Horticulture Instructor

Sodexo; Peterborough; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading company as a Horticulture Instructor at HMP Peterborough, where you'll engage with prisoners to develop horticultural skills. This role fosters employability and improves self-esteem through structured training. With a strong focus on equality and diversity, this opportunity is perfect for individuals passionate about social rehabilitation and education.

Benefits

Sodexo retirement plan

Discounts to over 1,900 brands

Gym discount

24/7 employee assistance programme

Qualifications

• Minimum of CTLLS or PGCE required.
• Knowledge of equalities and diversity best practices.
• Experience in instructing people with challenging behaviour.

Responsibilities

• Deliver accredited and non-accredited training to prisoners.
• Maintain and enhance prison grounds as part of rehabilitation.
• Innovate teaching methods for diverse learning styles.

Skills

Knowledge of gardening/landscaping/botany

Ability to instruct effectively

Strong interpersonal skills

Commitment to developing self-esteem

Education

CTLLS or PGCE

FdSc Horticulture

BSc (Hons) Horticulture

Recognised Level 3 qualification in horticulture

Job description

We are currently recruiting for a Horticulture Instructor at HMP Peterborough. In this hands-on role, you'll support learners in developing horticultural skills and working toward a recognised qualification. You'll foster positive behaviour and boost self-esteem through structured learning, with the goal of improving employability and reducing reoffending. Key responsibilities include delivering accredited and non-accredited training, supervising the Gardens Party, coordinating daily work and training activities, and ensuring safe working practices. You'll also play a vital role in maintaining and enhancing the prison grounds as part of a purposeful and rehabilitative work environment.

Join Sodexo and be part of something greater.

You belong in a team where you can act with purpose and thrive in your own way.

• Work effectively and efficiently with the Vocational Strand Lead to produce innovative and stimulating lessons for prisoners to encourage participation whatever level the prisoners are starting from.
• Effectively plan courses and lessons by preparing and using schemes of work and lesson plans for all classes for the benefit of the learner as for evidence at audit/lesson observations.
• To ensure all relevant policies and procedures, such as Security, Health and Safety and Prisoner Welfare, are adhered to and take responsibility of the work area.
• Identify the needs of individuals in classes and groups and develop differentiate teaching methods and resources accordingly.
• Assist in any marketing strategies related to courses, delivery and training within normal work hours and out of normal work hours..
• Attend team meetings to evaluate progress and promote good practice and attend all staff meetings, which will include giving feedback on classes and ideas for development of teaching practice and the department generally.
• Establish a rapport with prisoners to encourage them to take their first steps in learning and achieve a recognised qualification.
• Undertake duties as required by the Director or Head of Reducing Reoffending that will contribute to the effective operation of HMP Peterborough.

Please see attached job description for further information regarding the role requirements

The Ideal Candidate

• Full teaching qualification (Minimum of CTLLS) or PGCE and working towards an assessor qualification.
• You’re likely to be qualified in one or more of:
• FdSc Horticulture
• BSc (Hons) Horticulture
• FdSc Sports Turf
• BSc (Hons) Sports Turf Science & Management OR
• Recognised Level 3 qualification or above in an identified subject and professional experience. OR Be occupationally competent or technically knowledgeable in horticulture
• Knowledge of gardening/landscaping/botany. .
• Knowledge of and commitment to best practice in equalities and diversity.
• Ability to instruct effectively and to prepare relevant materials.
• Ability to teach well, with evidence of differentiation, inclusion, and awareness of learning styles.
• Commitment to developing skills and self-esteem of prisoners.
• Strong interpersonal skills with an approachable personality.
• Willingness to innovate and demonstrate self-motivation.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to change.
• Awareness of and commitment to the promotion of equal opportunities and the recognition of diversity and inclusion.
• Experience of instructing/supporting people with challenging behaviour.
• Experience of working with people from a range of cultural and faith backgrounds.
• Experience in a prison environment.

Package Description

Salary between £31,650 - £40,440

37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater.

You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you’ll be able to thrive in your own way.

In addition, we offer20+ Sodexo benefits such as Sodexo retirement plan, discounts to over 1,900 brands to shop online, Gym discount to maintain a healthy lifestyle, a confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme providing independent support to overcome whenever life has its obstacles including emotional support, legal and financial advice.

For further details regarding our Sodexo benefits please see attached.

Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!

About The Company

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all. As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services .

We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities, and we celebrate diversity . We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be natural, and be the best versions of themselves . We recognise that we’re on a journey with regards to diversity and inclusion and would therefore welcome applications for candidates from underrepresented backgrounds .

We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations . We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job .

Salary Salary between £31,650 - £40,440 per annum

Frequency Annual

Job Reference SDX/TP/2323401/144593

Contract Type Permanent – Full Time

Closing Date 09 July, 2025

Job Category Prison Service

Business Unit UK Government - Justice

Location HMP Peterborough, Saville Road, Peterborough PE3 7PD, United Kingdom