Comparative Metrics on the Establishment, Governance and Dispute Handling of Park Users and Park User Groups
Received: 3 February 2026
Please provide the requested information for the last three financial years:2022/23, 2023/24 and 2024/25.1. Process, Governance and Decision-Making Authority1.1Does the council maintain a written Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) or formal internal guidance for officers regarding the recognition, establishment and ongoing engagement with Park User Groups?1.2If so:* On what date was this guidance last reviewed or updated?* Please provide a copy of the current guidance.1.3Please provide a copy of any Model Constitution, template governance document, or standard management or partnership agreement supplied or recommended to Park User Groups.1.4Please identify the officer role(s), service area(s), or decision-making body responsible for:* recognising or approving Park User Groups;* approving or accepting constitutions or governance arrangements;* overseeing compliance with governance expectations;* intervening where governance, conduct or relationship concerns arise;* suspending or withdrawing council engagement where necessary.2. Timelines and Process Duration (Comparative Metrics) For Park User Groups that engaged with the council during the specified period, please provide aggregated data (no personal data required) showing:2.1The average and median time between:* first contact or expression of interest, and* formal recognition or engagement by the council.2.2The range of timelines, identifying whether any cases materially exceeded the typical timeframe (for example, by more than six months).2.3Whether the council formally records or monitors outliers, delays or stalled applications, and if so, how these are reviewed.3. Dispute Metrics, Escalation and Resolution3.1Please state how many formal disputes, complaints, or recorded 'breakdowns in relationship' between the council and a Park User Group occurred during the period, categorised by the age of the group at the time of dispute:* Groups established for less than 1 year: [number]* Groups established between 1-2 years: [number]* Groups established for more than 2 years: [number]3.2Does the council maintain a formal dispute resolution, mediation or escalation procedure specifically applicable to community or volunteer groups?If so, please provide a copy of the relevant policy or guidance.3.3Are there defined escalation thresholds or trigger criteria (for example, repeat complaints, police involvement, safeguarding concerns, reputational risk, or prolonged disputes) that require senior officer review or a change in engagement approach?If so, please provide the relevant guidance.3.4Of the disputes recorded during the period, please indicate (in aggregate):* how many were resolved informally;* how many involved mediation;* how many resulted in suspension or limitation of council engagement;* how many remained unresolved after 12 months.4. Officer Training and Professional Capability4.1What professional training (for example, mediation, conflict resolution, Alternative Dispute Resolution, safeguarding, or governance oversight) has been provided to lead officers within Parks, Community Engagement or equivalent services during the last 24 months?4.2Please indicate whether such training is:* mandatory or optional;* recorded centrally; and* refreshed periodically.5. System Accountability, Record-Keeping and Neutrality Safeguards5.1What centralised system(s) (for example, CRM, case management system, SharePoint, or equivalent) are used to:* track Park User Group applications;* record decisions;* log communications; and* audit dispute handling over time?5.2If no single central system is use
Outcome / Documents
- Response (some not held) - application/pdf - Download