The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) is a dynamic and diverse organisation comprising of four Gardens located across Scotland.
RBGE as an organisation
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) sponsored and supported financially by the Scottish Government Rural and Environmental Research and Analysis Directorate (RERAD). It is governed by a Board of Trustees appointed by Scottish Ministers. The RBGE senior management team is headed by the Regius Keeper, Professor Stephen Blackmore, FRSE, who is Chief Executive Officer and also RBGE's Accountable Officer.
The organisation comprises over 200 staff drawn from a variety of occupations and disciplines, contributing in many different ways to its overall objectives and functions. The Garden is organised in three divisions: Science, Horticulture and Corporate Services, with a directorate staff supporting the Regius Keeper.
How we are financed
RERAD is our sponsor department and as such provides much of our income as Grant-in-Aid. We also receive income from research grants, and other capital grants.
In addition, we generate trading income from the shops at the four Gardens; and obtain income from investments, education courses, admission charges at the Regional Gardens, consultancy, events, publishing, exhibitions and other sources. As a registered charity, we also depend on financial support from the public through membership fees and donations.
For a detailed breakdown of our income, please download the "How we are financed" information sheet from the box on the right.
Corporate Services division
Corporate Services is responsible for the Garden's finances, personnel, estates and facilities management and IT requirements amongst other services. In addition, the division also manages the catering franchises at all four Gardens and works in association with the Botanics Trading Company (BTC), which manages the shops. It also develops and implements policies governing the way it and its staff operate.
Complaints and comments
Corporate Services also handles all complaints and comments from the public. We would like to hear from you to help us develop as an organisation. Please contact us using the enquiry form (select ‘Secretariat').