Our benefits
The RHS has designed a rewards programme that reflects the interests of its employees and these interests are largely related to horticulture.
Listed is the suite of benefits that the RHS offers, however they may not be applicable to all posts. Your benefits will be confirmed with your job offer. We want to provide benefits that everyone can enjoy and appreciate and therefore regularly review this list.
Shows and gardens
You can visit the world-acclaimed RHS flower shows and gardens for free and are also given complimentary tickets for friends and family.
Annual leave
We appreciate that for you to be at your best, regular holiday and the ability to relax are essential. We have decided that the statutory minimum of 20 days is not enough so we offer a minimum of 25 days plus eight Bank Holidays per annum. This way you can relax and unwind for at least six weeks* of the year.
As a further reward, those people that stay with us for more than three years will receive an extra three days to their holiday allowance. Those with 10 years service, receive an additional two days holiday.
The RHS appreciates that some years you might want to add an extra week of leave for something special or would like to ‘cash in’ a week, so we offer a buy and sell annual leave option too.
*based on a five-day week
Employee discount
All employees are eligible for 20% discount at all RHS shops and plant centres, which is handy if you are in need of a fantastic cup of coffee or a special greetings card and gift. There is a 50% discount offered in our food outlets also*
Horticultural advice
Staff have access to free horticultural advice from our experts in our Advisory Department, so if you want to know what sort of apples are growing in your garden or when to plant bulbs, you know where to go.
The Garden
Our employees receive a free copy of our acclaimed horticultural magazine The Garden on a monthly basis.
Seed distribution
You are entitled to 20 free packets of seed each year to help brighten up your garden at home.
Free access to RHS libraries
You are allowed access to the RHS libraries and can borrow books (both horticultural and non-horticultural) without any cost.
Pension
Staff can join the (contributory) Group Personal Pension Scheme after three months continuous service.
Life assurance
The RHS understands the importance of life assurance and therefore provides this at three times your salary.
Private medical insurance (taxable)
If you are an employee you are offered company-paid private medical insurance as we are committed to looking after the health of our staff. You can contribute to this insurance to include your partner and any dependent children.
Maternity pay
The RHS has opted to provide a higher level of maternity benefits than is required by law as we understand the financial pressures of being on maternity leave.
Childcare vouchers
We recognise the increasing costs of childcare and therefore give you the option to purchase childcare vouchers so that you can take advantage of tax and national insurance incentives. This is the equivalent to a saving of up to £1,195 per annum.
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
Staff should be supported through times of difficulty. You can take advantage of the EAP provided by BUPA Wellness. This is a confidential and professional telephone information and counselling service designed to provide appropriate support for employees (and their families) experiencing personal and work based problems. Employees may also have up to five face to face counselling sessions.
Sponsorship for external studies
The RHS seeks to encourage your personal and professional development by providing learning and development that ensures employees have the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out their jobs. As part of this commitment, applications are considered from employees wishing to study for qualifications or certificates while in employment by the RHS.
Season ticket loan (taxable if more than £5,000)
You may request an interest-free loan to cover the cost of a travel season ticket. This is to save you money and because we understand that it is not always possible to pay for something so costly in one instalment.
Bicycle Purchase Scheme
A loan scheme is available for you to buy a bicycle (for the purposes of getting to and from work) taking advantage of tax incentives.
Professional subscriptions
Professional subscriptions that you need to carry out your job will be paid by the RHS in some cases.