Groundwork London, in partnership with Parks for London and Capel Manor College, has secured new funding of £346k from the National Lottery to continue and expand the Green Space Skills Hub (GSSH), a  London-wide programme supporting people into green space careers, and helping the sector attract the talent it needs, become more inclusive and representative of the city it serves.

Originally funded by the Mayor’s Skills Academies Programme (2023–2026) and delivered by Groundwork London, the Green Space Skills Hub was established to promote and facilitate access to green space jobs across London, from parks and horticulture to landscape management and green infrastructure.

The programme was shaped by findings from the Green Space Skills Hub Perception Report (2023), which highlighted widespread misconceptions among job seekers and Londoners about the green space sector, alongside a lack of awareness of the range of roles available. The report also identified significant challenges around diversity and representation, particularly for women, younger people and people from global majority backgrounds.

Since then, the Green Space Skills Hub has built a growing network of over 200 employers and JCP’s committed to improving access to the sector and creating fairer, more inclusive pathways into green space roles. Through events, webinars and collaboration with employers, education providers and job seekers, the Hub has worked to improve understanding of careers in the sector.

To date, Capel Manor College, our partner in the GSSH, have trained and prepared nearly 4000 Londoners for careers in the sector and together we have helped 1000 unemployed Londoners into jobs. Through our jobs board we are helping 90 employers fill their vacancies.

The new £346 National Lottery funding, awarded for a three-year period, comes at a critical time.

Green space jobs play a vital role in responding to the climate emergency, improving health and wellbeing, and supporting London’s economy. As the city continues to adapt to climate change and invest in its green infrastructure, demand for a skilled and diverse workforce is growing.

With this new funding, Groundwork London aims to build on this momentum of the Mayor’s Skills Academies and continue supporting Londoners into meaningful green space careers.

Led by the environmental and community charity, Groundwork London who are spearheading meaningful change through environmental regeneration, the funding is in the hands of experts that have been improving London’s communities and green spaces for the last forty years.

As part of this next phase, the Green Space Skills Hub will expand its research activity to better understand the demographics of those working in the sector, and what we can do to attract more people into it. This will include a workforce representation survey, and a public perception and representation survey aimed at job seekers and potential career changers to ensure future activity is informed by real ideas, experiences and needs. Alongside new resources and events aimed to strengthen the connection between jobseekers and employers, the GSSH employment team are supporting even more Londoners in their career pathway; green space is a sector of choice for everyone.  

Lindy Kelly, Executive Director of Groundwork London explains the charity’s commitment to green space regeneration; “For 40 years, Groundwork has been working hand in hand with Londoners to improve the accessibility and quality of our capital’s green and blue spaces. Creating spaces that work for nature and people. We’re delighted that the National Lottery is supporting us to attract more Londoners from all backgrounds into the workforce and develop their skills to protect, maintain and enhance our environment now and for the future.”

Edward Stannard, Executive Director at Parks for London says “If we are serious about realising the many benefits that London’s parks, green & blue infrastructure can deliver for people, nature, and the environment then we need to get serious about attracting and retaining the next generation of talent into the sector. This is why we are excited to continue our partnership with Groundwork London to better support those coming into the workforce by forging stronger links between them and their colleagues.”

Sam Black, Assistant Principal at Capel Manor College says “As London’s specialist environmental college, Capel Manor is committed to developing the skilled workforce needed to care for the capital’s parks, gardens and green infrastructure. The Green Space Skills Hub plays an important role in helping more Londoners discover these careers and access the training and opportunities available across the sector. We are proud to be part of a partnership that is opening up greener career pathways and ensuring the sector reflects the diversity and talent of London.”

Notes to Editor:

Bringing green space employment and opportunities to the forefront of London’s response to climate change, the Green Space Skills Hub supports jobseekers and employers to the forefront of the job market, celebrating green space as a sector of choice for all.

Groundwork London works with communities across the capital to improve their lives and the places they live. We have been at the forefront of social and environmental regeneration in London for over 30 years, and today we have a simple mission: to create a better future where people, places and the environment thrive through practical action.

Parks for London is an active partner of the GSSH and has grown to be the leading strategic voice and champion for London’s green space sector. They work with and support landowners and managers of London’s green infrastructure to share and develop good practices, improve standards and maximise resources.

Capel Manor College is London’s specialist environmental college, supporting the development of the skilled workforce needed to care for the capital’s parks, gardens and green spaces. The College works closely with employers across the sector to deliver specialist education, training and career pathways that support a greener and more sustainable London.

The National Lottery has been changing lives for 30 years, with more than £50 billion raised for Good Causes since its launch in 1994. Thanks to National Lottery players, over 690,000 projects have been supported across the UK, covering arts, education, environment, health, heritage, sport, and the community.

Press: london.press@groundwork.org.uk

Project Communications Manager, Groundwork London: Rachel Davies

Communications Officer, Groundwork London: Andreea Vaitis

Green Space Skills Hub

Facebook: @greenspaceskillshub

Instagram: @greenspaceskillshub

LinkedIn: @GreenSpaceSkillsHub

Groundwork London

Facebook: @GroundworkLondon

Instagram: @GroundworkLondon

LinkedIn: @GroundworkLonon

For more information, visit the GSSH website: https://greenspaceskillshub.london/ 

Groundwork London website: https://www.groundwork.org.uk/london/