks are completed in a timely manner
• Keep up to date on developments and trends in fundraising and the charitable sector, and apply these learnings to improve our offering
• Keep up to date and comply with fundraising, GDPR and other relevant legislation,codes of practice and good standards
• Willingness to work flexibly with occasional work outside of core hours
• Undertake any other tasks as required in the interest of the charity

Person Specification

Experience

• Experience working in individual giving fundraising with an excellent working knowledge of donor recruitment, retention and development
• Experience of designing supporter journeys that engage, retain, and inspire donors
• Experience of preparing and managing annual plans and budgets
• Proven project management experience, including design, print and mailing processes
• Experience of working with a CRM system (we use RE NXT) and digital fundraising tools
• Experienced in using data and insight to inform decisions and optimise activity

Knowledge

• Knowledge of fundraising laws and regulations in relation to data protection and compliance
• Knowledge of the Fundraising Regulator and Institute of Fundraising Code of Practice

Skills

• Proven ability to write engaging copy and compelling fundraising asks for different audiences across varied communication channels
• Effective organisational skills and ability to manage time and prioritise work
• Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure
• Analytical and able to adopt a data-led fundraising approach
• Excellent IT skills including use of a CRM database for both maintenance and interrogation purposes, including data segmentation and reporting

Personal qualities

• A pro-active, self-starter who is comfortable working alone but can also be a team player
• Motivated and target driven
• Personable with excellent ability to engage with supporters and stakeholders with diplomacy, discretion, tact and persuasiveness
• Ability to have a hands-on approach, adapting as necessary to carry out tasks

General

• Hybrid working, with a minimum of two days per week in the office in Welwyn Garden City
• 25 days annual leave, increasing with service, plus bank holidays and discretionary Christmas leave
• Holiday purchase scheme
• Stakeholder pension with matching contributions up to 5%
• Occupational sick pay
• Life Assurance cover of 3 x salary
• Flexible working patterns where appropriate for the role
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to financial advice and employee discounts