Green Flag Award Judging
Judges ensure that the standards the Award sets are high, but fair. They are independent arbiters of the award scheme, acting as points of contact between the scheme’s management and users of the sites that they judge.
Judges are essential to the effective operation of the scheme. They have a background in nature conservation, ecology, parks and landscape management, community engagement, environmental issues, horticulture or related disciplines. Judges are all volunteers, giving their time freely to the scheme, though travel expenses are reimbursed.
Judging is carried out in two stages: a desk assessment and a site visit. Two judges assess each new application, and two judges, where possible, assess re-applications.
There are massive benefits to be had when volunteering to become a Green Flag Award judge, and just some of them are listed below
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Personal development
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Training in all aspects of the Green Flag Award criteria at the briefing days
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Opportunity to contribute your thoughts and ideas to the Green Flag Award scheme at the debriefing days
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Mentoring scheme in operation with experienced judge
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Opportunity to benchmark and exchange ideas with other park managers
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Opportunity to network with other judges and park managers
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Chance to gain a detailed understanding of the Green Flag Award standard and its processes
In addition to the above benefits, travel expenses will be full reimbursed, and if required, expenses for overnight accommodation will be paid (up to £60 per night).
Judges Association
All Green Flag Award Scheme judges are members of the Judges’ Association, giving them access to an electronic network, where they can exchange news, views, issues and ideas. All judging information and updates are posted on the network, which makes communication quicker and easier.
The Judges’ Association has a committee, comprising a member from each of the English regions and one member each from Scotland and Wales.
Become a Judge
Due to the expansion of the scheme, we are currently recruiting judges.
Judges are essential to the effective operation of the Green Flag Award scheme, they are volunteers with wide ranging backgrounds including park management, environmental management, horticulture, arboriculture, grounds maintenance, community involvement, etc.
Judges are the independent arbiters of the scheme, providing the crucial link between the park and green space users and the managers of the scheme itself. Judges are all volunteers, giving their time freely to the scheme, though all expenses are reimbursed.
Training is given via briefing days, and a mentoring scheme operates. The time commitment for judging varies although a maximum of one and a half days per site, depending on the size of the site, is a good guide.
If you think you have what it takes to become a judge then please either contact Paul Todd, Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, email: paul.todd@keepbritaintidy.org, tel: 01942 612611
or post a covering letter and CV to:
Green Flag Award Judges
Keep Britain Tidy
Elizabeth House
The Pier
Wigan
WN3 4EX