Nine months ago, Corrina Urquhart joined BASIS as CEO with a background that spans education, research, policy, and collaborative work with industry. While much of her 20-year career has been rooted in agriculture, recent years have bought her closer to the amenity sector.

In a seminar at GroundsFest, Corrina delivered a clear message: BASIS is fully committed to the amenity sector, not just for the short term, but as part of a sustained, long-term journey.

Why the Amenity Sector Matters

The amenity sector plays a vital role in managing public spaces, enhancing biodiversity, and supporting sustainable land-use practices. From parks and sports grounds to highways and cemeteries, amenity professionals are environmental stewards on the front lines of climate challenges, regulatory change, and evolving public expectations.

BASIS recognise that this sector is unique. It faces growing demands for professionalism, transparency, and innovation, all while contending with limited resources and increased scrutiny. That’s why the organisation is taking proactive steps to ensure that BASIS services are fit for purpose and responsive to the needs of sector.

Since joining BASIS, Corrina has prioritised listening, to contractors, advisors, manufacturers, and organisations across the amenity spectrum. These conversations have been open, honest, and constructive. BASIS is already acting on the feedback received. Input from the amenity sector is helping to shape the way BASIS supports individuals and businesses alike.

Investing in Systems and Structures

As part of their long-term vision, BASIS is undertaking both organisational and technological reform to strengthen how they serve members of our assurance schemes and training registers.

They have made structural changes to the BASIS Board of Trustees ensuring representation from the amenity sector, aswell as staff teams to better align with the needs of the sector and other professional groups they serve. These changes bring in fresh perspectives and operational resilience to help BASIS deliver on their goals.

BASIS is also delivering a phased roll-out of a new system that will make it easier for members, trainers, and organisations to access and manage information:

Mobile CPD App: Recently launched to event organisers and going live for members in mid-September, this app is a gateway for members to key services and CPD tracking.

Member Portal: Set to go live at the end of September, this integrated platform enables access to dedicated areas for:

• Members
•  Event organisers
• Approved trainers
• Exams and training
• Inspections
• Organisational managers

This staggered implementation allows BASIS to test each module, collect feedback, and ensure smooth integration across our multiple schemes, all while managing complex data migrations.

Reforming Assurance and CPD

As part of its sector strategy, BASIS is also reforming its assurance and training registers for amenity:

• A single CPD scheme for all amenity operators, simplifying and unifying professional development requirements.
• The creation of training registers for amenity operatives and professional advisers, making it easier for stakeholders to identify and access qualified professionals.

These reforms will be tested with industry and rolled out in early 2026, aiming to streamline systems, reduce complexity, and raise the profile of professionalism within the sector.

By listening to end-user needs, investing in better systems, and working collaboratively, BASIS can help elevate standards, enhance sustainability outcomes, and champion the critical role everyone plays in managing our green spaces.

BASIS @ GroundsFest

BASIS exhibited at GroundsFest for the first time this year, marking an exciting opportunity to connect directly with businesses and professionals from across the amenity sector. As part of their presence, they hosted an interactive Knowledge Trail in partnership with nine leading organisations: BALI, Lantra, Origin, Agrovista, GreenBest, Hozelock, Kersten, Techneat, and DLF.

The trail encouraged engagement through a five-question quiz, designed to support people working in the amenity sector in a dynamic and accessible way.

Over the two-day event, 200 CPD points were collected by members from both the BASIS Professional Register and the Amenity Training Register, clearly demonstrating the sector’s enthusiasm for learning, commitment to continuous improvement, and willingness to engage with new ideas.

This strong turnout and level of engagement reinforces what BASIS say they already knew: amenity professionals are eager to invest in their skills and stay informed in a fast-evolving industry. Events like GroundsFest are a vital reminder of the sector’s energy, innovation, and appetite for continuing professional development.