THE INSTITUTE of Groundsmanship has embarked on what is described as a groundbreaking nationwide survey of the UK grounds management industry.

The aim is for the first time in industry history to have a quantifiable benchmark of the economic value of the sector as well as numbers employed, remuneration levels and likely skills gaps that need to be filled in the future.

The results will enable the IOG to extend its ambitious Challenging Perceptions strategy that sets out to reinforce its standing as the leading professional organisation for grounds management.

The survey is being carried out online via the IOG’s website www.iog.org by clicking on the Have Your Say link, and by telephone and face-to-face interviews. The IOG says results are expected by the end of the year.

“Key data about the grounds management industry is at best anecdotal,” said IOG chief executive Geoff Webb.

“When the results are in we will for the first time have a true measure of the size of the industry and the views of the people within it.

“We already know that young people and skilled individuals entering the industry are very low in terms of numbers and if this is not urgently addressed it will result in a real crisis during the next 10-15 years.

“All information will be treated confidentially, of course, and I urge everyone to take part.”