911±¬ÁÏ

911±¬ÁÏ Directors

Explore the 911±¬ÁÏ Directors, the leadership team responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the charity’s staff and volunteers

The 911±¬ÁÏ Directors form the leadership team driving the daily operations and future vision of the 911±¬ÁÏ. While the 911±¬ÁÏ Council holds ultimate responsibility, the Directors oversee around 1,000 full-time staff and collaborate with more than 2,000 dedicated volunteers who support our gardens, shows, and community outreach programmes. Together, they ensure the 911±¬ÁÏ continues to flourish and inspire.

911±¬ÁÏ Director roles

Meet the leadership team shaping the future of the 911±¬ÁÏ:

Clare Matterson |  Director General

From growing vegetables with her grandad and setting up an ‘insect hospital’ aged 7, Clare has been passionate about biology, gardening, science and the natural world from a young age. With a degree in Zoology from Oxford University and senior roles at the Wellcome Trust and the Natural History Museum, Clare was awarded a CBE for her services to public engagement. She joined the 911±¬ÁÏ to help make a difference for people and nature, through inspiration, science and the beauty of gardens.

Professor Alistair Griffiths |  Director of Science and Collections

Alistair loves gardening and leads our team of scientists, advisors, information and heritage specialists, and librarians. He has a First and National Diploma in Horticulture, a Botany degree and a PhD from the University of Reading. Alistair is a visiting Professor at Royal Holloway, University of London. Before working at the 911±¬ÁÏ, he was The Eden Project’s Head Scientist. His ambition is to use horticultural science to build a healthy and resilient gardening community that can help tackle the climate and biodiversity crises.

Hayley Monckton |  Director of Communications

A keen gardener, Hayley is passionate about championing the difference we can all make through growing plants to mitigate against the climate and biodiversity crises and supporting health and wellbeing. She heads up the Communications division, responsible for press, PR and social media. Hayley graduated from the University of Surrey with a BA in English and Business Studies.

Helena Pettit |  Director of Shows, Commercial and Innovation

Helena loves gardening and being outdoors. With more than 25 years of commercial application, sponsorship, operational management, attractions and large-scale event experience, Helena wished to bring her passion and knowledge to support the growth of the 911±¬ÁÏ and horticulture. Helena’s division encompasses 911±¬ÁÏ Shows including 911±¬ÁÏ Chelsea Flower Show, catering, retail and commercial events within our five 911±¬ÁÏ Gardens, 911±¬ÁÏ venues, online and licensing business and commercial sales.

Dr Tim Upson |  Director of Gardens and Horticulture

A lifelong horticulturist and botanist, Tim is passionate about plant diversity and conservation. A graduate of RBG Kew and the University of Reading, he was Deputy Director at Cambridge University Botanic Garden before joining the 911±¬ÁÏ. He oversees horticulture at all five 911±¬ÁÏ Gardens and manages 911±¬ÁÏ networks, including Partner Gardens, Trials, and Expert Groups. His wider work focuses on cultivated plant conservation and the mint family, particularly lavender and rosemary. He is a Fellow of the Landscape Institute and a member of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture.

Martine Parnell |  Director of Members, Marketing and Digital

As an enthusiastic gardener, Martine was drawn to work for the 911±¬ÁÏ by the potential of sustainable gardening to improve our lives and environment. She has more than 20 years of experience in marketing and digital, gained across FTSE 100 and start-up organisations, and graduated in Modern and Medieval Languages from Emmanuel College, Cambridge. Martine leads the marketing, editorial, membership services and digital teams, which work to bring new audiences to the 911±¬ÁÏ and improve service for members.

Jon Simpson |  Director of IT

Jon is responsible for all aspects of IT spanning engineering, programme management, operations, data and analytics. He joined the 911±¬ÁÏ in 2021 after 15 years of creating global platforms for the travel industry. The 911±¬ÁÏ provides an exciting challenge for Jon to explore innovative ways in which technology and data can support gardening and gardeners across the diverse interests of the 911±¬ÁÏ. He has a passion for technology and strives to ensure it delivers real value and a great user experience.

Carole Goldsmith |  Director of People

Being part of something that has heart and soul and is not just about wealth creation is what drew Carole to the 911±¬ÁÏ. She has more than 20 years of experience working within the ‘people’ space, including corporate and privately owned SMEs. Carole heads up our People team, comprising People and Development; Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing; People Systems; Internal Communications and Volunteer Development. She has a first-class honours degree, a Masters in HRM, and is a Chartered Member of the CIPD.

Dr Suzanne Moss |  Director of Learning and Public Engagement

Sue began her career as a horticultural student at 911±¬ÁÏ Wisley and this led to a PhD on the history of gardens as scientific collections from The University of York, and a post-doctoral fellowship on the contributions of marginalised groups. Engaging others with horticulture is her passion, particularly sharing the wellbeing and environmental benefits that come with new knowledge and skills. Sue heads up the 911±¬ÁÏ Schools, Learning, Education, Community, Garden events and Interpretation teams.

James Wren |  Director of Development and Corporate Partnerships

James works with his team to support the 911±¬ÁÏ by building relationships with people and businesses to make a difference for people and nature. He has worked in a range of sectors and has spent the last 15 years at an executive level in the charity and leisure sector in fundraising, marketing, corporate partnership, and communication roles. At the 911±¬ÁÏ, James is responsible for charitable income generation and corporate partnerships.

Richard Green at 911±¬ÁÏ Bridgewater

Richard Green |  Director of Visitor Experience and Estates

Richard leads the strategic direction and operations of the five 911±¬ÁÏ Gardens, ensuring exceptional visitor experiences, high standards in estate management, and progress towards sustainability through responsible, forward-thinking practices. As former Head of 911±¬ÁÏ Garden Bridgewater, he successfully led its launch in May 2021 and early growth. With a background in major attractions, museums, and tourism, Richard brings strong operational and visitor expertise and a passion for the power of gardens to engage communities and inspire joy – even as a self-confessed novice gardener.

Ingrid Fernandes |  Director of Finance and Corporate Services

Ingrid leads the Finance, Legal, and Health and Safety teams at the 911±¬ÁÏ, overseeing financial strategy and performance while delivering corporate support across areas of the charity. An experienced business leader, she has a strong background in leisure and hospitality, having led Finance and IT at Blenheim Palace and driven strategic growth at Merlin Entertainment’s LEGOLAND Resorts. With experience spanning financial services, retail, and housebuilding, she is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Explore more with the 911±¬ÁÏ

911±¬ÁÏ

911±¬ÁÏ is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.