London's amenity societies tell Londonforum their priorities

The London Forum of Amenity and Civic Societies will be using the results from a survey of member societies to review its strategy and priorities

'In this rapidly changing world,' says Chairman Peter Eversden, 'it is important that we identify trends, new issues and requirements for the future. Our business plan, aims and activities need to be updated.'

'Londonforum needs to be able to demonstrate that our priorities, responses to consultations, demands on other organisations and representations to the Greater London Authority, Central Government, the Civic Trust and other national amenity organisations are based on input from our members.'

The findings of the survey were previewed in a meeting at The Gallery in November. An executive summary will be available on this website early in 2009.

The survey, undertaken in summer 2008, is the third such survey Moira Forrester has carried out for the London Forum of Amenity and Civic Societies in its 20 year history. Societies were asked to list their important achievements over the last five years and the most significant issues and challenges they now have to deal with in their area. They were also asked to report on the areas of progress and the problem areas they have been encountering in running their society; how far they are involved with borough development plans; what they regard as the biggest benefits of Londonforum membership; and the extent to which they are now handling information electronically.

Societies were also asked to assess whether their membership is representative of the wider community, in terms of age and ethnic background, and whether they have the right skills in their committee.

A key question asked societies to suggest what they would like to see as the five main priorities for Londonforum over the next five years.

Organisations which are associate members of the London Forum of Amenity and Civic Societies were also invited to give their views on their own achievements and frustrations, and the future issues they foresee as important.

6 Decemberl 2008