Agenda item

Report ES17015

Members considered an annual performance review of Idverde Ltd (formerly The Landscape Group and then English Landscapes Maintenance Limited) covering management of parks, recreation grounds, the countryside, sports, playgrounds, events, biodiversity, allotments and environmental education - the contract with Idverde valued at £36.59m with savings of up to  £1m expected by contract expiry in 2019. 

Although contact monitoring had identified a number of service issues on grounds maintenance, the issues were quickly rectified and the contractor’s current overall performance was considered good.

A Member was grateful for work at the Croydon Road Recreation Ground including the contribution by Friends and for fundraising to assist the park.

A Bromley Parks website had been established by Idverde but some aspects appeared to need updating with more information necessary e.g. further information on the Friends and Events pages such as park run information at Norman Park and Crystal Palace and car parking information for Keston Common. However, Idverde’s website was currently in transition and an events app was being developed. Details of 2017 events were being collected and would be uploaded in the next two months. Idverde had also published a link to the Friends Forum of Bromley Parks and Green Spaces along with links to each Friends Group website. 

Idverde’s performance against agreed performance indicators was reviewed each quarter and Idverde intended to update its Action Plan (Performance Management Matrix 2015-17) each year. In 2017/18 Idverde would also seek to improve any performance deficiency against ward based Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

For any reports of dog fouling, it was confirmed that officers would liaise with the contractor and monitor the position; a problem not addressed would be regarded as a contract default.

Members also reviewed the level of interest for events at parks. Idverde looked at a number of varied opportunities including increased cold food concessions and opportunities for hot food concessions; a pilot creperie had also been undertaken at Queen’s Gardens, Bromley and specialist coffee trials had been taken forward. Idverde had appointed a Business Development Officer and other business/event opportunities in parks were expected to transpire; such ventures on a regular basis would provide a better opportunity to judge their effectiveness. 

The commissioned arrangements had worked well with Friends Groups and Idverde worked closely with stakeholders; stakeholder groups had provided positive feedback. Idverde also managed construction of the new play area at Queen’s Park, Bromley, the project having been delivered efficiently, on time, and within budget. The commissioned arrangements were the first of their type with other local authorities interested in a similar model.

It was noted that Idverde had revised the Countryside Consultative Panel, the Panel comprising a broad membership including L B Bromley Members. The Panel’s inaugural meeting in the new format took place last December, the Panel now meeting twice per annum at the Civic Centre with a site visit each summer. The Panel’s initial aim for 2017 was to review bridleways, fly-tipping and biodiversity. Members supported the change in remit for the Panel. 

RESOLVED that the current level of performance by Idverde and revised format of the Countryside Consultative Panel be noted.