I caught up briefly with John Moverley, Chairman of the Amenity Forum, after their annual conference recently.

John Moverley

In his concluding remarks to the packed audience, he highlighted the need for the amenity sector to stand together and be proud of what all involved in the management of amenity spaces do. As he put it, “What happens in amenity impacts upon every UK citizen, every day. Our industry seeks to create safe, healthy spaces and surfaces fit for purpose".

John also introduced the new Amenity Standard set to be launched fully at the start of 2020. John sees this as having the potential to be a real game changer for our sector. He says, “It is vital that we can demonstrate to the public the highest standards of workmanship. I want to see the Standard established as a benchmark for quality in our sector and hope to see the logo become as familiar as the Red Tractor is in food and agriculture. Carrying and displaying the Standard will demonstrate to all that the work being undertaken is in line with a recognised assurance scheme.”

The Amenity Forum has also embarked on a project to increase public understanding of what happens in amenity. This will build upon the established Get Moving campaign. John said, "For too long, we have not told our story and why what we achieve is so important and essential. We must change this.”

John is giving his support to the idea of an amenity or green day in 2020 - a day when amenity management in all its forms can be celebrated. On that day such as that, the concept would be that organisations involved in amenity across the UK could be encouraged to participate in a local charity activity. Of course, the success or indeed existence of a day such as that would depend upon everyone in the industry getting behind it. John says, “If we can have a Red Nose Day, why not a Green one. I just hope that industry and media can combine and make it happen.”

Whilst a little tired after the conference, John had lost none of his enthusiasm. I believe we all need to back the Forum and its activities, thereby creating our own futures - not relying on others to do so. I am certainly backing the idea of an amenity day.