The Amenity Forum is urging amenity businesses, contractors, local authorities, housing providers and other land managers to review their compliance arrangements following recent Health and Safety Executive (HSE) pesticide enforcement findings which showed that action was required following 97% of official control visits carried out during 2025.
At the Forum’s Updating Event in May, delegates were presented with an overview of official control activity undertaken across England, Wales and Scotland.
The findings highlighted a number of recurring compliance issues affecting organisations across several sectors, including amenity management, horticulture and forestry.
The most common issues identified related to pesticide storage, stock control, record keeping, inspection requirements for pedestrian-operated equipment and registration under the Official Controls Regulations.
The findings reinforce the need for organisations to maintain robust management systems, ensure staff remain competent and up to date, and regularly review compliance arrangements.
Ian Graham, Chair of the Amenity Forum, said: “The findings highlight that there remains significant scope for improvement in some areas of compliance across the sector. Whilst many of the issues identified can be addressed through improved awareness, training and management controls, the figures demonstrate the importance of maintaining robust systems and regularly reviewing procedures.
“Good practice is not simply about meeting legal requirements; it is about protecting people, protecting the environment and maintaining public confidence in the work our sector undertakes every day.
“Every organisation should take the opportunity to review its arrangements, strengthen professional standards and ensure compliance remains a priority.”
The Amenity Forum is encouraging organisations to take the following five actions:
- Review pesticide stores and ensure bunding, fire protection and storage arrangements remain suitable.
- Audit pesticide stocks and remove any unauthorised or expired products.
- Ensure spray records are complete, compliant and readily available for inspection.
- Verify that pedestrian-operated spraying equipment has been inspected where required.
- Confirm registration requirements under the Official Controls Regulations have been met.
The Forum believes these findings reinforce the importance of ongoing training, continuing professional development and the adoption of industry best practice. By taking proactive steps now, organisations can reduce risk, improve compliance and demonstrate their commitment to professional standards.
Whilst action was required following the majority of visits, only a relatively small proportion resulted in enforcement notices. The findings suggest that many compliance issues can be addressed through improved awareness, training and management controls before formal enforcement action becomes necessary.
The Amenity Forum continues to work with members, regulators and stakeholders to promote best practice, professionalism and responsible management across the amenity sector.
