November 2022 Creating world class surfaces
Workforce development at the heart of the GMA’s Strategy
The Grounds Management Association (GMA) has, after the impact of the pandemic and following the impact of global events, combined with the cost-ofliving crisis, focused on tackling the key issues highlighted by volunteers and professionals as priority areas to address in the grounds care industry. Published alongside the GMA’s 2022 Workforce Survey, the reset of the GMA’s Five-Year Strategy first launched in 2021, outlines six key priority areas
that will inform and influence the association’s work to help achieve three long-term goals: • To attract new talent and accelerate the growth of a diverse workforce • To support sustainable business growth and protect the sector’s interests • To build industry reputation and promote the sector’s contribution to society and the economy The six strategic priority areas are: workforce development;
people and culture; services and support; industry representation; data and digitisation; and funding and investment. GMA Chief Executive, Geoff Webb said: “We know the challenges that those working in the grounds care industry face and the findings from our Annual Workforce Survey echo those issues year after year. Whilst we have made progress since revealing the results of ‘Groundsmanship Sports Vital Profession’ in 2019, the trends first identified remain.
“The issues are far-reaching and to make a positive difference at pace, working together as a sector, we need a shift in mindset and outlook. Working collaboratively is key to success. Members and others working in grounds care, those employing grounds staff, industry partners and suppliers, national governing bodies, professional leagues, the media, local authorities, and the education sector all have a role to play. It’s a team effort.” The GMA’s latest report estimates that over 3,200 professional grounds managers are due to retire in the next three years and over a third of all grounds professionals are over the age of 55. The lack of young people joining the profession is evident with only 3% being under 25. A clear indication that the industry is facing a recruitment crisis and must act now to attract the next generation.
A lack of diversity also continues to be an issue in grounds management with white men still being the most dominant demographic working in the industry. 96% of professional grounds staff are male and only 3% are non-white, which is far from representative of the communities across the UK. The report also highlights an issue with underinvestment in grounds management, both in terms of procuring the necessary equipment, and the salary levels paid to grounds staff. The association believes that there is a widespread lack of understanding of what skills, technical expertise, and equipment are required to maintain sports grounds to a satisfactory standard. An issue that will be addressed by proactively promoting the work of grounds people and reiterating the message that with no ground, there’s no game. GMA
Natural Turf Management Spotlight on creating world class conditions Pages 16-20
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