At a Glance
- Tasks: Help maintain beautiful gardens and support the wellbeing of hospice service-users.
- Company: Springhill Hospice, a caring community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on gardening experience while making a positive impact.
- Other info: Flexible hours, training provided, and a chance to learn new skills.
- Why this job: Join a rewarding role that combines nature, teamwork, and community support.
- Qualifications: No formal qualifications needed; just a passion for gardening and helping others.
Location: Springhill Hospice. Hours: Ideally 4 hours per week in 1 day, or split over 2 days.
Our volunteer gardeners support the provision of a professional gardening and grounds maintenance service for Springhill Hospice and its local satellite sites. Springhill service-users include those with life-limiting illness, their carers and family members, and people with neurological health issues, such as dementia, visiting our day therapies centre.
This role will assist in the day-to-day upkeep of our award‑winning gardens, across all our green spaces including ornamental bedding, mixed shrub and herbaceous displays, woodland, and an allotment, greenhouses and polytunnels. Please note that some roles may be seasonal or AYR, and may be specialised if applicants have specific interests or skills e.g. composting, memorial plant care, crops, lawns, cut‑flowers, propagation. The hospice working environment will, at times, be physically and emotionally demanding, but it is also very rewarding and fun.
Duties- Support the Head Gardener with new ornamental displays and projects.
- Undertake any necessary soil improvement such as digging, manuring and mulching; we follow an organic and mostly no‑dig regime to enhance biodiversity.
- Maintain the ornamental borders and beds by weeding, pruning and tying‑in new growth.
- Undertake watering when necessary.
- Monitor health of plants and report the presence of pests and disease; we promote natural predators and remedies.
- Assist in harvesting crops; most go to our hospice kitchen and some are presented for sale on our cart.
- Assist in up‑keep of composting systems.
- Assist Grounds Maintenance teammates in the up‑keep of garden furniture, structures, etc.
- Use PPE and equipment safely, keeping tools clean and reporting any faults to the Head Gardener.
- Support the promotion of the gardens through our guided tours, corporate volunteer days and Britain in Bloom competitions.
- Support initiatives to generate income, i.e. plant sales, garden memorial schemes and events.
- Awareness of safeguarding responsibilities for our vulnerable adults.
- Participate in meetings and training deemed necessary for role.
- Read, understand and comply with all Hospice policies and procedures, applying the principles appropriate to the role.
- Qualifications
- Essential – none
- Desirable – hold or studying a recognised horticultural qualification, such as RHS, City & Guilds in gardening
- Skills
- Physically fit and willing to undertake gardening activities in all weathers
- Good plant knowledge and willing to learn more
- Friendly disposition, with good interpersonal and communication skills
- Emotional maturity, sensitivity and patience, and the ability to work with a range of people collaboratively
- The capacity to use your initiative and safely work independently
- Good organisational skills
- Competent digital skills as mobiles and emails are used for communicating within the team
- Experience
- Essential – previous domestic or voluntary experience in gardening.
- Desirable – worked in a horticulture discipline for a minimum of 1 growing season, particularly in healthcare environments.
Springhill Hospice is an equal opportunities employer and has a No Smoking Policy. The role is subject to a Disclosure & Barring Service/POVA check.
Training is crucial to the role.
Training Courses- Induction & Tour – Required before starting: Yes, Mandatory: Yes, Frequency: Once
- Manual handling – Required before starting: No, Mandatory: Yes, Frequency: Once
- Working at Height Awareness – Required before starting: No, Mandatory: Yes, Frequency: Once
- Operator trained by Manager on the Stihl Battery Powered Equipment: Mower, Strimmer, Edger, Blower, Hedgetrimmers – Required before starting: No, Mandatory: Yes, Frequency: Once
If this is of interest to you please contact our Volunteer Coordinator:
Email: volunteer@springhill.org.uk
Call: 01706 649920
To find out more, please fill out the below Volunteer Interest Form. Should you have queries, you can also contact our Volunteer Coordinator: Call 01706 649920, Email volunteer@springhill.org.uk
Volunteer Gardener employer: Springhill Hospice
Springhill Hospice is an exceptional employer that offers a rewarding volunteer experience in a supportive and nurturing environment. As a Volunteer Gardener, you will not only contribute to the upkeep of our beautiful gardens but also play a vital role in enhancing the well-being of our service-users and their families. With opportunities for personal growth, training, and the chance to engage with the community through various initiatives, volunteering here is both meaningful and fulfilling.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Gardener
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the place! Before your interview, take a stroll around Springhill Hospice and its gardens. Familiarising yourself with the environment shows genuine interest and helps you chat about how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your gardening skills! Bring along photos of your previous gardening projects or any relevant experience. This gives us a visual idea of what you can bring to the team and makes you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to talk about teamwork! Since you'll be working with various people, share examples of how you've collaborated in the past. We love seeing that friendly disposition and good communication skills in action!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Show your enthusiasm by asking about specific gardening projects or initiatives at the hospice. It not only demonstrates your interest but also helps you understand how you can fit in.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Gardener
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to know who you are beyond your gardening skills. Share your passion for plants and why you want to volunteer with us at Springhill Hospice.
Show Your Experience:Even if you don’t have formal qualifications, highlight any gardening experience you have, whether it’s from your own garden or previous volunteering. We love seeing how you've engaged with plants and nature!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to read the job description carefully and tailor your application to match what we’re looking for. Mention specific skills or experiences that relate to the duties listed, like composting or plant care.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website by filling out the Volunteer Interest Form. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and get you started on this rewarding journey with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Springhill Hospice
✨Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge before the interview. Familiarise yourself with common plants, their care requirements, and any specific ones mentioned in the job description. This will show your passion for gardening and your willingness to learn.
✨Show Your Soft Skills
Since you'll be working with vulnerable adults, it's crucial to demonstrate your emotional maturity and sensitivity. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've shown patience and good communication skills, especially in challenging situations.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions about gardening techniques and your approach to tasks like weeding, pruning, and composting. Prepare to discuss your previous gardening experiences and how you’ve handled physical work in various weather conditions.
✨Express Your Team Spirit
This role involves collaboration with the Head Gardener and other volunteers. Be prepared to talk about your teamwork experiences and how you can contribute positively to the team dynamic at Springhill Hospice.
