“Bleak” results in Landscape Institute membership survey
Results of the Landscape Institute’s recent membership survey show an underlying dissatisfaction and a lack of entry accessibility aid, concludes the association.
Data showed that overall membership satisfaction fell by a quarter, to 39%, down from 64%.
Acting commercial director, Naomi Taylor, who until recently was the head of membership, called it a “bleak day” when she read the results. “I’ve read every single comment in detail. That is quite a drop and I recognise we need to do something about that, which is why we’re looking to make positive change. We need to do something about it.”
Robert Hughes, acting CEO of the LI, says: “We have a genuine commitment to listen to the views of our members and provide them with the best possible service. A member survey is an excellent way of doing this and we will be rigorous in responding to the issues that have been raised.”
The survey received over 1,000 comments from members ranging from negative to positive and what can be done to increase satisfaction.
One member says: “I do not feel very supported as a member, and I do not feel the LI is vocal enough in representing members and our agenda to government.”
“We thank them for their honest feedback and look forward to building an inclusive and progressive Landscape Institute in collaboration with our members,” says Hughes.
Whilst almost 20% of survey respondents felt the LI performs well in building connections with sectors and organisations, below half (38%) felt the LI had done well in updating entry standards. Less than a third (28%) agree that the LI performs well in attracting the next generation of professionals.
Taylor says: “The skills shortage is such a fundamental crisis within our sector and we as an institute have a lot that we need to do.”
Almost half (44%) of respondents stated they were proud to be a part of the LI, but 37% of members stated that they would not be a part of the LI if it were not a requirement of their job.
The majority (70%) of respondents indicated a need for increased specialty focus, including the deployment of masterclasses on single topics.
In response to the survey and what the LI can do to improve member satisfaction, Hughes says: “We have committed to eight pledges to our members, which we have grouped around three strategic priorities of people, membership, and systems.
“These pledges are; to engage our current and future communities; provide a consistently good service; enhance our membership offering; address the landscape skills shortage; communicate our industry’s value to other sectors; futureproof organisational infrastructure; support our members with CPD; and recognise the generous work of our volunteers.”
Hughes concludes with: “We are embarking on a new chapter in the LI’s long and respected history, with the leadership of our new president-elect, Carolin Göhler. We are looking forward to a positive future, focusing on these strategic priorities in order to support our members in their work, and unite the industry to meet today’s challenges by connecting people, place, and nature for the benefit of the public and the planet.”