Closing date for applications: Friday 6 March 2026
The Richmond Charities owns and manages 162 almshouses across 14 sites in Richmond, Twickenham and Mortlake and we are currently recruiting for a full-time caretaker / handyman to replace the incumbent who retires after a 30+ year career with the Charity.
This is a varied role, and we are looking for an individual with a proactive approach to property maintenance who will provide a visible hands-on presence across all estates to ensure that our beautiful buildings, communal areas, and grounds are safe, clean, well maintained and welcoming for residents and visitors.
The successful applicant will work Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm. The position can be residential or non-residential. The salary range is £30,000 – £35,000.
About the Charity
We have 162 almshouses across 14 estates located in central Richmond, Mortlake and Twickenham. Our residents are older people living independently within our almshouse communities. Staff are engaged to run and maintain the almshouse estates and provide support to the residents.
There are 48 almshouses at Hickey's, 18 at Church Estate, 9 at Houblon's, 4 at Queen Elizabeth's, 10 at Bishop Duppa's, 18 at Michel's, 5 at Benn's Walk, 10 at Candler, 3 at Christchurch Road, 12 at Doughty's, 3 at Juxon's, 5 at Twinnings, 8 at Wrights and 9 at Manning Place.
About the Role
We are looking for a Caretaker / Handyman to work across our almshouse estates in the London Borough of Richmond. The position can be residential or non-residential. Applicants must have a full clean UK driving licence and their own road-worthy car.
We are looking for someone who is practical and has a good all-round knowledge of general maintenance and repairs. Experience of working on Period / Listed properties would be an advantage.
Applicants must be able to work both as part of a team and using their own initiative.
Hours of Work
Monday – Friday: 8:30am – 1pm and 2pm – 5pm
The applicant must be willing to be called out in emergency situations. The Caretaker / Handyman is entitled to five weeks paid holiday per year in addition to bank holidays. Holidays are by arrangement.
Salary & Benefits
- Salary: £30,000 – £35,000
- Pension: Group pension plan – 10% of basic salary
- Holiday: 5 weeks per year plus bank holidays
- Car expenses: Insurance, MOT, annual service, car tax
Person Specification – Essential
- Practical maintenance skills and experience in estates, caretaking or facilities roles
- A proactive approach to property maintenance
- Knowledge of basic building services and health & safety
- Strong organisation skills and ability to prioritise work across multiple sites
- Excellent interpersonal skills and a resident-focused approach
- Full UK driving licence and ability to travel between sites
- Basic IT skills for reporting and logging checks
- Ability to undertake physically active work
Person Specification – Desirable
- Experience in almshouses, supported housing, or later-life housing
- Training in Fire Safety, Legionella Awareness, Asbestos Awareness, First Aid, Working at Height, or similar
- A trade background is advantageous
Additional Information
- The Charity pays for annual MOT, annual service and annual insurance for the vehicle used for work purposes
- Participation in on-call duties is required, with flexibility around emergency response
- Enhanced DBS check required
- There may be an option for the Caretaker to live onsite at Hickeys Almshouses – this will be discussed at interview and would be reflected in the salary agreed with the successful candidate
The appointment will be subject to satisfactory references and a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.
How to Apply
Please apply by sending a copy of your CV with a covering letter detailing your suitability for the role and what appeals to you about working for us to our Chief Executive, Emma Halford at .
The closing date for applications is Friday 6 March 2026.
For further information about the charity, please see www.richmondcharities.org.uk
Registered Charity No. 200431