gardener

host/hostess

producer

public relations manager

park ranger

Historic-Royal-Palaces

A typical day would be starting early to set up the bar or tables, depending on my role, at least 2 hours before guests arrive for the event. After this is done we would polish all the glasses and cutlery until the guests arrive so everything is ready for potential requests from the guests. Once they arrive food/drinks will be served and cleared up over a usual 1-4 hour period depending on the event. After the guests have left all the glasses, plates and cutlery that have been collected between courses are cleaned and dried ready for the next event. A usual day would be 6-12 hours based on what event was taking place. These long hours with a constant faced pace environment has taught me how to deal with pressure well and even if things go wrong, knowing how to with it. The hardest part of the job was having to be switched on for every second but that leads into the most enjoyable part of over time getting used to the demands and becoming comfortable with every scenario thrown at you on the day. It definitely helped working in a place as amazing as Hampton Court Palace.

Working for Historic Royal Palaces (HRP) can be an incredible opportunity to care for and preserve some of the UK’s most iconic sites. However, the experience is often overshadowed by poor management and a deeply flawed work culture. Despite passionate and talented teams, communication from leadership is inconsistent, and decisions often lack transparency, leaving staff feeling undervalued and unsupported. The organisational culture tends to favor outdated hierarchies, discouraging innovation and open dialogue. Efforts toward inclusivity and positive change are frequently superficial, failing to address systemic issues. High workloads combined with low morale contribute to significant staff turnover, with little accountability or effort to improve conditions. While the locations themselves are inspiring, HRP’s management fails to match that inspiration, creating a frustrating and demoralising environment for those who genuinely care about the work. This organisation has great potential, but significant changes are needed to unlock it.

What is the best part of working at the company?
I worked with so many wonderful people in the security team. All front of house staff were akin to working together but, had to work in with the office staff. During my 15 + years I learned so much from the Palace.
 Good training courses good management agreed time, I will never forget the experiences and the comradeship of all of those who worked there. Great organisation and place to work.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Because of the training I never found anything stressful working at HCP.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Obviously a great environment to work in. Wonderfully diverse and acceptance of all individuals  impressed on by management.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
12  hour shift patterns and plenty of exercise

A really great company to work for.

A great salary, 50% off in the shops and cafes, your staff pass entitles you to free entry to any of the other palaces in the.group and most museums will let you into exhibitions free, including The Royal Mews, Queens Gallery and Windsor.

It's hard to get a position and if you start off as a summer temp you have to re-apply and then there's no guarantee of a position.
 They have very strict rules about appearence, tattoos have to be covered, hair colour has to have a natural appearence and it gets right down to shoes and hair bands.

Worked with some wonderful people at the Tower of London, especially during the seasonal period. Everyone has a love for history and are genuinely interested in where they work.
The stock and shop floor is well-organised and apt training is given, including training on new products.
Shop floor management are usually very friendly and trusting, but this diminishes as you travel up the pecking order: retail sales managers often 'spy' on shop floors, not announcing their presence and taking pictures of the shop floor and its staff secretly.

Very enthusiastic environment with on going training courses to improve customer services , historical knowledge and "people awareness".

Working in the Information Centre involved meet and greet role, issuing Audio Guide equipment , keeping daily programmes / leaflets up to date . Answering the many varied question the public requires.

Get to meet people from all over the world with different customs and expectations.

Downside of role would be that some people cannot be helped. Often this is due to their being stressed before they get to the venue. Not be taken personally.

The team provided a lot of support and training in order to help me achieve my targets, to improve and deliver 5 star customer service.The days consisted of deliveries, stock room jobs, cash handling, cleaning, engaging with customers and helping them to find what they are looking for. It was also important to learn the history of the palace, in order to effectively engage with customers by answering they questions, telling stories and giving information about the products we sell.

The most enjoyable part of my role at Historic Royal Palaces is working with a wonderful team, providing excellent customer service to our wide variety of learning audiences and knowing that the service we are providing is positively benefitting the educational groups that visit our sites: Hampton Court Palace, HM Tower of London, Kensington Palace, Kew Palace and Banqueting House Whitehall.

I enjoy being a valuable member of team. Creating the highest quality work results to make the entire team proud.

Catch me when you are in a pinch and I will find a way to resolve any problem.

The quick thinking I am able to rely upon is my best asset. 

There are no silly questions, as a team we can work it out. Just remember that someone on your team has the knowledge you need. We all learn from each other!

Providing a 5 star welcome.  Processing passes, giving telephone advice on 6 HRP sites, re-uniting owners with their lost property helping and getting to know all the various departments within the Palace.  Co-workers were all amazing.  Knowledgable, fun, passionate.  Best part of the job was speaking to the visitors and understanding their enjoyment.

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Gardener 2 salaries reported	£34,450 per year
Host/hostess 4 salaries reported	£25,350 per year
Producer 4 salaries reported	£45,626 per year
Public relations manager 5 salaries reported	£47,011 per year
Park ranger 1 salary reported	£24,617 per year

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