Royal Botanical Gardens Kew
Job Summary
Job Description
Kew’s iconic Palm House was constructed between 1844 and 1848 by engineer Richard Turner, based on designs by Decimus Burton. Built to house tropical plants brought back by Victorian scientists and collectors, it remains one of the most recognised glasshouses in the world. Last restored between 1984 and 1988, the Palm House is now due for another major refurbishment. As part of Kew’s Manifesto for Change, the Palm House will be re-imagined as a lush tropical rainforest environment that helps visitors understand how these extraordinarily diverse ecosystems regulate the global climate and why they require urgent protection.
Kew is currently developing a Delivery Phase proposal for submission to the National Lottery Heritage Fund in August 2026. This proposal will support both the renovation of the Palm House and the delivery of an Activity Plan designed to engage, grow, and diversify audiences. The Activity Plan will follow National Lottery Heritage Fund guidance and includes consultation, testing of ideas, and benchmarking against comparable organisations and projects.
Benchmarking allows teams to understand sector practice, identify indicators of success, and situate Kew’s work within the wider heritage and engagement landscape. This is a crucial phase of activity design, informing best practice and assisting with ambitious, achievable goal setting.
Job Requirements
We are seeking a highly motivated and organised individual to support the benchmarking process of our National Lottery Heritage Fund application. Working independently and in collaboration with Activity Leads (who are responsible for designing funded activities), you will research heritage sector industry standards by directly contacting comparable projects and organisations, gathering vital information to ensure that Kew’s proposed activities grow our profile as a leader in the field.
This freelance role is an opportunity to work at the heart of the cultural and heritage sector, learning about a wide range of leading projects and organisations. You will work in a fast-paced environment to meet strict deadlines, as part of a supportive team who is passionate about what they do, to support a funding application with national impact and international significance.
Job Overview
- Job Title: Cultural & Heritage Benchmarking Co-ordinator
- Salary: £30k-£40k
- Hours:
Full time - Artform: Museums
- Role: Research
- Contract: Contract
- Closing date: Mon, 25 May 2026
-
Location:
London
Job: Cultural & Heritage Benchmarking Co-ordinator
Job: Cultural & Heritage Benchmarking Co-ordinator
Organisation: Royal Botanical Gardens Kew
Postcode: TW9 3JR
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