The West Ham Park Committee is scheduled to convene on Thursday, 5 November 2026. Key discussions are expected to cover financial progress, risk management, and a proposed donation recognition programme.

Assistant Director's Report

The committee is expected to receive an update on matters relating to West Ham Park since the previous meeting on 9 July 2026. The report details the park's maintenance during challenging summer conditions, including heatwaves and drought, and notes the impact on trees and plants. It also outlines autumnal maintenance duties, volunteer efforts in the ornamental gardens, and recent tree inspections. The report highlights the procurement of climate-resilient trees and potential acquisitions from the Barbican Conservatory. Furthermore, it details the park's success in achieving Green Flag and Green Heritage Awards, as well as a gold award at the London in Bloom Awards. The Learning Team's engagement with over 1,500 participants, including work with the charity Ambition Aspire Achieve (AAA), is also noted. Community events, such as ParkFest, George Irvin's Summer Fun Fair, and bat walks, are mentioned, alongside upcoming events like the Spooky Autumn Trail and Newham's Big Leaf Pile. The report also addresses ongoing issues with anti-social behaviour and drug-related activity, detailing temporary closures and increased security presence. Staffing updates include the appointment of a new gardener and the upcoming retirement of the Head Gardener. A detailed update from the City Surveyor's Department on the Cyclical Works Programme and Planned Preventive Maintenance & Repairs Programme is included, alongside information on fundraising efforts, including the establishment of a donation platform.

Risk Management Update Report

This report aims to assure the West Ham Park Committee that risk management procedures within the Environment Department and its Natural Environment Division, which includes West Ham Park, are satisfactory and meet the requirements of the Corporate Risk Management Framework and the Charities Act 2011. The West Ham Park Risk Register contains ten risks, with four rated as RED, five as AMBER, and one as GREEN. A key risk that has increased in score is Adverse impacts of extreme weather and climate change, with the likelihood rating increased from 'possible' to 'likely' due to the heatwaves experienced in Summer 2026. Actions are being taken to mitigate the impact of this risk. Other high-scored risks (rated RED) include Decline in condition of assets, Work related stress, and Readiness for Natural Environment Charities Review (NECR) implementation. The report details the causes, events, and effects of these risks, along with associated actions and target dates for mitigation. Amber-rated risks, such as Budget pressures and Impacts of anti-social behaviour on staff and site, are also being managed with the aim of reducing their likelihood and/or impact ratings.

Donation Recognition Programme for West Ham Park

This report proposes the establishment of a Donation Recognition Programme for West Ham Park. The programme aims to provide opportunities for individuals, families, and organisations to support the park through voluntary giving, with appropriate recognition for their contributions. In the first phase, plaques will be offered on pre-existing and new benches for a minimum donation of £3,500. This initiative is intended to support the development of sustainable unrestricted charitable income, strengthen supporter engagement, and protect the park's heritage and environmental character. The programme is consistent with similar initiatives at other open spaces and heritage sites. The report outlines the aims of the programme, including encouraging unrestricted donations and clarifying dedication opportunities. It also details proposed donation levels, plaque designs, duration of recognition, and the allocation process, including the use of an online Geographical Information System (GIS) map for available locations.

2026-27 Business Plan – West Ham Park (Mid-term Report)

This report provides a mid-term update on the delivery of the North London Open Spaces five-year Business Plan for West Ham Park, focusing on the 2026-27 financial year. It reports by exception, highlighting workstreams that are not anticipated for delivery in the current financial year due to resource constraints or other project priorities, such as the playground ground material replacement and the engagement of a planning consultant. It also notes newly arising workstreams that have emerged since the beginning of the financial year, including significant time committed to dealing with increased anti-social behaviour, the Natural Environment Charity Review/Grant Funding Model re-baselining, and responding to heatwaves. The report also mentions the impact of senior manager retirements and new corporate controls on recruitment. The five-year Business Plan is described as an ambitious and evolving document that aims to support central planning, delivery, and reporting on numerous workstreams across multiple sites.

Finance Progress Report – Period 5 (August 2026) 2026/27

This report provides an update on the Period 5 2026/27 operational finance position for the West Ham Park charity. It includes the charity's revenue budget to date up to the end of August 2026 and projected year-end outturn, current live capital projects, and outstanding debt positions. The report details that the unrestricted operational budget for 2026/27 targets breakeven, with an actual net expenditure of £112k deficit as at August 2026. The forecast outturn for 2026/27 is projected to be breakeven. The report highlights an increase in self-generated income due to higher sports facility and licensing income. It also notes an increase in City Surveyors expenditure, particularly in repairs and maintenance, and a rephasing of Cyclical Works Programme projects. An update on the status of an additional funding request from the 2026/27 Finance Committee NECR Contingency is provided in Appendix 2, detailing allocations for transformational funding, additional security and safety-related staff roles, and income generation initiatives.

Draft West Ham Park Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2026

A draft version of the Trustee's Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2026 for West Ham Park is presented for information. The report is in the format required by the Charity Commission and has been reviewed by the Comptroller and City Solicitor and other stakeholders. The audit is currently underway, and the report is subject to change before being filed with the Charity Commission by the regulatory deadline of 31 January 2027. The report details the charity's origins, charitable aims, and activities, including its role as a Grade II Listed Victorian style urban park in the London Borough of Newham. It outlines the governance arrangements, including the responsibilities of the West Ham Park Committee, Policy and Resources Committee, and Finance Committee. The report also covers the charity's funding arrangements, including grant funding from the City of London Corporation and charitable fundraising efforts. Achievements and performance for 2025/26 are reviewed, including retaining Green Flag and Green Heritage Awards, work on nature recovery, tree health management, community events like ParkFest, and improvements to cricket facilities and toilet blocks. Future plans for 2026/27 are also outlined, focusing on continued care, maintenance, and enhancement of the park, alongside initiatives related to climate resilience and community engagement. Performance indicators for 2025/26 are presented, showing operational breakeven and a slight increase in visitor numbers and learners. The financial review details income and expenditure for the year, noting an increase in income from the City of London Corporation and expenditure on security and cyclical works. The balance sheet shows a decrease in tangible fixed assets and an increase in cash at bank. The charity's funds and reserves policy are also discussed, with a target of one month's budgeted operational expenditure for free reserves. The report identifies principal risks and uncertainties, including decline in asset condition, work-related stress, budget pressures, adverse impacts of extreme weather, health and safety risks, anti-social behaviour, and tree failure.

Natural Environment Charities – Complementary Land Draft Policy and Management Options

This report is scheduled for discussion in the non-public session of the meeting.

Food and Beverage Concessions at West Ham Park

This report is scheduled for decision in the non-public session of the meeting.

Climate Action Strategy Phase 2: Nature Recovery Programme

This report is scheduled for information in the non-public session of the meeting.