Due to retirement, an exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head Gardener who will be responsible for the provision of a gardening and grounds maintenance service for Springhill Hospice and other local Hospice properties, including the efficient and effective operation of the organic allotment.
At Springhill Hospice we pride ourselves on our compassionate and dedicated staff who constantly go above and beyond for our patients and their families and visitors. We invest in our employees to ensure our workforce is the best it can be and provide the following generous benefits to ensure our staff feel valued and appreciated:
* We have adapted elements of the NHS's Agenda for Change across the whole Hospice organisation
* Springhill pension scheme, employee contribution 6% and 14% contribution from the Hospice. Options for existing NHS members to stay in the NHS pension scheme
* 25 days holiday plus 10 bank holidays (pro rota for part time)
* Subsidised meals at the Hospice
* Family friendly policies and flexible working opportunities
* Training and development
* Equal opportunities employer
* Free parking (Main Hospice site and The Hub office)
* Easy access via public transport
* Access to Blue Light Card discounts and benefits
Desired skills and experience
The successful candidate will be educated to a minimum of Level 2 (RHS/BTEC/NVQ) in Horticulture or Amenity Horticulture with experience of garden management and a proven track record of maintaining gardens to a high standard.
The post holder will be responsible for the recruitment, retention, training and supervision of both regular and corporate volunteers. It is essential, therefore, that the successful candidate has previous management or supervisory experience with the ability to lead, motivate and effectively manage the day-to-day organisation and supervision of a diverse team of garden volunteers.
Whilst not essential, good plant knowledge paired with the ability to design and enhance plant displays would be advantageous. Additionally, knowledge of sustainable gardening methods and organic fruit and vegetable production would be desirable.
Additional information
For more information, an informal discussion or to arrange a visit, please contact Michelle Hurst, Head Gardener on 01706 649920 or at michelle.hurst@springhill.org.uk
Closing date: 5:00 pm on Friday 24th October 2025
Interview date: Tuesday 4th November 2025
Key information
Location: Springhill Hospice
Salary: Salary: £29,767 - £32,825 per annum pro rata (Band 5, pts 16 – 19)
Please submit your CV (setting out your career history, with key responsibilities and achievements) alongside a cover letter telling us why you feel you are suitable for this role, in particular, explaining how you fulfil the requirements set out in the Person Specification.
Please also complete our Equal Opportunities Form and return with your CV and Cover Letter.
This allows us to see if there are any unfair barriers to becoming a Springhill Hospice employee and whether there are any changes that we could make to encourage a more diverse field of applicants to apply. You can select ‘prefer not to say’ to any question you do not wish to answer. The information you provide will not be used as part of the selection process and will not be seen by the interview panel.
We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion. We recognise that everyone is different, and we value the unique contribution that individual experiences, knowledge and skills make in delivering quality services. We therefore encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities.
Please note that a DBS check will be undertaken as part of our pre-employment checks for the successful candidate.
We are an equal opportunities employer.
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