I have said many times before that people are the City of London’s greatest asset.
At Epping Forest, volunteers form a critical part of our people strategy – we simply couldn’t run our open spaces charities without the hard work of our army of volunteers.
Over the past few years I have done my best to establish a volunteer management plan, including hiring a volunteer engagement manager, publishing a Volunteer Guide and setting a recognition and reward framework.
This week we will host our annual Volunteer Reception at Guildhall, where volunteers from Epping Forest will speak about the work they do. Later in the summer will host a local reception and earlier this year, I was delighted to sponsor some volunteers to receive the Freedom of the City of London.
Working alongside the Ranger of Epping Forest, HRH The Duke of Gloucester, I was pleased to accompany two outstanding volunteers to Buckingham Palace today for a Garden Party.
Spencer Cleminson has been a leading light in the Epping Forest Conservation Volunteers for more than 30 years. Several times each week, Spencer and his teams perform hands-on practical conservation tasks across the Forest. He has mentored and recruited countless volunteers and the impact he has had in Epping Forest is simply remarkable.
Gordon Turpin is well-regarded as “Mister Highams Park”. He has taken a leadership role in the Highams Park Planning Group, working with the City of London Corporation and Waltham Forest Council to create an important community hub around the park and lake. Gordon is another individual who has trained and supported countless individuals and who makes volunteers feel welcome and valued.
Both volunteers were delighted to be formally presented to The Ranger for a chat and also to meet The Rt Hon the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of London.
A very special day, attended by TRH The Prince and Princess of Wales, The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Beatrice and Zara Philipps.
