The Eco-Schools Ambassador role

An Eco-School Ambassador is an inspirational flagship school of the Eco-Schools programme that has completed in-depth work on all nine Eco-Schools topics and ensured sustainability is embedded into the curriculum. As an Eco-School they have successfully delivered change in the culture of the school. An Eco-Schools Ambassador will be able to demonstrate successful pupil and community interaction and are supporting and sharing information and advice with other schools and Eco-Communities (Eco-Homes and Eco-Schools).

Being an Eco-Schools Ambassador is not a next step as a Green Flag Eco-School, the school aims to fulfil a position of responsibility and is given the role for two years. The role is undertaken by inspirational Green Flag schools that currently extend their support and commitment to sustainability and the wider community. Our Ambassadors are leaders, who are the forefront of the Eco-Communities campaign, they extend the ethos of Eco-Schools far beyond the school gates.

Changing Ambassador role 2012 onwards

The role of an Eco-Schools Ambassador is evolving and from October 2012 the number of Eco-Schools Ambassadors representing Eco-Schools will also change.

By 2014 we are aiming for a maximum of four Ambassadors who excel in their role to represent each region throughout England each year. 

We welcome all schools who received their status as an Ambassador from the October 2010 and 2011 applications, to apply for the award. After assessment two new schools will be chosen each year to represent their region. This will provide an opportunity for a variety of schools to take on the active responsibility and this will also spread the Eco-Schools messages and support into other communities within the region.

We value the ongoing work of all past and present Ambassador Schools and see them as a vital element to the continuing success of the Eco-School programme and to promoting sustainability. Our previous Ambassadors will be seen as our legacy schools, they will continue to take an active role and lead with sustainability in their community and we will continue to share the experiences and successes gained from their hard work and commitment to Eco-Schools.

Read changes for The Year Ahead 2013

Application dates

Schools are invited to apply for the role of an Eco-Schools Ambassador annually between the 1st October and the 31st October. Applications sent before 1st October will not be considered.

If you applied for Ambassador in October 2010, you must reapply in October 2012 (irrelevant of when you received the Ambassador status).

• A potential Ambassador Eco-School will not need to complete a separate Green Flag application if their Green Flag Award is due for renewal between 1 June 2012 and 31 January 2013
• A potential Ambassador Eco-School must complete and apply for a separate Green Flag application if their Green Flag Award is due for renewal between 1 February 2013 and 31 May 2013

Download a calendar outlining the Ambassador application date criteria

The application and assessment process

To apply for the role of an Eco-Schools Ambassador please download the role application form.

Please email one copy of the Eco-Schools Ambassador job application form to eco-schools@keepbritaintidy.org, or by disc to Eco-Schools, Keep Britain Tidy, Elizabeth House, The Pier, Wigan, WN3 4EX marked 'Eco-Schools Ambassador Application'. Evidence that must be sent alongside your application includes:

• School development plan
• Environmental review
• Action plan
• Examples of lesson plans
• Examples of wider community support (this could be press cuttings, photographs, local authority news releases etc)
• Evidence of how litter was tackled including images, data etc.

We will review all applications once the application round has closed. We will then:

• Contact schools to inform them if the application has been successful or not for an assessment in school
• Get in touch to arrange your assessment as soon as possible after October
• Schools will then be visited for assessment throughout the Winter and Spring terms
• Successful Ambassador Schools will be announced together by May the following year
• If successful we will offer your school the position as an Eco-schools Ambassador for two years from the date of announcement. You will receive an Eco-Schools Ambassador’s aluminium plaque, logo and flag then your school will start the role as an Eco-Schools Ambassador
• Successful applicants will continue with their role as an Eco-Schools Ambassador for two years. They will need to submit their renewal or new application in the October before the two year role expires
• The Ambassador role is in addition to the Green Flag Award, however most applicants will have their Green Flag reviewed at the same time as assessing their position as an Ambassador. Schools who are visited by an Eco-Schools assessor for the Ambassador role and are unsuccessful may still be awarded the Green Flag

What will I receive if I am successful?

• Successful Ambassador applicants will receive an Ambassador logo, an aluminium plaque and an Ambassador Flag
• Schools who are being reassessed for their Eco-Schools Green Flag Award at the same time will receive an Eco-Schools Green Flag and certificate
• Schools who are visited by an Eco-Schools assessor and are not successful may still receive the Green Flag Award

Read the Ambassador roles and responsibilities

See which Eco-Schools were awarded Ambassador status in 2012

See which Eco-Schools were awarded Ambassador status in 2011