Key Principles of Effective Site Management

1. Key Principles of Effective Site Management Trevor Diesch Race Equalities (Gypsies and Travellers) Communities and Local Government

2. Effective site management – the current climate • Shortage of authorised site accommodation revealed by GTAAs • Slow progress in identifying land suitable for new sites • Cessation of central Government site development grant • Frustrated Gypsy and Traveller site accommodation “market” • Factors encourage desperate measures - unauthorised sites • Raises community friction, fear and public opposition

3. Effective site management – why so important? • Safeguards investment in site provision; • Prevents deterioration in site condition, unpopularity of site, threat of tenants moving off and more unauthorised camping elsewhere; • Encourages and maintains good relationship between site owner and residents on site, between residents, and with settled community; • Assists access to essential service providers including health and education; • Encourages partnership with residents and reduces vulnerability to anti-social behaviour;

4. Effective site management – key principles (1) • Get acquainted with the site and all its residents - who, when, what, • where • Establish short, management chain – have someone back at base • Establish simple, sensible and fair site rules • Ensure everyone is clear about site rules, knows responsibilities • and what is required of them • Manage site firmly but fairly explaining reasons for decisions • clearly and openly • Clear and transparent waiting list and pitch allocation • procedures, controlled at the centre, not on site

5. Effective site management – key principles (2) • Treat residents with respect and provide the service for • which rent is paid • Residents Committees and complaints procedures • Maintain trust, don’t deliver promises you may not be able to • meet • But keep control of the agenda under pressure • Ensure works are done when promised and as promised – • consult first • Ensure contracted out management operates in accordance • with expectations

6. Effective site management – key principles(3) • Encourage familiarity of site and its residents - with • service agencies and surrounding community – • reduce fear and mythology • Take a personal interest in the site and represent it as • its agent – “four way facing” • A well managed authorised site should be “a shop window” and • influence the public perception of the Gypsy and Traveller • community – not an unofficial site without proper facilities!