Decision details

8.1

The Volunteer Strategy Project Lead introduced a report which outlined the findings from the work undertaken to develop a new Environmental Volunteering Strategy and sought approval for the new strategy and related action plan.

8.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY:

1.     That the Environmental Volunteering Strategy and action plan be approved to continue the progress made with supporting environmental volunteering.

2.     That the investigation for funding for a permanent role to carry out this work be supported.

8.3

Reasons for Decisions

8.3.1

The Council recognises the importance of encouraging participation in caring for and improving our local environment, and that due to budget pressures it is not possible to maintain high standards for our environment across the city alone. Supporting voluntary groups to do the amazing work they do and making it easier for more people to get involved is a priority if we want to improve the lives of people in Sheffield.

8.3.2

We believe that through defining our vision for the future of environmental volunteering across our city, we can work towards shared goals and deliver better support for volunteers. We will shape mutually beneficial relationships where volunteers are more likely to report issues to us instead of acting without our support, which has proved dangerous and often costs the Council more money to rectify issues.

8.3.3

Progress has been made on identifying and forming relationships with environmental community groups. Now that these groups have been identified, there is now great opportunity to utilise these connections to harness the knowledge and experience they have, to consult on and better inform our policies and ways of working across the Street Scene.

8.3.4

Our intended outcomes are to continue to work towards our vision for

environmental volunteering in the city:

‘To empower and enable all residents of Sheffield, regardless of their background or the area in which they live, to take pride in their local area and work together to care for our environment.’

8.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

8.4.1

Option 1: Do nothing option/continue without a strategy

Given the investment into Street Scene environmental improvements, and the high-profile nature of environmental issues in the city, as well as the value that volunteers bring to our environment and local communities, it is crucial that the Council has a clear understanding of the needs of communities across Sheffield and that it shapes our future ambitions.

8.4.2

One alternative that was considered was to halt future work on improving environmental volunteer relations and continue without a strategy to guide future work. This would mean relying on the good progress made during the engagement projects but committing no further resource or action.

8.4.3

However, there is a significant risk that public perception of the Council would be damaged as the work so far has raised expectations for how we work with voluntary groups. It is essential to have a plan to guide our future work with environmental voluntary groups and take hold of the untapped potential that strong relationships with environmental volunteers could bring, doing nothing is therefore not an option.