What Applicants Can Expect During a Green Flag Award Judging Visit Webinar
This recorded webinar provides practical guidance for Green Flag Award applicants preparing for a judging visit. Featuring experienced Green Flag Award judges and members of the Green Flag Award team, the session explains what happens before, during and after a judging visit, helping applicants understand the process and make the most of their assessment.
Watch the full recording below, alongside speaker details and downloadable resources.
Guest Speakers
- Paul Todd
- Lorraine Nicholls
- Chris Worman
- Jane Calvert
Webinar Summary
Preparing for a Green Flag Award judging visit can feel daunting, particularly for new applicants. This webinar was designed to demystify the process and provide reassurance about what applicants can expect.
The session covered the journey from application submission through to judging and feedback. Attendees learned how applications are reviewed, how judges are allocated, and the differences between full judging and mystery shop assessments.
Chris Warman and Jane Calvert emphasised that judging visits should be viewed as a positive experience and an opportunity to showcase the achievements of a site. They encouraged applicants to plan routes carefully, involve relevant staff, volunteers and stakeholders where appropriate, and be open about challenges as well as successes.
The judges highlighted that Green Flag Award assessments are not simply inspections but opportunities for professional dialogue and shared learning. Applicants were encouraged to ask questions, discuss challenges, and draw on the expertise of experienced judges.
The webinar also explored mystery shop assessments, explaining how these differ from full judging visits and how feedback can be used to support continuous improvement.
Key Themes from the Webinar
The webinar explored several important themes, including:
- Understanding the Green Flag Award judging process
- Preparing documentation and management plans
- Planning and hosting a judging visit
- Full judging versus mystery shop assessments
- Engaging staff, volunteers and community groups
- Using judging as a learning and development opportunity
- Showcasing achievements while discussing challenges openly
- Understanding post-judging feedback and next steps
Top Tips for Applicants
- Submit applications as early as possible to allow time to resolve any issues.
- Ensure contact details, maps and publicity information are accurate and up to date.
- Plan your judging route in advance and allow sufficient time.
- Involve key staff, volunteers and stakeholders where appropriate.
- Be open and honest about challenges as well as successes.
- Use the judging visit as an opportunity to learn from experienced professionals.
- Remember that judges are assessing site management and quality, not perfection.
About the Green Flag Award Academy
The Green Flag Award Academy supports individuals, organisations and communities to build the skills and knowledge needed to manage high-quality green spaces.
Through webinars, training, resources and shared learning opportunities, the Academy aims to support the ongoing improvement of parks and green spaces across the sector.
Stay Connected
To hear about upcoming webinars, new resources and future training opportunities, sign up to the Green Flag Award Academy newsletter.
For more information or to suggest future webinar topics, please contact the Green Flag Award Academy team at [email protected]
