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- Tasks: Lead gardening efforts to create a beautiful, safe space for families at our Hounslow Centre.
- Company: Skylarks Charity, dedicated to supporting children with additional needs and their families.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, make a difference, and be part of a compassionate community.
- Why this job: Help shape inclusive outdoor spaces while empowering families and reducing isolation.
- Qualifications: Practical gardening experience and a passion for creating welcoming environments.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and contribute to meaningful community projects.
The predicted salary is between 500 - 1500 £ per month.
About Skylarks Charity
At Skylarks, our vision is to help create a world where children with additional needs can thrive. Skylarks provides a supportive and active community for children with disabilities and additional needs and their families. We care for the whole family, providing opportunities to join in, develop, and feel empowered while reducing the isolation families can experience. Founded in 2006 by parent volunteers, Skylarks has grown over nearly 20 years into an award-winning charity supporting thousands of families. We deliver inclusive activities, therapies, advice services and programmes that are often otherwise inaccessible. Our independence allows us to respond directly to families' needs, and we do not receive statutory funding.
OUR VALUES
- Compassion – We lead with empathy and understanding.
- Inclusion – Everyone belongs. We actively remove barriers.
- Empowerment – We build confidence, skills and voice.
- Community – We are stronger together.
PURPOSE OF ROLE
The Volunteer Lead Gardener plays a vital role in ensuring that our Hounslow Centre in Inwood Park remains a beautiful, safe, and welcoming environment for our families. You will oversee the maintenance of the grounds and help shape the future of our outdoor provision, including sensory and educational spaces.
PRINCIPAL TASKS
- Garden Maintenance: Maintaining the garden and grounds of the Skylarks Hounslow Centre to a high standard.
- Plant Care: Ensuring all plants, shrubs, and green spaces are cared for, watered, and remain healthy.
- Corporate Volunteering: Supporting the Partnership Manager with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) days where gardening is the primary focus.
- Design & Development: Supporting the team in the design and creation of new sensory garden areas and forest school spaces.
- Safety: Ensuring pathways and outdoor areas are clear and safe for children with additional needs.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential: Practical gardening experience and plant knowledge. A "can-do" attitude and willingness to lead small groups of corporate volunteers. An interest in creating inclusive outdoor spaces (e.g., sensory gardens).
Desirable: Knowledge of "Forest School" principles or sensory planting. Experience in landscape design or grounds maintenance.
Our Commitment to Inclusive Recruitment
Skylarks is proud to be an accredited Disability Confident Employer and actively promotes inclusive recruitment practices. We welcome candidates with lived experience of additional needs and are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
Application Process
Closing date: Saturday 21st February. To apply, please submit your CV and a supporting statement outlining your experience below or to: recruit@skylarks.charity.
Volunteer - Lead Gardener in London employer: Skylarks
Contact Detail:
Skylarks Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer - Lead Gardener in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Skylarks and their mission! Before your interview, dive into their website and social media. Understanding their values and community impact will help you connect with them and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your gardening skills! Bring along photos of your previous work or even a portfolio if you have one. This visual evidence can really make you stand out and demonstrate your practical experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about inclusivity! Since Skylarks focuses on creating inclusive spaces, think of examples where you've made environments more accessible or welcoming. This will highlight your alignment with their values.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare some thoughtful questions about the role and the team. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you. Plus, it makes for a great conversation starter!
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer - Lead Gardener in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for gardening and supporting families shine through. We want to see how much you care about creating inclusive outdoor spaces!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant gardening experience and any work with children or families. We love seeing how your skills align with our mission at Skylarks!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: In your supporting statement, share specific examples of your gardening work and how you've made spaces welcoming. This is your chance to show us why you're the perfect fit for the Lead Gardener role!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Skylarks
✨Know Your Gardening Stuff
Brush up on your gardening knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific plants, maintenance techniques, and any experience you have with sensory gardens or outdoor spaces. This shows your passion and expertise, which is crucial for the role.
✨Emphasise Your Leadership Skills
Since you'll be leading small groups of corporate volunteers, highlight any previous leadership experiences. Share examples of how you've motivated others in a gardening context or any community projects you've been involved in. This will demonstrate your ability to guide and inspire.
✨Show Your Compassion and Inclusivity
Skylarks values compassion and inclusion, so be prepared to discuss how you can create welcoming environments for children with additional needs. Share any relevant experiences where you've worked with diverse groups or adapted activities to ensure everyone can participate.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions about Skylarks' vision and future projects. This not only shows your interest in the charity but also gives you insight into how you can contribute. Ask about their current garden projects or how they envision the sensory spaces evolving.
