Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Justin Meath-Baker, Richard Gurney and John Whitworth.

Apologies for absence were received from Justin Meath-Baker, Richard Gurney, Councillor Joy Laguda MBE and John Whitworth.

To receive the Order of the Court of Common Council 27 April 2023 appointing the Committee and setting its Terms of Reference.

The Committee received the order of the Court of Common Council held at the Guildhall of the City of London on Thursday 27th April 2023, which appointed the Committee and approved its Terms of Reference.

Members were provided, upon arrival, with a corrected version to the Court Order. Noting that James Bromiley-Davis took the vacancy left by Catherine McGuinness and has therefore replaced her on the revised Membership.

RESOLVED – That, the Order be noted.

The Committee are invited to elect a Chairman in accordance with Standing Order 29.

The Committee considered the report to elect a Chairman in accordance with Standing Order No. 29.

The Committee received an one expression of interest from Caroline Haines to be elected as uncontested Chairman of the committee.

RESOLVED – That, Caroline Haines be declared as Chairman of the Committee for the ensuing year.

The Committee are invited to elect a Deputy Chairman in accordance with Standing Order 30.

The Committee considered the report to elect a Deputy Chairman in accordance with Standing Order No. 30.

The Committee received one expression of interest from Andrew McMurtrie to be elected as uncontested Deputy Chairman of the committee.

RESOLVED - That Andrew McMurtrie be declared Deputy Chairman of the Committee for the ensuing year.

To agree the public minutes and non-public summary of the previous meeting held on 13 February 2023.

RESOLVED – That the public minutes and non-public summary of the previous meeting held on 13 February 2023, be approved as an accurate record.

Report of Executive Director, Environment.

The Committee received a report of the Executive Director, Environment providing an update to Members of the West Ham Park Committee on management and operational activities at West Ham Park since May 2023.

The Committee were informed ofunfortunate news about a stabbing incident that had occurred in the afternoon on Sunday 9 July. The Assistant Director expressed her gratitude to all the staff who were present and promptly responded to the situation. It was noted that the police and ambulance services arrived quickly to help and manage the situation. In response, the park was immediately closed to ensure public safety.

Members were informed that the victim, a 16-year-old boy, was transported to the hospital and while his condition is serious and critical, the latest update indicates that at present, he is still alive and is receiving care from medical consultants and the hospital team who are working diligently to save his life. Officers informed the Committee that they are fully cooperating with the police and offering support to assist in their investigation of this crime, as well as the situation in the park.

In response to a question raised by a Member, Officers noted that West Ham Park is a space that caters to a diverse range of people with various interests. Events held in the park provide a platform for engaging with hundreds of community members who come to enjoy the park for their own recreational purposes. These events contribute to the park's wide-ranging use and serve the needs of various groups and visitors. Officers noted to gain a better understanding of the park's usage, the Environment Department are currently collaborating with a company that measures the number of visits, unique visits, and the total amount of visitors who attend the park.

MATTERS ARISING

The Director of Natural

Report of Executive Director, Environment.

The Committee received a report of the Executive Director, Environment providing Members with a review of the delivery of the 2022/23 high-level Open Spaces Business Plan.

RESOLVED – That, the report be noted.

Joint report of Chamberlain and Executive Director, Environment.

The Committee received a joint report of Chamberlain and Executive Director, Environment comparing the revenue outturn.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

Joint report of Chamberlain and Executive Director, Environment.

The Committee received a joint report of Chamberlain and Executive Director, Environment regarding the Trustee’s Annual Report and Financial Statements for the Year ended 31 March 2022 for West Ham Park (charity registration number 206948).

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

Report of Executive Director Environment.

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Environment providing the West Ham Park Committee with assurance that risk management procedures in place within the Environment Department and its Natural Environment Division.

Officers noted the Natural Environment Division is conducting an operational property review. Members were informed the review's purpose is to consolidate data about property ownership, usage, and restrictions, especially concerning properties owned by the charity within West Ham Park. As the review progresses, it was noted that Members will have the opportunity to provide input on any related proposals.

RESOLVED – That Members confirm, on behalf of the City Corporation as Trustee, that the West Ham Park Summary Risk Register satisfactorily identifies the key risks to the West Ham Park charity and that appropriate systems are in place to effectively identify and mitigate risks.

Report of Executive Director, Environment.

The Committee received a report of the Executive Director, Environment concerning the retirement of a senior officer and proposing a recruitment plan.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.

There were no questions in the public session.

There were one items of other business.

The new Director of Natural Environment provided a brief introduction noting her excitement to take on the role of Natural Environment Director for the City of London Corporation. The Director informed the Committee of her background as an ecologist with experience in various UK species and habitats, coupled with her work in non-profit organisations, including London Wildlife Trust, Butterfly Conservation, and roles in visitor attractions such as the Zoological Society of London and the Natural History Museum. The Director noted in the month she had in the role; she had been collaborating on the development of natural environment strategies and planned to continue this work through workshops for committees and staff. She noted her other key priorities include the carbon sequestration report, operational property review, and addressing high-risk issues.

RESOLVED: That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

RESOLVED – That under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of the Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

To agree the minutes of the previous meeting held on 13 February 2023.

RESOLVED – That, the non-public minutes of the meeting held on 13 February 2023 were approved as a correct record.

Joint report of Managing Director Bridge House Estates and Natural Environment Director.

The Committee considered a joint report of Managing Director Bridge House Estates and Natural Environment Director.

Report of Executive Director, Environment.

The Committee received a report of Executive Director, Environment.

Executive Director, Environment to be heard.

The Committee received a verbal update of Executive Director, Environment.

There were no non-public questions.

There were no non-public items of urgent business.