Development Apprentice (fundraising) Review
at Historic Royal Palaces
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Business Operations, Market Research, Procurement, Project Management
London
Review Submitted: October 2025
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
As a Development Apprentice at Historic Royal Palaces (HRP), I support the fundraising efforts that help preserve and share the stories of some of the UK’s most iconic historic sites, including the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace, Kew Palace, Banqueting House, and Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.
My role involves a variety of tasks across the Development team, including:
Donor Stewardship - Assisting with the care and engagement of donors to ensure they feel valued and connected to HRP’s mission.
Communications - Supporting the creation of donor communications, event materials, and updates that highlight the impact of philanthropic support.
Administrative Support - Helping maintain accurate records, preparing briefings, and supporting the team.
Campaign Planning - Helping assist the planning of fundraising campaigns.
This apprenticeship is helping me build a strong foundation in fundraising, heritage communications, and stakeholder engagement.
My role involves a variety of tasks across the Development team, including:
Donor Stewardship - Assisting with the care and engagement of donors to ensure they feel valued and connected to HRP’s mission.
Communications - Supporting the creation of donor communications, event materials, and updates that highlight the impact of philanthropic support.
Administrative Support - Helping maintain accurate records, preparing briefings, and supporting the team.
Campaign Planning - Helping assist the planning of fundraising campaigns.
This apprenticeship is helping me build a strong foundation in fundraising, heritage communications, and stakeholder engagement.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I am really enjoying getting an insight into the heritage sector and developing my skills in stewardship and communications. It is brilliant getting to learn from the experts in the industry and to have the opportunity to apply the skills I learn whilst studying into my day-to-day role. I have also had the amazing opportunity to get to visit the other palaces.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have definitely developed on my networking skills - there are lots of opportunities to engage with people across various departments and those in more senior roles. It has helped me grow my confidence.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme is organised extremely well, I am assigned one study day a week, ensuring I have enough time to complete all the course materials and by weekly work tasks.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
The support from my employer is incredible! There are lots of great opportunities to mix and bond with other apprentices, including a residential trip we are taking part in next month. When joining we were each assigned buddies from last years apprentice cohort, who have been amazing in ensuring we settled in well and are there there to support us.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
There are great extra-curricular activities available both with HRP as a company and the apprentice network at HRP.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Historic Royal Palaces to a friend?
Yes
Why?
HRP is an incredible place to work. You get to be part of an organisation that protects and brings to life some of the UK’s most iconic historic landmarks, and the work you do genuinely contributes to preserving history for future generations.
As an apprentice, I’ve felt supported and valued from day one. The Development team is collaborative, passionate, and always willing to help me learn. There’s a real sense of purpose in the work, whether it’s helping with fundraising campaigns, engaging with donors, or supporting events that showcase the impact of HRP’s mission.
As an apprentice, I’ve felt supported and valued from day one. The Development team is collaborative, passionate, and always willing to help me learn. There’s a real sense of purpose in the work, whether it’s helping with fundraising campaigns, engaging with donors, or supporting events that showcase the impact of HRP’s mission.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Historic Royal Palaces?
Be yourself!
