Garden jobs

Senior Health Education Officer

Salary: £35,923 FTE per annum

Letchworth Garden City/ home working (hybrid)

Full time (35 hours a week)

Permanent

Flexible working considered

Are you passionate about advancing healthcare education and making a real impact on MS care? Do you bring a proactive, can-do attitude and experience supporting programmes, projects or stakeholders? If you’re looking to take the next step in your career and want to play a key role in supporting health professionals to develop and thrive, we’d love to hear from you.

Join our friendly team
We are looking for someone with strong communication and relationship building skills, who will enjoy enthusing others to support our cause. Ideally, you will bring experience in project and event coordination, alongside strong data, reporting and organisational skills gained within the health, education or charity sectors, but for the right person, relevant transferable skills and an enthusiastic approach are just as important. We encourage you to apply, even if you feel you may not meet all the criteria listed.

Our charity
The MS Trust is a UK charity which is here to help everyone make sense of MS. We are here for everyone affected by MS, from the moment of diagnosis and throughout their journey. We're here today, tomorrow and every day after that.

The role
Senior Health Education Officer: This is an exciting and varied senior role where you will support the coordination and delivery of a range of education programmes and projects for health and social care professionals. Working closely with other members of the Education team, you will organise events, training and meetings, build relationships with healthcare professionals and external stakeholders, and contribute to the delivery and continuous improvement of high-quality learning that enhances MS care.

What we can offer

· 25 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays, which increases with length of service to 30 days.

· Company pension with enhanced employer contribution. Salary Sacrifice scheme available.

· Death in Service benefit.

· Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay.

· Sick pay.

· Hybrid working.

· Employee assistance Programme

· Fantastic office location with free parking, local to town centre and train station. Good transport links to London and Cambridge.

· Learning and development policy to develop all staff.

· Cycle to work scheme, Volunteering day and Season ticket loans.

To find out more and apply

Please visit our website to download a job pack and application form (CVs will not be considered).

As part of our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), we appreciate your time completing the form, as this allows us to keep our recruitment process fair and neutral.

Closing date: 20 July 2026 at 9am

First Interviews: 30 July 2026

We are looking for an experienced and inspiring Garden and Volunteer Wellbeing Coordinator with an interest in garden and wellbeing activities to come and be part of an exciting community garden project. You will have experience of supporting staff and volunteers and be able to assist with the project management of the ongoing development of the gardens.

Location: Frimley and Woking
Salary: £24,980 pro rata (£14,988 actual)
Hours: 21 hours per week (ideally Tuesday to Thursday)
Contract type: Permanent

About the organisation:

Through Community, Specialist and Outreach services, we support recovery, mental health, and wellbeing—together, every step of the way.

Key responsibilities:

• Project manage the enclosed garden space at Frimley Lodge Park and The Arch in Woking.
• Develop and facilitate a programme of activities within the Catalyst Community Wellbeing Garden that will help improve wellbeing for people in the community, including:
  • Seasonal workshops
  • Gardening with the CEO
  • Staff and partner wellbeing touchpoints
  • Groups for clients struggling with their mental wellbeing
• Recruit, develop and manage garden volunteers
• Work with other partners to promote volunteering and creating a space for wellbeing activities
• Use excellent interpersonal skills to motivate and inspire participants to get the most out of the opportunities that the garden presents
• Develop and implement growing plans and vision for the garden with input from colleagues and volunteers
• Ensure operations are well-organised, safely managed and delivered
• Implement and manage a booking system for volunteer and staff rotas
• Be prepared for physically demanding aspects i.e. digging, lifting and bending
• Ensure the garden is adequately planted during all seasons, and that a programme of activity is in place
• Lead the development of the land and facilities with input from colleagues and volunteers
• Prioritise and time-manage short and long-term growing projects and developments
• Maintain a productive year-round vegetable and herb garden
• Work with colleagues and staff to organise and facilitate seasonal events in the garden
• Develop opportunities for food sharing
• Facilitate the smooth running of activities in the gardens ensuring they are productive, attractive, and pleasant spaces for people to socialise and gather
• Be available to support other Community Connections groups and activities

About you

Essential:

• Experience of working / learning in a horticulture environment
• Experience of working in mental health
• Proven horticulture and gardening knowledge
• Excellent organisational skills
• Excellent planning and development skills
• Ability to organise and manage your own workload
• Good financial awareness when budgeting and planning
• Great communications and interpersonal skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work through busy and challenging priorities
• Ability to work under pressure, with full workloads and to tight deadlines
• Ability to think and work strategically
• Ability use initiative, confidence in making decisions and ability to work collaboratively
• Have authentic attributes of Kindness, Commitment and Integrity
• Ability to work as a team and support other team members
• Ability to maintain Equal Opportunity standards at all times
• Flexible and can-do attitude
• Ability to travel to and from both gardens

Desirable:

• Educated to A level or equivalent in relevant disciplines e.g. English, Media
• Experience of supporting volunteers
• Experience of developing creative wellbeing activities

Benefits

• 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing with service)
• Pension scheme and access to Simply Health (including optical, dental, counselling sessions)
• Birthday leave, employee discounts, and flexible working where possible
• Supportive probation, sick pay after probation, and wellbeing/EAP resources

Safeguarding & Checks

• This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
• A past history of drug/alcohol issues or criminality will not necessarily exclude you from this role; we encourage applications from people with lived experience where appropriate.
• All applicants must have a valid right to work in the UK.

Catalyst Support is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate difference and are committed to fairness, accessibility, and inclusion throughout recruitment and employment.

We welcome requests for reasonable adjustments at any stage of the process.

Please note that we may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Community Garden Co-ordinator.

Salary: £25,000 Hours of Work: 35 per week

This post is offered until June 30th 2028 in the first instance.

Funded by the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund.

Netherton Feelgood Factory, a community-based healthy living centre, is offering an exciting opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of people and the environment by taking forward the development of the Netherton Community Garden and Green Hub. We are looking for an imaginative and committed person with knowledge of horticulture but also with the people skills to support and help people from the local area.

The Netherton Community Garden started life in 2016 as a vision to develop a piece of waste urban land into a garden that could be enjoyed by the community and that also would produce fresh produce to promote health and awareness of growing skills.

Since then, and thanks latterly to a National Lottery grant, the garden has begun to develop as a Green Community Hub with the aim of enabling local people to adopt more sustainable lifestyles. The garden has a positive impact on the local community by providing a meeting place, a venue for skills training and a place to promote positive mental and physical health.

This role is a fantastic opportunity to join an innovative charity at a time when income is growing and our profile is rising. The Public Fundraising team deliver a wide range of fundraising activities including our special events programme, regular donor programme, community fundraising and 3rd party fundraising.

The new assistant will primarily be supporting our Events Manager to deliver our special events programme. Horatio’s Garden is known for its high quality events which include an annual presence at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and our annual Tulip Lunch. In December 2026 we will deliver our largest fundraising event to date - a carol concert for 2,000 supporters at St Paul’s Cathedral. The assistant will be critical in supporting the team to deliver these events effectively and efficiently and working with the communications team to produce related event assets, promotional material and newsletter content.

It is a great opportunity to gain experience working on high profile events in a supportive and experienced team.

As a key member of the management team, you will be responsible for shaping and delivering our development and fundraising strategy at the Garden, contributing to ensuring a strong, diverse and sustainable income portfolio that enables us to reach more people and move closer to a world that values and conserves biodiversity. As the Development and Fundraising Manager, you will be responsible for donor cultivation and stewardship, as well as meeting income targets realised through using various techniques to generate funds from multiple sources, including donations and fundraising from trusts, foundations, statutory sources, the corporate sector and/or legacies. You will support the Board of Trustees Income Generation Committee, the Senior Leadership Team and Managers with funding applications to grant providers, as well as fundraising from donors, sponsors and commercial funding sources. You will research grant and funding opportunities, produce background notes, and develop and manage a database of funding sources that will support delivery of the charitable outcomes of the Garden. You will play a critical role in supporting development of the Garden by advising and guiding the team on funding sources and the preparation of funding bids to the highest possible standard, as well as identifying and implementing fundraising initiatives. You will work in close co-operation with staff across a range of disciplines to maximise access to funds. A passion for sustainability and the Garden’s wider mission is highly desirable. Fluency and confidence in written and spoken Welsh will be an advantage.

Full details can be found on our website below. 

https://garddfotaneg.cymru/ein-gwaith/cenhadaeth/gweithio-gyda-ni/ 

https://botanicgarden.wales/our-work/mission/work-for-us/

We are a large-scale, unique and dynamic hospitality and charity project in the Northwest Highlands with strong philanthropic and community commitments. The heart of our operation is on a remote and beautiful 800-acre island and with new exciting developments on the mainland of the Scottish Highlands including a farm and a hotel.   

As our new gardens and food production areas expand both on island and on mainland, with new glasshouses, the recovery of historical agricultural grounds being added to our existing orchards, kitchen gardens and greenhouses, our Head of Gardens and Growing is looking to grow the gardens team.

We are looking for a gardener to join the team and help in producing food for our staff and guests in our tough but bountiful environment at 58°N, while maintaining an impeccable aesthetic centred round heritage, sympathetic materials and craft.

Our land management approach balances production, nature, and heritage, with an emphasis on using the land to build communities. We aim to deliver a year-round supply of fresh and preserved produce, while also fostering soil health and a mosaic of ecosystems blurring the boundaries of productive gardens and wild spaces. This is a core role in the garden team and will involve working closely with the kitchen, land and guest teams, charitable beneficiaries and volunteers, and of course many hours wrestling with our challenging climate and peaty soil.

GROWTH

We are looking for a professional horticulturist: a confident organic gardener, ideally with an interest in agroecological, no-till and regenerative growing principles and potentially in horticultural therapy.  As well as being accomplished in gardening especially vegetable production growing, a strong part of the role will be facilitating guests, school groups and volunteers. There will be many opportunities for training and professional development. The salary for this role will be £29-37k per annum, depending on experience.

COMMUNITIES

Our team is diverse, driven, and hails from across the country and further afield. We have our own growing island community of staff, guests and volunteers, while also being embedded in mainland life in nearby crofting townships and villages. There are opportunities to work with different teams, help look after our animals, beekeeping, sail heritage boats and get involved with island life. We will be happy to discuss flexible shift patterns and shared accommodation with the right candidate.

ENVIRONMENT

You will be working in an area of outstanding natural and cultural heritage amid a range of unique Northwest Highland marine and terrestrial ecosystems, which we are striving to conserve and extend. We foster a culture of care, attention to detail, and creativity in everything we deliver for the Charitable Trust for which we work, from looking after our guests, staff and local communities to growing and sourcing our food to restoring buildings and landscapes.

We are looking for a capable, self-motivated and flexible individual with excellent communication and organisation skills, and a good sense of humour, who will thrive on a challenging project. If you think this role might be for you then please send your CV and cover letter to us. The closing date for applications will be Friday 24th July and we are looking for someone to start work as early as possible. First interviews will be held by Teams, followed up by a visit to the island as the next stage for shortlisted candidates- date tbc.

Head of Communications & Public Affairs

The Head of Communications & Public Affairs is a pivotal role at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) promoting our world-leading work in science, conservation, horticulture, and education.

Working as an active member of the Senior Leadership Team, this role will lead the organisation’s approach to strategic communications, seeking opportunities to engage external audiences, disseminate key messages, and raise RBGE’s profile on a national and international stage through press and media engagement.

With oversight of the communications and publishing functions, this role will also provide key support to the Regius Keeper and the Executive Team in shaping engagement and communication strategies with political stakeholders across the Scottish and UK governments.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact in the next phase of RBGE’s corporate strategy, strengthening key policy relationships and promoting RBGE’s expertise to deliver real impact in the fight against the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change.

Closing date:                            09:00am (BST) on Monday 20 July 2026        
First interview date:               30 July 2026
Second interview date: 5 August 2026

Recruitment information: 

Further details on the job description, person specification, and how to apply can be found in the candidate pack for the role on our website here: Head of Communications and Public Affairs Candidate Pack

20 hours per week / £28,330 per annum pro rata / permanent / working pattern to be confirmed (can be discussed at interview.)

YMCA DownsLink Group is the leading charity for children and young people across Sussex and Surrey. We offer safe homes, mental health support and trusted advice.

We believe that every child and young person has the right to be safe, heard and to shape their own future. We work alongside them to make that happen.

We are here for children and young people, many of whom face multiple challenges and need our support.

Our Values - we do what’s right, we work with heart, and we build real connections – guide us in all our actions.

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 have sites across East Sussex, centered around our Foyers in Eastbourne and Hastings. These services provide 24-hour supported housing for young people aged 16–25, offering low to medium levels of housing-related support. There are homes throughout East Sussex for young people we continue to support into independence via our Transitional Housing teams, these are typically larger shared houses of 4-8 residents sharing some communal facilities such as bathrooms and kitchens. In total there are approximately 180 residents in East Sussex that the maintenance team oversee.

As a Maintenance Worker covering sites across East 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 19 July 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.

We have an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of fundraising at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

As Fundraising Strategy and Performance Manager, you will help to drive fundraising success through strategic planning, performance insight and the development of compelling propositions. Working collaboratively with colleagues across Development, Gardens, Science, and Marketing & Commercial Enterprise, you will help transform ideas into impactful fundraising opportunities that support Kew’s world-leading scientific, horticultural and conservation work. This is a unique role where you will influence fundraising strategy, work across a wide range of teams and help us deliver on Kew’s mission.

We are looking for a strategic thinker with experience in fundraising and data analysis who is proactive, highly organised and collaborative in their approach. You will be an excellent communicator with strong analytical skills, able to interpret complex data, identify opportunities and build productive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.

Interviews are due to take place on 8 July.

This role is based at Kew with the option of regular home working, subject to operational requirements.

About Us

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG Kew) is a leading plant science institute, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and major visitor attraction. Our mission is to understand and protect plants and fungi for the well-being of people and the future of all life on Earth.

We are working to end the unprecedented extinction crisis and to help create a world where nature is protected, valued by all and managed sustainably. We will achieve these goals by drawing on our leading scientific research, unrivalled collections of plants and fungi, global network of partners, inspirational gardens at Kew and Wakehurst, and our 260 years of history.

Join us on our journey as protectors of the world’s plants and fungi. 

Our fantastic benefits package includes opportunities for continuous learning, a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance, an Employee Assistance Programme and other wellbeing support such as cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership. We also offer a competitive pension, an employee discount scheme and free entry into a wide range of national museums and galleries, as well as access to our own beautiful gardens at Kew and Wakehurst.

At Kew, our strength lies in the diversity of our people and the insights they bring. When you join us, you will find an organisation that values your perspective and lived experience. You will receive support to achieve your full potential and access opportunities to develop and progress.  Our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is ongoing, shaped by the people who work here and the communities we serve. As a disability confident employer, we are breaking down barriers to be an inclusive workplace for everyone. 

Whoever you are, and however you experience the world, there is a place for you to grow and belong at Kew. 

No agencies please.

About Us

The Royal Parks (TRP) manages 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 Park Support and Cemetery Officer to join us at Brompton Cemetery and Kensington Gardens on a full-time, 12 months fixed term basis, working 36 hours per week.

The Benefits

• Salary of £28,864 - £30,500 per annum, depending on experience
• 26 days' annual leave (pro rata) plus public holidays
• Pension scheme (3% employee contribution; up to 10% employer contribution)
• 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 a unique opportunity for a customer-focused individual with administrative experience to join our dedicated and historic organisation.

In this rewarding role, you will be a calm and reassuring presence, helping families and visitors navigate deeply personal moments with empathy, care and quiet professionalism.

What's more, you will become a guardian of heritage, playing a key role in the careful preservation of a breathtaking Victorian garden cemetery where every path tells a story and every detail matters, and of an iconic park in Kensington, central London.

The Role

As a Park Support and Cemetery Officer, you will provide on-site business support and administrative functions to aid the delivery of services at Brompton Cemetery, and at Kensington Gardens.

Specifically, you will serve as the primary point of contact for visitors, colleagues, contractors and families, overseeing bookings, co-ordinating meetings and events, and supporting funerary services with professionalism and empathy.

Beyond this, you will ensure the accuracy of records, calendars and systems, supporting the smooth operation of both sites, Brompton Cemetery and Kensington Gardens, through tasks such as processing permits and commercial licences, purchase orders and invoices, assisting with correspondence and deliveries, managing burial records, helping with grave searches and other client services.

Additionally, you will:

• Raise purchase orders, sales invoices and update financial records
• Manage and maintain key cupboard
• Assist with updating signage and noticeboards

About You

To be considered as a Park Support Officer, you will need:

• Experience of providing a high level of customer service
• Significant experience using office IT applications
• Good literacy, numeracy, and accuracy in administrative tasks
• Strong collaborative skills and adaptability

Other organisations may call this role Administration Officer, Park Administrator, Office Support Officer, Administrative Support Assistant, Park Office Assistant, Cemetery Administrator or Cemetery Services Officer.

We want to put everyone in the best possible position to succeed so 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 want to join us as a Park Support and Cemetery Officer, please apply via the button shown. Successful candidates will be appointed on merit.

At Dandelion Time, we support children facing significant emotional challenges, often, but not always, rooted in adverse childhood experiences such as domestic violence, abuse, or neglect. Our systemic, trauma‑informed approach focuses on the whole family, helping them build healthier relationships, create positive change, and move towards brighter futures.

Nature is at the heart of everything we do. Through hands‑on activities in the natural world, children and families connect with the earth, plants, animals and with each other.

About the Role 

You will play a key role in delivering our therapeutic programme. Reporting to the Therapeutic Programme Manager and supporting the Family Caseworker, you will help plan, prepare and facilitate meaningful therapeutic sessions for children and their families. This may include leading group sessions supported by Teaching Assistants or collaborating with teaching staff involved in each child’s care.

Why Join Us?

You’ll be part of a welcoming, energetic and committed team making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children. The work is deeply rewarding, offering the opportunity to help families rebuild relationships and create new beginnings.

What can you bring to Dandelion Time?

To thrive in this role, you will have experience supporting disadvantaged children or those with SEND.  It would be helpful, but not essential, to have an understanding of the challenges faced by parents and carers managing their own wellbeing. Experience as a Youth Leader, Scout Leader, Forest School Leader, or in a similar child‑centred, outdoor or community role, will be a real asset.

You’ll have a genuine passion for hands‑on, creative activities, whether that’s crafting, working with the land, or caring for animals. An interest in our land‑to‑table ethos, including the preparation and cooking of healthy, nutritious food, will help you feel right at home.

Above all, you’ll bring a warm, joyful presence to the families you support, helping to create a safe, nurturing environment where children can grow, explore and flourish.

Temporary contract

This is a temporary position for 10 months, ideally commencing in early September and continuing until the end of the school year (July 2027). However, our priority is to appoint the right candidate, and we would be willing to offer some flexibility on the start date to accommodate this.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

The function of the Estates & Facilities Lead is to ensure the safe, compliant and effective management of the Hospice Estate (including grounds and  retail properties), providing technical leadership and oversight of all maintenance, compliance and contractor activity. The Estates & Facilities Lead will also contribute to the Hospice Venue for Good, fundraising and marketing activities, designing and enhancing the gardens and the premises and procuring of materials and equipment.

1. Be responsible for the effective management and development of the Estate, ensuring all facilities are safe, secure and fit for purpose.

2. Lead and prioritise all estates and maintenance activity.

3. Be responsible for the overall recruitment, training and development, organisation and supervision of the Estates team and regular garden & maintenance volunteers.

4. Allocate work to operatives and oversee delivery standards.

5. Develop a proactive, planned approach to maintenance to reduce reactive demand.

6. Be proactive in identifying Estate maintenance and garden developmental needs, and their associated resource/budget requirements.

7. Be responsible for the access security of all staff, patients and volunteers at the Hospice via PACS

8. Manage the departmental budget, identifying and co-ordinating day to day expenditure on both PPM and reactive maintenance

9. Be accountable for statutory compliance and safety systems including fire safety, water hygiene and electrical safety

10. Ensure all inspections, checks and servicing are planned, completed and auditable

11. Identify, assess and manage all Estate related risks

12. Contribute to H&S governance and reporting

13. Develop and maintain a PPM programme

14. Ensure reactive maintenance is triaged and prioritised appropriately

15. Be the first point of contact for out of hours Estate emergencies and triage appropriately

16. Monitor outstanding work and ensure timely resolution

17. Develop initiatives to generate income such as plant and surplus crop sales, memorial schemes, Open Garden Day events etc. in collaboration with the Fundraising Team.

18. Contribute to bids for funding which have the potential to facilitate Estate projects.

19. Contribute to Estate project management and co-ordination of capital developments.

20. Monitor and maintain appropriate records for the effective management of Estates team, volunteers, health and safety responsibilities, and equipment inventories.

21. Co-ordinate with fundraising any requests for Estate such as memorial plants, garden furnishings and plaques, and liaising with families in a sensitive manner.

22. Be willing to attend to patients’ needs and requests while still keeping up the high standards of maintenance of the Estates

23. Procure, appoint and manage contractors

24. Ensure contractors work safely and in line with agreed specifications

25. Maintain quality and value for money across all services

26. Undertake hands on maintenance work where required

27. Support operatives with complex or technical issues

28. Ensure work is completed to an appropriate standard

29. Provide direction and support to maintenance staff

30. Promote a proactive, solution-focused team culture

31.      Ensure safe working practices are followed at all times

Contract: Full-time, permanent
Hours: Full-time
Reports to: Chair; Board of Directors 
Location: Hackney
Salary: £50,000-60,000 depending on experience.
Pension: HSoF participates in the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) pension scheme and contributes 3%.
Benefits: 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, free onsite lunches .
Probation period: Six months.

About Hackney School of Food

Hackney School of Food is an award-winning food education hub based in the grounds of Mandeville Primary School in Clapton, East London. Through our teaching kitchen and educational garden, we help children, families and communities build the skills, confidence and knowledge to grow, cook and eat good food.

Each year, we welcome more than 10,000 visits to our kitchen and garden, delivering curriculum programmes for schools alongside community cooking courses, gardening projects, holiday clubs, corporate volunteering and public events. Since becoming a Community Interest Company (CIC) in 2023, we have expanded our facilities, strengthened our governance and built a strong reputation as a leader in food education.

We're now looking for an exceptional Managing Director to build on these strong foundations and lead Hackney School of Food through its next phase of growth and impact.

About the role

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Managing Director (MD) will provide both strategic and operational leadership, ensuring the organisation delivers its mission while remaining financially resilient, well-governed and responsive to the needs of the communities it serves.

The Managing Director is responsible for all aspects of the organisation, including strategy, income generation, finance, governance, partnerships, programme delivery and people leadership. Working closely with a small, committed team and an engaged Board, they will build on strong foundations to grow Hackney School of Food's impact, reach and long-term sustainability.

This is a varied, hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys balancing big-picture thinking with practical delivery. One day you may be developing a new partnership, meeting a prospective funder or working with the Board on future strategy; the next you could be supporting the team, welcoming visitors to the garden or solving day-to-day operational challenges.

Key priorities

In your first 12 months you will:

• Build on Hackney School of Food's strong foundations to deliver the next phase of our strategy and growth.

• Increase and diversify income through fundraising, partnerships and commercial opportunities to strengthen long-term sustainability.

• Lead, support and develop a small, ambitious team, fostering a positive and inclusive culture where people can thrive.

• Strengthen relationships with funders, partners and local businesses, helping Hackney School of Food deepen its impact.

• Work closely with the Board to embed strong governance, organisational systems and long-term planning for the future.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership 

• Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for Hackney School of Food, ensuring delivery of its mission, vision and long-term objectives. 

• Lead the development and implementation of Hackney School of Food's annual business plan and organisational priorities.

• Work with the Board to evolve organisational strategy, identify opportunities, manage risks and support sustainable growth.

• Monitor, report on and respond to organisational performance against agreed objectives and impact measures. 

• Champion Hackney School of Food externally, strengthening its profile and influence.
   

Financial sustainability and income generation 

• Oversee organisational budgeting, financial planning, forecasting and cashflow management, working closely with the Treasurer and accountant.

• Lead income generation across the organisation, including trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, sponsorship and earned income.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with funders, sponsors and strategic partners.

• Ensure all funding commitments are met, including grant reporting, monitoring and evaluation requirements.

• Identify new opportunities to diversify income and strengthen long-term financial sustainability.

Partnerships & External Relations

• Act as the main point of contact for HSoF’s key partners, LEAP Federation and Chefs in Schools to ensure the partnerships are effective and positive.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with other key stakeholders, including local authorities, funders and sponsors.

• Represent Hackney School of Food at meetings, events, and public forums.

• Champion the value of food education and contribute to wider local and national conversations. 

• Ensure programmes remain responsive to community needs through ongoing engagement and consultation. 

Governance and public benefit 

• Ensure the organisation operates in line with its CIC objectives and delivers clear public benefit. 

• Support the Board of Directors to fulfil its governance responsibilities through high-quality reporting, planning and decision-making.

• Prepare Board papers, reports and agendas, ensuring timely and accurate information is available to support effective governance.

• Oversee and report on organisational performance to the Board of Directors quarterly.

• Act as the primary link between the Board and the operational team.

• Maintain effective governance, delegated authority and accountability frameworks. 

• Support the Board in meeting all statutory and regulatory obligations relating to the CIC.

People, Culture and safeguarding

• Provide leadership to a small core team (currently c.4 employees), directly managing staff and fostering a positive, inclusive culture. 

• Provide oversight and support for a wider network of approx. 15 freelance contractors to ensure consistently high-quality delivery.

• Lead recruitment, induction, performance management and professional development in line with safer recruitment and equality principles. 

• Ensure effective organisational structures, clear roles, and performance accountability.

• Oversee HR processes including appraisals, performance management, and professional development.

• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, embedding safeguarding throughout the organisation maintaining compliance with all relevant requirements. 

• Develop organisational systems, policies and practices that support an inclusive, high-performing workplace.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Maintain and regularly review the organisational Risk Register and report key risks and mitigations to the Board.

• Oversee organisational policies, procedures and continuous improvement, ensuring policies and legal requirements are up to date, clearly communicated and embedded across the organisation. 

• Ensure compliance with employment law, health and safety, safeguarding, GDPR and other relevant legislation. 

Personal specification

Essential experience 

• Senior leadership experience with responsibility for organisational performance and accountability. 

• Experience securing income through fundraising, partnerships and/or commercial activity.

• Experience of financial leadership, including budget setting, forecasting and cashflow oversight.

• Experience working closely with a Board, Trustees or governing body to translate strategic vision into operational delivery. 

• Experience building and managing successful partnerships with funders, businesses and community stakeholders. 

• Experience in managing and motivating a team, creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture. 

• Experience of governance, compliance and organisational risk management.

• Experience of safeguarding within an education, youth or community context.

• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands, make sound decisions and remain resilient in a resource-constrained environment.

Essential skills and attributes

• Passion for Hackney School of Food's mission and the role of food education in improving health, wellbeing and community connection. 

• Strategic thinker who is equally comfortable with hands-on operational leadership. 

• Entrepreneurial, resourceful and committed to building long-term financial sustainability and identifying growth opportunities.

• Ability to lead a team through change with sensitivity, clarity and kindness.

• Strong communicator with excellent relationship-building skills. 

• Confident decision-maker with a high level of personal accountability. 

• Committed to equity, inclusion and community-led practice.

Desirable 

• Experience working within a Community Interest Company (CIC), social enterprise or charity.

• Knowledge of Hackney, its communities and local stakeholder landscape.

• Experience of working in food education, community food, gardening, environmental education or a related field.

• Experience reviewing and managing contracts, service agreements or other legal documentation.

An inclusive workplace

We know that diverse teams make stronger organisations and are committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to fair and inclusive recruitment and will consider all qualified applicants regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

We particularly encourage applications from people who are under-represented in our sector and in leadership roles, including people from the global majority and those whose lived experience brings valuable perspectives from the communities we serve. We also welcome applications from people who live in Hackney or East London.

How to apply

The deadline to apply is Monday 20 July at 9am. Please apply by filling out this application form.

You'll find the link to the application form on our Recruitment Pack which provides more information. 

Stage 1: A one-hour online interview with the Senior Team and Board (24 July) 

Stage 2: On-site interview at Hackney School of Food (30 July), including a short presentation. 

We may also invite the preferred candidate to an informal meeting with the wider team and Board before making a final appointment. 

The successful applicant will need to pass an enhanced DBS check and provide two suitable references. 

We may close the application window earlier if we are inundated with applications, so please don't wait to apply.

If you have any questions about the role or your suitability, please feel free to get in touch with us. You will find a Recruitment pack and email address to contact via our website.

Thrive, we are working towards creating a future where people with ill health, disability or disadvantage experience the life-changing benefits of gardening and nature.

‘It’s a joy to see the life changing impact of our services and to know that my job really makes a difference.’

We’re looking for a supportive and proactive Centre Manager who can enable our passionate and committed Reading team to deliver an excellent service for client gardeners.

Confident business development skills are needed to identify new partnerships and expand our programme delivery to ensure the continued sustainability of the centre. Creativity, problem solving, prioritising and the ability to manage a diverse workload, where each day is different, is key in this role.

If you are a people-focused manager with experience of working in social care or charities, Thrive can offer you a varied and rewarding challenge.

Appointment to this post will be subject to 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.