We wanted to explore (ie more efficiently and effectively) transition from a 100% volunteer run community garden to one with a staff team. So enabling us to expand and develop the number and range of community services that we provide.

Make best use of Trustee time eg avoiding pitfalls. Thereby freeing up time for them to get on and deliver the changes. Broaden and strengthen our current planning, funding and marketing/publicity efforts. So allowing us to better deliver on our Mission and reach out to more community members, especially disadvantaged folks.

The exchange helped to highlight the importance of taking volunteers with you, sustaining their interest/commitment/support when loads of new activities and groups happening. Avoid a feeling of being “left behind”, and that the new work means the garden feels “busy” and maybe doesn’t benefit them so much. Monthly volunteer/staff meetings, quarterly newsletter, annual review meeting.

Tackling inequalities: engagement with the Poverty Action Group is  important; ‘Pay It Forward’ scheme in Hub cafe that allows those with more income to support those with less whilst avoiding any stigma; Ticket Taylor for event bookings and Malechimp on marketing – allow subsidised/free offerings and standard prices overpay; run a Food Bank

Gardening: Sustainability measures eg water collection and distribution system for garden – solar portable water pump and mobile bowser; composting.

Communications: links with funders eg give certificates for corporate activity participants; good quality publications

Publicity: taking part in award/recognition schemes brings recognition and good evidence for funders; social media doesn’t tend to cut through all the ‘paid for’ rubbish

Learning Outcomes

• Analyse the key learnings and best ways to smoothly transition from a purely voluntary organisation to one that successfully employs a staff team, working alongside volunteers, including Trustees.
• Re-assess and improve our Business & Strategic planning, funding and marketing/awareness-raising provision.
• Understand how their gardening, cooking activities and facilities fit in with their Vision, Mission and Objectives.

"We were able to establish a good relationship and personal connections between our organisations that will be mutually helpful. We made a firm plan for Eats Rosyth to visit us later in the year."