Mat Gunyon

Head of Greenspaces & Trees; at Barnet Council

Sandhurst, England, United Kingdom

About

Experienced Local Government Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the Leisure, Recreation and Parks industry. Skilled in Government, Management, Community Engagement, Contract Management, and Project Management. Strong and confident communicator who has experience in working with community and third sector organisations.

Experience

  • Barnet Council (18 yrs)
    • Head of Greenspaces & Trees
      Apr 2022 - Present · 4 yrs 4 mos

      The Head of Greenspaces will lead the transformation of Barnet parks and open spaces towards a sustainable model for future delivery. This includes managing strategic contracts and partnership initiatives to increase usage through engagement with businesses, communities and local organisations. You will lead and oversee major projects and investments, which aim to improve; • Environmental benefits of green space; air quality, flood water alleviation, green travel routes, enhancing biodiversity and ecological resilience. • Health benefits; which provides a positive impact on both physical and mental health. • Community and social cohesion, including community safety. • Maximising the benefits of greenspaces, eg through Natural Capital Accounting. Liaising with various stakeholders and working in partnership with other parts of the Council, voluntary groups and trustees to ensure Barnet parks and open spaces are areas of cultural interest and community participation. In order to create and enhance multifunctional greenspaces, providing strategic management and direction to the Greenspaces Development Team to deliver the service vision.

    • Greenspaces Service Manager
      Mar 2019 - Apr 2022 · 3 yrs 2 mos

      The Greenspaces Service Manager will lead the transformation of Barnet parks and open spaces towards a sustainable model for future delivery. This includes managing strategic contracts and partnership initiatives to increase usage through engagement with businesses, communities and local organisations. You will lead and oversee major projects and investments, which aim to improve; • Environmental benefits of green space; including tree management, air quality, flood water alleviation, green travel routes, enhancing biodiversity and ecological resilience. • Health benefits; which provides a positive impact on both physical and mental health. • Community and social cohesion, including community safety. • Maximising the benefits of greenspaces, eg through Natural Capital Accounting. • Form partnerships with other parts of the Council, voluntary groups and trustees to ensure Barnet parks and open spaces are areas of cultural interest and community participation. • Create and enhance multifunctional greenspaces • Provide strategic management and direction to the Greenspaces Development Team to deliver the service vision.

    • Partnership & Development Manager
      Feb 2014 - Mar 2019 · 5 yrs 2 mos

      To lead in the development and provision of services in Greenspaces and Streets, through developing and managing partnerships, identifying business opportunities and commissioning services to promote Barnet as an attractive place to live, work and study. To encouraging residents to realise the full benefits of the borough’s parks and green spaces, lead the promotion of facilities as places for physical activity, entertainment, exciting and challenging playspace and as a place to enjoy and access nature.

  • Everyone Active - SLM (1 yr 8 mos)
    • Operations Manager
      Mar 2007 - Aug 2008 · 1 yr 6 mos

      I managed the day to operations and business of the Spelthorne Leisure Centre.

    • Duty Manager
      Jan 2007 - Mar 2007 · 3 mos

  • Duty Manager at Exclusive Hotels and Venues
    Oct 2006 - Dec 2006 · 3 mos

  • Duty Manager at Bracknell Forest Borough Council
    Sep 1999 - Oct 2006 · 7 yrs 2 mos