Charity of the Year Finalists
We are proud and delighted to have been shortlisted for SCVO prestigious Charity of the Year Award 2025.
In our award application, we celebrate the Green Team’s 30th year and recognise the charity’s achievements over that period. We also highlight our wonderful achievements in the last year – a 21% increase in sessions relative to their previous best, record corporate volunteer hours, moving to new premises and significant carbon footprint reduction measures!
Most importantly, it shows the positive impact on the natural environment, young people and their parents.
“I feel so proud. We’ve made a real difference in the woodland today”
“I don’t think T would still be with us if it wasn’t for the Green Team”
A special year of change and progression in its own right
In our application for the SCVO Charity of the Year Award, we were able to share some of our most recent milestones and achievements, for example:
- Delivering more than 500 sessions for the first time – a 21% increase on our previous best year
- Reducing our carbon footprint meaning that over 90% of sessions are now powered by electric minibus or e-cargo bike
- Reporting more income than any previous year – a 50% year-on-year increase
- In January 2025 we piloted the Forest and Outdoor Learning Award, a SCQF-equivalent qualification (FOLA)
- Delivered more than 3,000 corporate volunteer hours for the first time – the equivalent of increasing Green Team permanent staff by 28% – and increased corporate funding by 43% in the process
- Secured new premises which significantly enhance our operation capacity
- Taken over the Join-in Award Scheme (JAS), an accessible first opportunity for young people to gain an award which encourages active learning, exploration and celebrates personal achievement
We were also able to demonstrate the impact The Green Team has made, for example:
- 89% of young people on our ‘Thrive’ programme enhanced their wellbeing
- 92% of ‘Skylarks’ participants showed an increase in understanding and appreciation of nature
- 98% of young people on ‘Green Shoots’ demonstrated enhanced teamworking skills
And beyond the statistics?
“It makes the week much better”
“I came for the team and stayed for the green”
“The best part was how we all held each other and helped one another, specifically helping a participant who wanted to give up”
This year, our review process also highlighted how our impact is felt across the broader community
“I truly enjoyed volunteering …. an ideal way of stepping into and working alongside rangers, conservationists, outdoor educators – people actively working in the field I aim to enter”
“The Green Team excel with every programme always looking to add more and make a difference. The best addition to our school in recent years”
“It has made me feel much more confident, excited, motivated and happy to present activities in nature”
“The best session we’ve run in the community garden”
