The West Ham Park Committee met on Thursday, 9 July 2026, to discuss various aspects of the park's management and operations. Key discussions included an update on the park's activities and finances, a vote of thanks to the Friends of West Ham Park, and a review of risk management and learning programmes.

Assistant Director's Report

The Committee received an update on matters relating to West Ham Park since the previous meeting on 30 April 2026. Officers highlighted the 20th anniversary of the Friends of West Ham Park, recent and upcoming community events, and the park's ongoing role in serving the local community. Members were reminded that ParkFest, an annual community event, was scheduled for Sunday, 12 July 2026. The Committee echoed the thanks extended to the Friends of West Ham Park.

Regarding the increase in anti-social behaviour, a Member suggested further analysis of the available statistics. The Chair noted that data collected from the London Borough of Newham (LBN) on anti-social behaviour in and around West Ham Park had improved significantly, and officers explained that this was the first step in becoming more data-driven, acknowledging it would be an ongoing process. Officers also noted the importance of understanding activity both within the park and in its surrounding neighbourhoods. A Member also requested that future updates from the City Surveyor's department, particularly concerning the Cyclical Works Programme, include a breakdown of delivered work, its impact, and how it was received. Officers confirmed this feedback would be passed on. The Chair commented that as the park transitioned to standard charity reporting, updated templates would offer an opportunity to address such structural questions.

Friends of West Ham Park (20th Anniversary)

The Committee unanimously passed a resolution extending their deepest gratitude to the Friends of West Ham Park for their exceptional commitment and support over the past twenty years. The resolution acknowledged the Friends' contribution of over 10,000 voluntary hours, their role in improving conservation, biodiversity, cleanliness, and sustainability, and their organisation of numerous community events, including food drives and the annual 'Park Fest'. The Friends were also recognised for their key partnership in organising the park's 150th anniversary celebration in 2024 and for fostering community connections, ensuring West Ham Park remains an inclusive and welcoming space.

Risk Management Update Report West Ham Park (Summary)

The Committee reviewed a report on the risk management processes for the West Ham Park Charity. A Member raised concerns about resourcing and work-related stress, querying whether a broader review of resource planning against business plans for the next five years should be undertaken. The Chair indicated that a future meeting of the Natural Environment Board would address strategic approaches to this issue. Officers explained that a re-baselining exercise was underway to request additional funding under the Grant Funding Model to cover the park's core needs, with business cases being finalised.

The Executive Director, Environment, confirmed that a £2.9 million contingency across Natural Environment Charities had been secured, subject to approval, and that business cases would consider both short and long-term needs. Immediate, reactive needs, such as additional park guards for safety, would also be supported.

In response to queries about the causes of work-related stress, the Chair cited a convergence of factors including ongoing vacancies, anti-social behaviour, and a backlog of work. Officers added that the risk register reflected staffing pressures and external factors like increased anti-social behaviour and footfall, acknowledging the additional demands on staff. The City Corporation's ongoing transformation also contributed to increased workload for senior officers.

The Chair emphasised the importance of creative thinking for income generation and developing an investable vision to avoid service reductions. Officers confirmed that staffing levels had not decreased over the past two years and that additional staff for North London Open Spaces would be sought. Regarding staff engagement surveys, officers explained they occur every three years, with the next one scheduled for early next year. The Chair expressed a preference for engaging directly with staff on the ground. Officers noted that a comprehensive review following the Target Operating Model implementation had informed revisions to staffing structures and support measures.

A Member stressed the need for a creative, long-term vision and adapting the operating model, highlighting the community's value for West Ham Park and the role of the London Borough of Newham. Officers confirmed positive engagement with LBN. The Executive Director confirmed commitment from senior leadership to visit open spaces, noting a previous volunteering day attended by the Senior Leadership Team. Officers suggested organising site visits to showcase income generation successes and maintenance challenges, and confirmed efforts to generate revenue and think creatively about income streams. The Member commended the positive outcomes being delivered and the Chair's local engagement, while also noting the park's particular social value to a deprived community.

Decision: Members noted the report and confirmed that all risks held by the West Ham Park charity continue to be managed in compliance with the Corporate Risk Management Framework and the Charities Act 2011.

West Ham Park 2025-26 Outturn Report

The Committee received a report detailing the revenue outturn for West Ham Park Charity for the 2025/26 financial year, comparing it against the final budget. The report indicated an overall overspend of £377,000, which represented 21.4% of the final net expenditure budget. The majority of this overspend was attributed to the City Surveyor's department, primarily due to additional expenditure on the Cyclical Works Programme (CWP). In response to a Member's query, Officers confirmed that the City Surveyor's support was provided internally.

Decision: Members noted the report and its contents.

Natural Environment Learning Programme Report 2025-26

The Committee received an update on the Natural Environment Learning Programme at West Ham Park for 2025/26. Officers highlighted the programme's engagement with nearly 8,000 school children, its strategic goals, and positive evaluation outcomes. The Chair noted this reflected scalable impact and expressed anticipation for discussions on refining and building upon these achievements. Regarding anti-social behaviour, the Chair mentioned plans for youth engagement as a preventative measure.

A Member requested that the positive achievements be publicised more widely to demonstrate the park's value and the work being undertaken. The Chair supported this, noting previous discussions about improving the public narrative and the need for central coordination of highlights from committee reports into concise public relations pieces.

Decision: Members noted the report and its contents.

City Corporation Nature Recovery Strategy Development

Officers from the Environment Department provided a verbal update on the development of the City Corporation Nature Recovery Strategy. The Chair highlighted this as a scaling opportunity, emphasising the importance of organisation-wide integration for increased investability and for the charity to benefit from wider initiatives. The Chair also noted potential funding options and invited Members to provide feedback to ensure the strategy reflected West Ham Park's vision.

Questions on Matters Relating to the Work of the Committee

A Member referred to previous requests for a formal committee visit to the park and asked for an update. The Chair confirmed that this would be progressed, with an informal visit planned for August to identify potential themes for a subsequent formal visit.

Any Other Business That the Chairman Considers Urgent

The Chair moved a vote of thanks to Emily Brennan, the outgoing Natural Environment Director. The resolution acknowledged her strong and effective leadership over the past three years, during which she guided the Division through significant change, oversaw the launch of Natural Environment Strategies, commissioned the Natural Capital Audit, and addressed legacy issues. Her leadership also encompassed the Natural Environment Charity Review, strengthened governance, sustainable income generation, and advancements in the Corporation's Climate Action ambitions. The resolution further noted her oversight of high-quality conservation, heritage, learning, and public engagement outcomes across various open spaces. The Natural Environment Director thanked the Committee and officers for their support.

Decision: Members of the West Ham Park Committee extended their sincere appreciation to Emily Brennan for her service.

Exclusion of the Public

Decision: It was resolved that the public would be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business as they involved the likely disclosure of exempt information.

Non-Public Minutes

Decision: The non-public minutes of the previous meeting held on 30 April 2026 were agreed as a correct record.

Charity Funds and Reserves Summary & Reserves Policy Proposal – West Ham Park

The Committee considered a report from the Chamberlain and Executive Director, Environment.

Provision of Food and Beverage Offer in West Ham Park

Officers of the Environment Department provided a verbal update.

Questions on Matters Relating to the Work of the Committee

There was one question raised on matters relating to the work of the Committee.

Any Other Business That the Chairman Considers Urgent

There was no urgent business raised in the non-public session.