We're urging members to review their pesticide management procedures following new Health and Safety Executive (HSE) enforcement data showing that 97% of pesticide inspections conducted in 2025 required corrective action.
The figures, shared at the Amenity Forum Updating Event, reflect official control visits across England, Wales and Scotland and highlight ongoing compliance challenges across the amenity sector, including areas directly relevant to sports turf managers, grounds teams and contractors.
The findings revealed several recurring issues, including poor pesticide storage, inadequate stock control, incomplete spray records, failures to inspect application equipment where required, and gaps in regulatory registration.
For GMA members responsible for the management of sports surfaces, parks and public green spaces, the results serve as an important reminder of the need to maintain robust systems, regular audits and ongoing staff training.
Amenity Forum Chair Ian Graham said: "There remains significant scope for improvement in some areas of compliance. While many issues are easily addressed through better awareness, training and management controls, the figures show the importance of maintaining robust systems and reviewing procedures regularly."
The GMA believes the findings reinforce the importance of professional standards and continuous improvement across the grounds management sector.
Practical Steps for Grounds Managers and Teams
- The GMA is encouraging members to review their current procedures and take practical steps to strengthen compliance, including:
- Reviewing pesticide storage facilities to ensure they meet safety requirements.
- Auditing stocks and disposing of expired or unauthorised products appropriately.
- Maintaining accurate and accessible spray records.
- Checking inspection requirements for pedestrian-operated application equipment.
- Confirming all relevant regulatory registrations are current and compliant.
Training and Best Practice
The findings also underline the critical role that training, and competence play in achieving compliance. While the vast majority of inspections required corrective actions, only a small number resulted in formal enforcement notices, demonstrating that many issues can be addressed through improved awareness, management controls and regular review of procedures.
With increasing scrutiny around the use of plant protection products in public spaces and sports facilities, maintaining best practice is essential to protecting people, the environment and the reputation of the profession.
GMA Webinar: Plant Protection Products – Safe, Effective and Responsible Use
To help members better understand their responsibilities and stay up to date with best practice, the GMA will host a dedicated webinar:
Plant Protection Products: Safe, Effective and Responsible Use
Wednesday 22 July 2026, 18:00
Hosted by the GMA’s Senior Regional Pitch Advisor (Football) Julien Morris, the webinar will feature expert panellists Keil Barrett, Heads Groundsperson at Leeds United and Head of Sports Turf Academy at Leicester City, Jonathan Knowles, who will discuss practical compliance measures, current challenges and the responsible use of plant protection products within grounds management.
The GMA is encouraging all members who use or manage plant protection products to take proactive steps now. Review your current procedures, storage arrangements, record-keeping processes and equipment inspection schedules to ensure they meet regulatory requirements and industry best practice.
Whether you are responsible for a single sports facility or multiple sites, now is the time to identify any gaps, update processes where necessary and ensure staff are appropriately trained and supported.
Members are also strongly encouraged to attend the webinar to gain practical guidance, hear from industry experts and ask questions about compliance requirements and responsible pesticide use.
