SOCIETY FOR HORTICULTURAL THERAPY
32,000 per year
London, Battersea Park
Full-time
Senior Social and Therapeutic Horticultural (STH) Practitioner Job Description Location: Reports to: Thrive, London, Battersea Park Regional Centre Manager Direct reports: STH Practitioners Hours: Contract: Salary Main purpose 35 hours Permanent £32,000 To manage the delivery of high quality and effective Social and Therapeutic Horticulture (STH) programmes in London for adults. Providing line management to the Thrive’s London team of STH Practitioners and support them to deliver Thrive STH programs working with plants and people to improve an individual’s physical and psychological health, communication and/or thinking skills. Be responsible for the horticultural aspects of the gardens, delivery spaces and kiosk, planning to ensure appropriate resource, for seasonal STH activities and plant sales. Working in line with Thrive’s aims and objectives to maximise the impact of services which improve lives. Support revenue raising initiatives, such as corporate volunteering opportunities. Relationships • Reporting to the Regional Centre Manager • Managing and working as part of the team of STH Practitioners to deliver Thrive programmes • Liaise with the Centre Manager and Client Services Coordinators to enable smooth operations • Work with and support Thrive’s volunteers who form a key part of the delivery team. • Colleagues at Thrive’s other centres, to support the development of Thrive’s practice. Key Responsibilities Client Services Delivery • Supporting practitioners with planning and delivering sessions for Client Gardeners, using gardening tasks to enable Client Gardeners to achieve their aims. Complete necessary paperwork, including the recording and monitoring of client behaviours and achievements. 1 • Oversee the delivery of STH programmes (onsite and outreach), ensuring the application of good practice to maximise the benefit each client derives from Thrive programmes. Input to the development of new STH programmes (on site and outreach) • • Ensure that all new clients have an assessment of personal goals • Ensure effective data recording to demonstrate client progression and achievements, and implementation of internal & external M&E processes. • Support with issues relating to existing clients in London as part of a collaborative team escalating to the Regional Centre Manager or Client Service Manager where necessary. Liaising with and coaching practitioner in supporting client gardeners. • Ensure that Thrive’s Safeguarding Policies and Procedures are properly implemented and adhered to, reporting incidents/allegations to the Regional Centre Manager or Client Service Manager where necessary • Train, coach and assess clients undertaking City & Guilds or other qualifications in accordance with Thrive’s standardised documentation. • Work in conjunction with the Regional Centre Manager, Thrive’s Training and Education department and IQA to ensure that City & Guilds and other qualifications are delivered according to plan and specifications • Available for occasional client STH delivery cover due to staff absences Gardens and Horticultural Resources • Oversee, prepare and implement horticultural plans for the gardens managed by Thrive, ensuring that they are compliant with the landlord/funder’s planting and maintenance plans (if applicable). • Ensure that sufficient and appropriate horticultural resources are available and that expected horticultural standards are maintained. • Manage the procurement of horticultural materials and equipment, ensuring running costs remain within agreed budget. • Produce work schedule/activities for corporate volunteering days. • Keep plant sales areas stocked to optimise sales opportunities. Management • Provide line management to the STH Practitioners, identifying training, CPD and equipment requirements to deliver effective STH programmes. • Available on a day to day basis to provide support and guidance to Practitioners, complete regular 121’s, Annual Reviews, manage absences and HR issues. • Work with the Regional Centre Manager on the horticultural and equipment budget requirements. Ensure necessary tools and equipment are available. • Support Garden Maintenance Volunteer(s) as needed regarding the upkeep and repairs to horticultural tools and infrastructure. Corporate Days • Identify and plan suitable tasks for corporate groups to undertake in the gardens 2 • Enthuse corporate volunteers regarding the work of Thrive and share information about our work with those participating. • As needed, lead groups of corporates in the garden, ensuring a positive and professional experience • Work coherently with other garden users, such that the works completed by the corporate groups supports our delivery. Quality STH Delivery • Actively participate in the Professional Body for STH, conforming to the code of conduct. • Commitment to personal CPD and the CPD of your colleagues • Keep abreast of latest research and developments in Social and Therapeutic Horticulture (STH) and incorporate appropriate elements into clients’ work programmes • To uphold and model Thrive’s Quality Standards for STH delivery, identifying areas for development as needed. • Taking responsibility for ensuring the quality of monitoring and evaluation of client progress within the team and instigating Monitoring & Evaluation activities in line with the annual plan. General Responsibilities • Work in co-operation with local and national teams • Work in accordance with Thrive policies and procedures at all times • Attend other activities associated with Thrive, including team meetings, national events and staff conferences • Take joint responsibility on a day-to-day basis for the project buildings and gardens so that they remain clean, tidy, attractive, and safe • Support the review and maintenance of tools and other equipment to meet the needs of the project. • Undertake such other duties as may reasonably be required from time to time, given the nature of the project and of the overall functions of the Senior STH Practitioner. This list is not exhaustive. Amendments and additions may be required in the future, in line with policy and other changes. 3 Area Skills and Knowledge Person Specification Essential Desirable/Useful • Thorough understanding of the practice of • Up to date digital skills Social & Therapeutic Horticulture • Good horticultural knowledge and experience with a recognised qualification (such as RHS level 2) • Ability to manage service delivery in a variety of different settings • Ability to coach staff and volunteers to adopt best practice in STH delivery • Ability to handle sensitive issues with compassion and impartiality • Interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to build rapport with a diverse range of people • Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (for delivering City & Guilds qualifications) or willingness to undertake training including use of MS Teams and CRM systems to manage work and reporting; comfortable with MS Office tools. • Understanding of adult social care, social prescribing, safeguarding and health and social care commissioning. • Ability to manage service delivery to ensure the Safeguarding of Adults at risk. • Experience • Application of risk management to service • Monitoring and evaluation of health or social care outcomes. Personal Attributes delivery • Line Management of a small team • Management and motivation of volunteers • Effective cost management • Ability to manage and motivate self and others • A clear thinker with good analytical skills • Strong verbal and written communication • Strong personal organisation and co- ordination • Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a national team Other • Committed to the aims of Thrive • Committed to developing self and others • Willing to undertake some out of hours work 4
SOCIETY FOR HORTICULTURAL THERAPY
18,400 - 23,000 per year (pro rata)
Beech Hill, near Reading
Full-time
JOB DESCRIPTION Title: Reporting to: Direct Reports: Hours: Contract: Salary: Location: Administration Officer Chief Finance & Operating Officer None 28 hours per week Permanent £23,000 p.a. FTE. (£18,400 pro rata) Based at the Thrive’s national office at Beech Hill, near Reading, the role requires occasional trave to Thrive’s Birmingham and London Centres. Purpose of the role 1. To ensure the effective administration and management of the National Office operating environment 2. To manage the day-to-day process in respect of Health & Safety at the National Office and provide support and guidance to Thrive’s delivery sites 3. To ensure the effective onboarding of staff and volunteers, including DBS checks and mandatory training 4. To ensure relevant policies and processes are up to date and effective. Key Responsibilities Health & Safety 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Implement the actions arising from any H&S audits; escalating where necessary and providing guidance to staff where required Liaise with colleagues across Thrive to ensure H&S compliance and consistency of practice Maintain maintenance log and ensure all regular H&S checks and actions are completed and recorded (including DSE Assessments) Contribute to internal communication of matters relating to Health & Safety Manage and arrange as necessary, Thrive’s mandatory training, liaising with managers and HR Officer, sourcing appropriate courses and trainers, working across Thrive to ensure staff, volunteers and Trustees receive relevant and timely training Facilities 1. 2. Maintain office operating manual (housekeeping guide), including up to date schedule of key contacts. Proactively identify and resolve any issues related to the effective and safe running of office. Administration Officer – September 2025 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9 10. 11. 12. HR 1. 2 3. 4. 5. Help Thrive’s centres, where appropriate, to ensure office management is effective. Procure goods and services in a timely fashion, and in accordance with Thrive’s financial regulations, ensuring value for money. Source and manage suppliers and contractors to ensure quality and timeliness of service(s) and conduct due diligence where appropriate. Manage office services including, but not limited to, print, cleaning services and building security. Coordinate third-party room bookings and events, including promoting facilities, organising catering, and supporting visitors. Assist with the management and maintenance of Thrive’s estate, including letting. Maintain office policies and procedures and ensure they are implemented appropriately. Perform reception duties when available and as required (visitors, phone, mail) Act as first point of contact for colleagues needing assistance with office matters Assist with the organisation of events where appropriate (e.g. Staff Conference) Manage the Thrive’s recruitment process for office-based volunteers. Manage vetting process (DBS checks) for all staff, office volunteers and Trustees. Arrange, as necessary, Thrive’s mandatory training, liaising with managers and HR, sourcing appropriate courses and trainers, working across Thrive to ensure staff, volunteers and Trustees receive relevant and timely training Supervise Resource Team volunteer(s). Maintain HR database in accordance with areas of responsibility (e.g. records of mandatory training). General 1. Contribute as a member of the Resources team, and work closely with colleagues across Thrive. Participate in opportunities for professional development and training Support Thrive’s aims and objectives. Abide by health and safety guidelines and share responsibility for own safety and that of colleagues. Undertake other such duties which are compatible with the functions of the post. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Work in line with Thrive’s organisational values at all times. Administration Officer – September 2025 Person Specification – Administration Officer Knowledge, Skills and Experience 1. Experience in a similar role. 2. Experienced in setting, planning and prioritising tasks and resources to meet deadlines and manage time effectively. 3. Excellent communication skills at all levels, both written and verbal. 4. Ability to deal with a variety of sensitive or operationally critical activities to a high standard within agreed time scales. 5. Excellent IT skills (including MS Office). 6. Accuracy and attention to detail with understanding of the need to maintain confidentiality. 7. Experience of managing corporate Health & Safety. 8. Knowledge of HR practices. 9. Experience of sourcing and managing suppliers. 10. Problem-solving skills. 11. Knowledge and understanding equality and diversity issues. Personal Qualities 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Energetic and solution focussed. Confident with good interpersonal skills. Resourceful and confident in acting on own initiative. Highly organised, with an ordered approach. Flexible with a desire to learn. Collaborative. Willingness to work outside office hours if required. The post will require a DBS check. Administration Officer – September 2025