Agenda item

To receive the report of the Director of Open Spaces.

The Committee noted that 49,816 hours of volunteering were achieved across the Open Spaces during 2013-14, an increase of 4,397 hours on the 2012-13 figure and the highest ever amount.

Members noted that volunteers continued to be involved in a variety of roles and undertake a diverse range of activities that offer them the opportunity to engage with the management of their Open Space. The Volunteer Improvement Group aimed to maintain consistency and improve quality and opportunity through the development of volunteer improvement plans that set 12 aims for continued development.

Members noted that overall a 9.7% increase on the 2012-13 total of volunteer hours was reported for 2013-14. The 2012-13 figure was 1% down on the 2011-12 total of 46,055 hours. Nearly all divisions reported an increase in volunteer hours. Of particular note was the City Gardens division which enjoyed an increase of over 2000 hours and Burnham Beeches where the figure was increased by over 1000 hours on the year before.

Members were informed that 5,595 hours were accrued by the Epping Forest Centenary Trust and 4,707 hours by the Epping Forest Conservation Volunteers. This represented a 2.56% decrease in total volunteer hours on 2012/13, however this overall figure masked a 20% increase in City of London volunteers, whilst other partners had planned reductions. Members noted that at the end of March 2014, 227 people were volunteering for Epping Forest.

In response to a query from Members, Officers informed the Committee that there were a number of award schemes through which volunteer groups and individuals could be recognised for their hard work.

Resolved: It was proposed and seconded that the following resolution be displayed at the office of all City Corporation Open Spaces, which the Committee unanimously agreed:

“Members thanked all of the Volunteers for their hard work over the last year. The Committee agreed that every Volunteer played a vital role in maintaining the City of London Corporation’s Open Spaces and through their hard work the City Corporation was able to deliver a wide range of services to the public. Members agreed that the role of volunteers was integral to the work of all of the City’s Open Spaces. The Committee Members appreciated the hard work and continuous support provided by the volunteers and congratulated them on a job well done.”