1. Key Principles of Effective Site Management
Trevor Diesch
Race Equalities (Gypsies and Travellers)
Communities and Local Government

2. Effective site management – the current climate
Shortage of authorised site accommodation revealed by GTAAs
Slow progress in identifying land suitable for new sites
Cessation of central Government site development grant
Frustrated Gypsy and Traveller site accommodation “market”
Factors encourage desperate measures - unauthorised sites
Raises community friction, fear and public opposition

3. Effective site management – why so important?
Safeguards investment in site provision;
Prevents deterioration in site condition, unpopularity of site, threat of tenants moving off and more unauthorised camping elsewhere;
Encourages and maintains good relationship between site owner and residents on site, between residents, and with settled community;
Assists access to essential service providers including health and education;
Encourages partnership with residents and reduces vulnerability to anti-social behaviour;

4. Effective site management – key principles (1)
Get acquainted with the site and all its residents - who, when, what,
where
Establish short, management chain – have someone back at base
Establish simple, sensible and fair site rules
Ensure everyone is clear about site rules, knows responsibilities
and what is required of them
Manage site firmly but fairly explaining reasons for decisions
clearly and openly
Clear and transparent waiting list and pitch allocation
procedures, controlled at the centre, not on site

5. Effective site management – key principles (2)
Treat residents with respect and provide the service for
which rent is paid
Residents Committees and complaints procedures
Maintain trust, don’t deliver promises you may not be able to
meet
But keep control of the agenda under pressure
Ensure works are done when promised and as promised –
consult first
Ensure contracted out management operates in accordance
with expectations

6. Effective site management – key principles(3)
Encourage familiarity of site and its residents - with
service agencies and surrounding community –
reduce fear and mythology
Take a personal interest in the site and represent it as
its agent – “four way facing”
A well managed authorised site should be “a shop window” and
influence the public perception of the Gypsy and Traveller
community – not an unofficial site without proper facilities!