• Introduction

    Welcome to ParksMatch 


    Local authority parks departments are full of highly skilled and knowledgeable staff, but not all local authorities have the same skills and experience - that is why ParksMatch exists.

    ParksMatch is a website designed to help you find solutions to a green space or parks related problem and also share stories of your success. Funded and supported by CABE Space and run by the Institute of Parks and Green Space, ParksMatch encourages you to share green space skills across the country and create mentoring projects.

    ParksMatch is supported by of some of the leading parks departments in England, who have already agreed to back this project.


    What is ParksMatch? 


    ParksMatch is a forum site where you can post requests for advice, offer help or share success. Others can help either by posting answers or offering support such as the chance to shadow one of their staff or learn how they approached and resolved a similar issue.

    CABE Space may fund travel and accommodation where individuals need to travel to other local authorities to learn. Complete the form in the expenses claims section of this site.

    For example, you may be trying to establish a network of community-run cafes but are struggling to know where to start. Post a question detailing what help you are looking for, and receive support from a local authority who has already done this successfully.

    To make the site work we need you to use it regularly so please register, post a question and check back often to ask for, and offer help.

    How it works 


    1) Login or register to use the service
    2) Click on the ‘forums’ tab
    3) Select the most appropriate category for your question
    4) Post your question
    5) When you receive a reply, you will be sent an email alert
    6) Log back in to start the conversation
    7) Check back regularly to post a new question or to see if you can help others


    CABE funded grants

    If you decide, after forum posts, that you can best achieve your aims by visiting another parks department, or by them visiting you, CABE Space will consider covering travel and accommodation up to £500. There is a limited number of these grants and the amount available will depend upon the uptake. If you are unsuccessful in finding a match IPGS and CABE Space will try to find one for you.


    Projects will need to meet these criteria:
    • You will be a parks or green space manager working in an urban local authority

      Do I work for an urban local authority?

    • The subject of the visit must be judged to be within the five topics:
      • Marketing and promoting sites
      • Community engagement
      • Climate change and sustainability
      • Leading and managing people
      • Funding and financial management
    • You must complete the application form covering aims, objectives and impact of the visit

    • The cost does not exceed £500

    • On completing the visit you need to complete and submit a project report which will be posted on ParksMatch for the benefit of the forum users. Submit a financial report and your expenses grant will be released.

    Supporters 


    • City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council
    • City of London
    • Plymouth City Council
    • Leicester City Council
    • The Royal Parks
    • Sheffield City Council
    • Oldham Metropolitan District Council
    • Leeds City Council
    • Islington Council

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