We're looking for a passionate and knowledgeable Horticulture Instructor to join our team at HMP/YOI Peterborough. In this rewarding role, you'll use your horticultural expertise to deliver engaging vocational training, helping prisoners develop practical skills, gain recognised qualifications, and improve their future employment prospects. You'll manage the prison's Gardens Party, promote safe working practices, and play a key role in supporting rehabilitation through education and hands-on learning.
HMP Peterborough is the UK’s first purpose‑built prison to house both men and women on the same site. With high levels of physical security, it provides needs‑led personal development services tailored to both populations. As a resettlement‑focused establishment, it offers a wide range of educational, vocational and behavioural programmes, alongside workshops, accredited training and employment opportunities that build practical skillsfor release. The site also includes dedicated healthcare, family services and faith facilities to support overall well‑being.
Sodexo has a culture built on three hallmarks: Be Positive, Be Courageous and Be the Difference. We encourage people to be positive by creating hope and respect in every interaction, to be courageous by safely challenging behaviours that don’t support a positive environment, and to be the difference by taking actions that improve outcomes for those we support.
By living these hallmarks each day, you help build routines, rituals and behaviours that show what good looks like. You recognise and encourage the right actions, and you lead with intention - knowing every moment of connection counts.
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.
For more information on Sodexo Careers please visit
Main Responsibilities
Deliver engaging accredited and non-accredited horticulture training, enabling learners to gain recognised qualifications and practical skills.
Manage and supervise prisoners working within the Gardens Party, ensuring a safe, productive and supportive working environment.
Plan, prepare and deliver high-quality lessons that meet the individual learning needs of prisoners.
Monitor learner attendance, progress and achievement, maintaining accurate records and supporting positive outcomes.
Ensure compliance with all prison policies, including security, health and safety, safeguarding and prisoner welfare.
Contribute to the maintenance and improvement of the prison grounds while supporting rehabilitation, employability and reducing reoffending.Please see attached job description for further information regarding the role requirements
The Ideal Candidate
Holds a recognised teaching qualification (minimum CTLLS or equivalent) and has relevant horticultural qualifications or substantial industry experience.
Has strong knowledge of horticulture, gardening, landscaping or grounds maintenance, together with relevant health and safety practices.
Is an engaging instructor who can motivate learners of varying abilities and adapt teaching methods to meet individual needs.
Demonstrates excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive and professional relationships.
Is organised, flexible and self-motivated, with the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
Shares a genuine commitment to rehabilitation, equality, diversity and inclusion, with a passion for helping people develop new skills and confidence.
Enhanced Level 2 clearance and DBSPackage Description
From £32,987.47 - £38,801.01 depending on qualifications and experience
37.5 hours per week
Monday - Friday
Free meals (where applicable)
Free on-site parking
Access to the on-site gym and subsidised gym membership
Bupa healthcare scheme
Life assurance
Sodexo Retirement Plan
Discounts at over 1,900 retailers
Employee Assistance Programme offering 24/7 emotional, legal and financial support
Access to a wide range of additional Sodexo benefitsWorking 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 description
£32987.00 - £38801.00 per year