About Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace are a historical tourist attraction providing tours and experiences across their UNESCO world heritage site.

The estate is the home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough and his family and was the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.

The company’s primary purpose is to be the driver of their local economy, to enhance the lives of the people of Oxfordshire and to conserve and protect it for future generations. Blenheim Palace aims to achieve their goals by continuing to follow their values. These are to be inspiring authentic, respectful and committed.

Managing Director Dominic Hare is visible across the estate and welcomes questions from anyone. He is extremely hands on and never delegates communication as he sees this as an important part of being a leader. He also turns up to staff events and has breakfast with everyone on a Friday morning.

What is it like to work for Blenheim Palace

Wellbeing

64% of staff disagreed:

My work interferes with my responsibilities at home

They provide flexible working, working from home and job sharing where appropriate. In 2016, they had a member of staff who was struggling with juggling everything and provided them with an eight-week counselling course and regular work sessions with their head of HR. They also changed his working pattern to give him more routine, which helped him to organise better.

64% of staff disagreed:

My work interferes with my responsibilities at home

Giving Something Back

82% of staff agreed:

My organisation encourages charitable activities

In 2017, Blenheim Palace gave back to their community by installing pews for the local church, a garden for another, hosting a community ball and supporting a local mental health recovery service with their digital marketing efforts.

82% of staff agreed:

My organisation encourages charitable activities

My Company

92% of staff agreed:

I feel proud to work for this organisation

Blenheim Palace have put a greater focus on staff input and now hold regular focus groups when they are implementing a new strategy, such as their new training programme, goals, and customer service strategy.

92% of staff agreed:

I feel proud to work for this organisation

Learn more about the 8 factors of workplace engagement here

Benefits:

Charity Activities

At least 20% of staff are known to undertake charitable activities during business hours without incurring financial loss
Women

At least 40% of senior managers are women
Holidays

Companies offering a minimum of 25 days annual leave to all employees
Pensions

Companies offering a final salary, non-contributory pension scheme or one in which the employer puts in at least three times
Maternity

At least 10 weeks’ full pay or generous alternative
Development

Companies who provide support for non-work related training
Family Friendly

School hours contracts offered to staff