Jobs cut at Peterborough's Nene Park Trust in the face of rising costs and falling income
Jobs have been cut at Peterborough’s Nene Park Trust as it battles to cope with rising costs and falling income.
Six members of staff have been made redundant at the Trust which is responsible for maintaining 1,725 acres of parkland that includes includes Thorpe Meadows, Orton Mere, Woodston Reach and the rural estate to the west of Ferry Meadows.
The Trust, which was established 37 years ago, currently has 95 members of staff.
The redundancies have been made within an ongoing transformation of the Trust to ensure it is more resilient and forward-looking.
Matthew Bradbury, chief executive of the Trust, said: “Like many charities, Nene Park Trust has felt the impact of rising costs and a reduction in expected income during the current economic climate.
"As a responsible and proactive charity, we also review our Business Plans, resources and impact on a regular basis.
"We have therefore taken a careful look at how we deliver our services to enable the Trust to continue to steward the much-loved green and cultural spaces that mean so much to the people of Peterborough and the region and our visitors.
Mr Bradbury said: “Building on this review, we are beginning a transformation process that will help us become even more resilient, efficient and forward-looking.
"These changes will strengthen our foundations, open up new opportunities to collaborate, and ensure we can keep enriching lives through the spaces, experiences and connections we create.
"Inevitably, this process has meant that we have identified a small number of posts within the Trust that are sadly redundant, the result of which is that we are losing six incredible colleagues.
"We wish them well and thank them for the significant value they have provided to the Trust and to you, our beneficiaries.
He added: “Our focus remains firmly on delivering our charitable aims and providing the welcoming places, activities and moments that help communities meet, explore and grow together.
"We are deeply grateful to our staff, volunteers and supporters for their continued commitment during this period of change.”
While Nene Park is a charitable trust with endowments from commercial assets and investments that fund its running, its masterplan 2017-2050 spells out the need for additional finance.
It states: “These funds are not enough to support the ambitious projects that are needed to ensure that Nene Park continues to be a wonderful community asset.
"We will need to be creative in finding new and innovative funding, support and delivery models.”