Garden and Volunteer Wellbeing Coordinator, Frimley & Woking

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

Main purpose of job: 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 garden.

Department: Community Connections

Location/Branch: Frimley & Woking

Role reports to: Community Connections Service Manager

Hours: 21 hours per week

Length of contract: Permanent

Salary: £24,980 pro rata (£14,988 actual)

Key Accountabilities

• Project manage the enclosed garden space at Frimley Lodge Park and The Arch in Woking.
• Develop 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
• 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 (digging, lifting, 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 Connection groups and activities.

This is not an exhaustive list of the duties that may need to be undertaken. It may be necessary to undertake other duties in order to fulfil the objectives of the charity.

General terms of reference

• Work collaboratively across the organisation to offer support to all main functions.
• Be committed to the role and support Catalyst to be the most efficient it can be.
• Be someone who believes in fairness and conducts themselves with integrity.
• Work flexibly across operational sites, including working from home arrangements in agreement with your line manager, as required which may include evening and weekend work.
• Be motivated to improve personal performance, outcomes, contribution, knowledge and skills.
• Be professional when partaking in Management, Trustee Board and other work related team meetings; appraisals, workforce development and supervision processes.
• Keep abreast of developments in services, legislation and identify good practices where appropriate.
• Contribute to maintaining safe systems of work and a safe environment for all staff on site or working remotely.
• Represent Catalyst at external agencies/meetings and support our values and the culture of Catalyst.
• Assist in ensuring GDPR compliance throughout the service.
• Adhere to health and safety compliance, ensuring timely and accurate record keeping.
• Adhere to confidentiality policy.
• Undertake other duties appropriate to the grade of the post.

Disclosures

This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at a basic level. Please note past drug and/or alcohol or criminality history will not necessarily discount you from undertaking this role.

Person Specification

Qualifications and experience

• Educated to A level or equivalent in relevant disciplines e.g. English, Media
• Experience of working / learning in a horticulture environment
• Experience of supporting volunteers and staff
• Experience of developing creative wellbeing activities

Knowledge and skills

• 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

Personal attributes

• 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