Head National Programmes- Surrey/Manchester

Location:          Bridgewater / Wisley / flexible. (Hybrid/flexible working)

Hours:             37.5 pw

Contract:          Permanent

Are you passionate about engaging people with horticulture? Do you believe in the potential of gardens to inspire and generate positive change for peoples’ wellbeing and the environment?

Overview of the Role

We are looking for a Head of National Community Programmes to join our dynamic and friendly team. This new role sits within our new Learning and Public Engagement division, and will work with communities across the UK to support wellbeing, inspire curiosity and build communities as we aim to open up horticulture for everyone.

The Head of National Community Programmes is one of five new senior management roles within the division, revised to create a step change in RHS Learning and Public Engagement and to meet the RHS strategy goals. This is an exciting time to be joining the UK’s leading gardening charity, to inspire and empower more people to grow.

As Head of Learning you will be responsible for:

• Leading the planning, direction and development of RHS-wide national community programmes including Britain in Bloom, It's Your Neighbourhood, community outreach and wellbeing gardens.


• Engaging more people with growing to open up horticulture for everyone


• Building and maintaining productive external relationships in the community engagement sphere


• Monitoring and improving programmes


• Safeguarding of participants

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

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

Details of our great benefits can be found here.

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.

Please note:  We may review applications as soon as we receive then so if you see a vacancy that you are interested in, please apply straight away as the vacancy will be closed as soon as we hire the right candidate. Should you require any additional support with making your application please contact People Services on peopleservices@rhs.org.uk or 01483 226 530.