THE NATIONAL INSTITUTIONS OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND
MANAGING EMPLOYER: THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY
(IN HIS CORPORATE CAPACITY)
LAMBETH PALACE
JOB PROFILE
JOB TITLE:
Head Gardener
GRADE:
Band 5
LOCATION:
Lambeth Palace, London SE1 7JU
ACCOUNTABLE TO:
Steward
RESPONSIBLE FOR:
Gardener (General)
Gardener (Grounds Person)
Garden Volunteers (16 at present)
KEY RELATIONSHIPS:
Archbishop of Canterbury and Mrs Welby
Steward
Deputy Steward
Head of Events
Events and Tours Manager
BACKGROUND:
Lambeth Palace is the London residence and office of the
Archbishop of Canterbury. The Palace complex comprises
various buildings of historical interest and significance dating
from the 12th Century to 2000, to include the Lambeth Palace
Library and various events spaces, set within 10.5 acres of
landscaped gardens. The garden has been in existence since the
12th century and is one of the oldest continuously cultivated
gardens in the country. Records show that the first gardener
was on site in 1321.
The Palace and gardens are owned by the Church
Commissioners and there are three full-time gardeners,
including the Head Gardener. The garden is the second-largest
private garden in London and is a place of relative calm set
amongst the hustle and bustle of central London and is flanked
by Archbishop’s Park, which is a separate open space managed
by Lambeth Council.
The gardens comprise ornamental courtyards, mixed borders, a
scented-leaved Chapel garden, formal ‘rose’ terrace, woodland,
parkland, native plantings, herb garden, fruit and vegetables
and an orchard. There is an ornamental pond, lined with a
number of bee hives, producing unique Lambeth Palace honey.
There is a spectacular, white-fruited fig tree which was brought
to site in 1556 by the last Roman Catholic Archbishop of
Canterbury, Cardinal Pole. The planting is suited to the often dry
and free-draining river-silt soil variety which is representative
of the geographical area.
The primary use of the garden is for the enjoyment of the
Archbishop and his family but it has many other important uses.
It plays host to charity and National Garden Scheme open days
in the spring/summer months as well as internal, external and
local parish events. The garden attracts much interest from the
media and other parties in light of its national importance.
There is a committed team of garden volunteers who provide a
key role in the maintenance of the garden for several hours, two
days a week at present.
The garden is maintained using organic principles wherever
possible.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Head Gardener is responsible for the ongoing development
and management of the gardens at Lambeth Palace, in
consultation with the Archbishop, Mrs Welby and Steward, to
ensure it remains a centre of horticulture and arboriculture
excellence. It is very much a hands-on role and the Head
Gardener will be expected to spend the majority of their time
working in the garden. An applicable revenue budget will be
applied based on the complexity and status of this garden.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Garden Management and Development
1. Strategically plan, lead, manage, develop and deliver high standards in horticulture
and tree care.
2. Produce and develop a site Conservation Management Plan, to include an audit of
garden contents, health checks and schedule of replacement.
3. Arrange the services of external contractors, including liaison and supervision when
on site to ensure they are working efficiently and safely. Ensure their health and
safety and insurance documentation is received and checked before commencing
work.
4. Act as key liaison with internal and external stakeholders in regard to garden
development/partial re-use opportunities as they may arise in the future.
Team Leadership
5. Lead, motivate and support garden staff, promote smooth working relationships,
encourage internal cooperation and team working to maximise effectiveness,
undertaking staff performance reviews, apply general HR policies such as authorising
holiday requests and arranging training.
6. Allocating tasks to gardeners and volunteers, monitoring work standards, staff
performance and developing routine schedules.
Financial and Administration
7. Administer allocated budgets, monitor expenditure and control costs to minimise
negative financial impact.
8. Ensure that all garden-related administration activities are conducted in a
professional manner, including progress reporting, financial and plant records and
purchasing of garden consumables.
Communication and Customer Service
9. Providing a warm and engaging welcome to all internal and external stakeholders,
guests and local residents; appropriately managing outside requests from
individuals/groups wishing to use the garden.
10. Liaise closely with the Archbishop, Mrs Welby and the Steward in order that their
ideas are developed and needs met.
11. Representing Lambeth Palace on all matters pertaining to the contents and
development plans of the garden, to include attendance at fortnightly staff
meetings.
Partnerships and Fundraising
12. Develop relationships with external stakeholders for purposes of fundraising and
partnerships to aid the development of the garden.
Events
13. Assist with the planning and execution of garden events in collaboration with the
Events Team, preparing plants for purchase. Maintain a regular and high-quality
supply of seasonal herbs, vegetables and fruits for the Lambeth Palace events
catering department.
14. Preparing flower and plant arrangements for specific occasions within Lambeth
Palace.
Volunteers
15. Administer and develop the established garden volunteer scheme.
16. Develop a recruitment and retention policy.
Health and Safety
17. Arranging for the effective maintenance and safe use of the collection of on-site
tools, machinery and equipment.
18. Adhere to the rules of the NCI Health and Safety Policy at all times and develop an
enhanced culture of team buy-in.
19. Develop and manage a tree/canopy care programme.
Other
20. To carry out all other reasonable instructions from the Steward, Archbishop or Head
of Events.
The main duties and responsibilities of this post are outlined above. This list is not exhaustive
and is intended to reflect your main tasks and areas of work. Changes may occur over time
and you will be expected to agree any reasonable changes to your job description that are
commensurate with your banding and in line with the general nature of your post. You will
be consulted about any changes to your job description before these are implemented.
PERSON SPECIFICATION:
Essential
Education:
 Relevant qualification (Level 3 or HND minimum), in horticulture or allied subject,
supported by high level general horticultural knowledge and technical expertise in
horticultural procedures and practices.
Skills/Aptitudes:
 Strong team leadership and management skills, with the ability to motivate staff.
 Ability to lead and undertake strategic and operational planning.
 Excellent analytical, problem solving and decision making skills.
 Sufficient confidence to influence and deal tactfully with people at all levels.
 Highly organised and efficient; able to prioritise; able to keep track of multiple projects.
 Excellent written and verbal communicator.
 Excellent IT skills to include Microsoft Office and the Internet.
 Ambassadorial skills to promote the garden and events, its development and future uses.
Strategic vision and creative flair.
Knowledge/Experience:
 Significant post-qualification experience in horticulture or relevant discipline.
 Previous experience as an Assistant Head Gardener, Garden Team Leader, Head Gardener
or similar.
 Experience of hands-on management of a garden similar in size/scope/historical
significance to Lambeth Palace.
 Experience of planning and running public garden events.
 Line management and supervision of a gardening team.
 Managing and developing a team of gardening volunteers.
 Health and safety management.
Personal Attributes:
 A good level of strength and fitness.
 Diplomacy and tact.
 Punctual and reliable.
 Friendly and personable.
Other
 Sympathetic to the aims of the Archbishop’s ministry and the Church of England generally.
Desirable
Skills/Aptitudes:
 Full, clean, driving licence.
GENERAL CONDITIONS:
Diversity
We understand the benefits of employing individuals from a range of backgrounds, with
diverse cultures and talents. We aim to create a workforce that:
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values difference in others and respects the dignity and worth of each individual
reflects the diversity of the nation that the Church of England exists to serve
fosters a climate of creativity, tolerance and diversity that will help all staff to develop to
their full potential.
We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer and ensuring that all employees,
job applicants, customers and other persons with whom we deal are treated fairly and are
not subjected to discrimination. We want to ensure that we not only observe the relevant
legislation but also do whatever is necessary to provide genuine equality of opportunity. We
expect all of our employees to be treated and to treat others with respect. Our aim is to
provide a working environment free from harassment, intimidation, or discrimination in any
form which may affect the dignity of the individual.
Standards of Behaviour and Conduct
Staff are expected to act at all times with due consideration for others and in a manner
befitting their position as employees of the Church and as professionals, whatever their job.
Health and Safety Responsibilities
The NCIs take Health and Safety at work very seriously and require their staff to familiarise
themselves with, and follow, their policy.
Confidentiality
Staff must not pass on to unauthorised persons, any information obtained in the course of
their duties without the permission of their Head of Department.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Starting Salary:
Salary point of £30,857 per annum. This role is subject to a
probationary period of six months.
Pension Contributions:
Non-clergy staff will be admitted to the Church Administrators
Pension Fund (CAPF, DC Section). Clergy already in the Church
of England Funded Pensions Scheme (CEFPS) will have the
option of either remaining in this scheme or joining the CAPF
scheme.
There is no contracting–out certificate under the Pension
Schemes Act 1993 in force for this employment in relation to
the CAPF and CEFPS. Both CAPF and CEFPS members are
contracted-in to the State Second Pension.
Hours of Duty:
Normal hours of work are 35 per week, Monday to Friday, with
an hour’s unpaid break for lunch. Additional hours as required.
No overtime is paid, but time off in lieu may be taken in
accordance with NCI rules.
Annual Leave:
25 days paid leave per leave year. This is exclusive of public
holidays and additional holidays approved by your employer.
Season Ticket Loan:
Staff are eligible to apply for an interest-free travel season
ticket loan for their journey to and from work.
Contract:
The post is offered on an open-ended contract, subject to a sixmonth probationary period.
Closing date for receipt of applications:
Please note, if you have not heard from us within three days of the interview date, you have
been unsuccessful in your application.
Interviews: TBC
Applicants invited to interview will be required to deliver a 15-minute presentation on a
recent garden project they have led or had significant input in.
A brief tour of the garden will be included. A part of the garden will also be selected, and
candidates asked to use their technical expertise and knowledge to describe the species
contained, overseen by a garden expert. They will also be required to suggest a suitable,
seasonal maintenance regime along with ideas for future development.
The preferred candidate will be required to meet with the Archbishop and Mrs Welby before
a formal job offer is made.