We survey colleagues and volunteers regularly and aim to achieve scores of over 80% for all measures of satisfaction and engagement.
We took a deliberate pause from surveys in 2024 to focus on the implementation of a new HR system and an internal communications platform. Colleague surveys resumed in 2025 and revealed strong levels of engagement and wellbeing. Key results showed that:
86% of colleagues said they are happy at work
83% feel they maintain a healthy work-life balance
82% are proud to work for the Devonshire Group
96% enjoy working with their team
The results of the survey are shared with every team and help us inform long term planning and decision making. More than 2,000 comments were submitted in 2025, providing valuable insights into colleague experiences and helping ensure every voice is heard.
Volunteers
Our volunteers play a vital role in helping us care for our heritage, landscapes and communities. From supporting conservation projects and caring for collections to environmental management and visitor engagement, they make a valuable contribution across the organisation.
In 2025, we introduced a dedicated volunteer survey to better understand volunteer experiences and gather feedback that will help us continue to improve and strengthen our volunteer programme.
Continue reading about our 10 goals for 10 years...
Help create 1000 homes and 1000 jobs in the local area
By investing in the regeneration of areas around our estates
Double the benefit to local economies from our organisations
As measured by the value of the direct and indirect goods and services we buy
Buy at least 50% of our supplies and services locally
Within 30 miles by road of our estates
Invest £50m in our heritage properties and landscapes
Specifically in their repair, restoration, improvement and development
Enable every child in local schools to experience our estates
As part of their primary education, reaching every school through physical visits onsite or our virtual presence in schools
Achieve excellence in our visitor feedback scores
By scoring 90%+ for value for money, overall enjoyment and likelihood to recommend, in our customer feedback surveys
Create 500 work opportunities for those in and just out of education
Working with local education and training providers to create these opportunities to benefit young people
Reduce our impact on the environment
Through improved management of waste and emissions
Improve the quality of life and wellbeing of our local communities
By providing accessible green spaces, reducing car journeys to our estates and supporting our local communities
