How Hardie Park Works – Common Questions Answered

Are you all volunteers? Or is Hardie Park a profit-making business?

Hardie Park is a registered charity and is primarily volunteer-led - but we also employ a small number of paid staff. We are run by a Board of Trustees, who are volunteers.

Why do you employ staff?

Some roles require consistent, reliable cover and professional accountability. We therefore employ a small team to:

• Clean and maintain facilities
• Carry out daily litter collection and safety checks
• Supervise café operations
• Support and train volunteers

We have two paid staff in the café. One is always on shift to coordinate volunteers and ensure food hygiene and safeguarding standards are met.

So where does the money go?

Hardie Park does not operate for private profit. Income from the café, events and donations is used to:

• Pay essential staff
• Cover utilities and supplier costs
• Maintain equipment and buildings
• Fund repairs and improvements
• Keep the park safe and welcoming

If there is any surplus, it is reinvested directly back into the park.

Do Hardie Park run the park? Is it owned by the charity?

No. The park is owned by the local council.

 

Hardie Park charity operates from within the park and helps maintain it - but we do not own it and we do not “run” it on behalf of the council.

What’s the difference?

• The land and play equipment belong to the council
• The council remains responsible for statutory inspections and infrastructure
• Hardie Park charity maintains gardens, carries out litter picking, and supports the overall presentation of the site

We work collaboratively with the council, but we are a separate organisation.

Do you receive council funding?

No.

We do not receive core council funding to operate the café or maintain the park areas we support.

We generate income independently through café sales, events, donations and fundraising.

The café must make a lot of profit - isn’t Hardie Park doing really well financially?

We’re pleased the café is busy - that community support keeps the charity operating.

However, being busy does not automatically mean being financially secure.

Like many small charities, each year is a careful balancing act. Café income must cover:

• Staff wages
• Utilities
• Food and supplier costs
• Insurance
• Building maintenance
• Equipment repairs
• Van and fuel costs

We do not distribute profit. Any surplus is reinvested into maintaining and improving the park.

Without ongoing community support, the charity would not be sustainable.

Why does the café seem busy in summer?

Hardie Park is naturally much busier during the warmer months.

Summer trading is important because it helps us:

• Cover our fixed costs throughout the year
• Manage quieter winter periods
• Maintain financial stability

Like many seasonal community venues, income fluctuates significantly between summer and winter.

A strong summer helps protect the park during colder months when visitor numbers, and therefore café income, are much are lower.

What is the Pop-Up Shop? Is it a foodbank?

Our Pop-Up Shop helps prevent good food from going to landfill.

A volunteer collects surplus food from local supermarkets that would otherwise be discarded. We then make it available on a “take what you need, donate if you can” basis.

Is it a foodbank?

No.

• Supplies are not guaranteed
• There is no referral system
• It is open access
• It focuses on reducing food waste and supporting the community

If you require structured foodbank support, we can signpost you to local organisations.

Why do you ask for donations?

We are not allowed to sell this food for profit - this is part of our agreement with the supermarkets.

However, operating the scheme still involves costs:

• Van use
• Fuel
• Maintenance
• Insurance

So we ask for donations, from those who are able, to help cover these costs so the scheme can continue. It’s vital to stress that without this community support, we would not be able to operate the scheme at all.

How does the “Take What You Need” approach work?

We want the Pop-Up Shop to be open, welcoming and fair.

Food supply varies day to day. If very large quantities are taken by a small number of people, others may miss out.

Our volunteers may gently reinforce the “take what you need” principle to help ensure:

• Fair access
• Enough food for later visitors
• A positive community atmosphere

This is never about judgement, and donations are always voluntary.

We understand that needing food support can feel sensitive. Our aim is always to operate with dignity, respect and fairness.

I had a poor experience in the café

We’re sorry if your visit wasn’t what it should have been.

We train staff and volunteers and take feedback seriously. If something hasn’t gone well, our contact details are here – please do get in touch so we can look into it properly and improve.

Who are the Trustees? Are they paid?

Hardie Park is governed by a Board of Trustees.

Trustees are volunteers who are legally responsible for the charity.

They:

• Set the overall direction and strategy
• Oversee finances and risk
• Ensure legal compliance
• Safeguard the long-term sustainability of the charity

Are Trustees paid?

No.

Trustees at Hardie Park are unpaid volunteers.

They give their time freely and do not receive salary, dividends or personal profit from the charity.

What do Trustees not do?

Trustees do not:

• Take money out of the café
• Receive profit
• Run day-to-day café shifts
• Personally benefit financially from Hardie Park

Day-to-day operations are handled by staff and volunteers. Trustees provide oversight and governance to ensure everything runs responsibly and in the best interests of the community.

Our Volunteers – The Heart of Hardie Park

Hardie Park simply would not exist without its volunteers.

From serving in the café to gardening, litter picking, events, maintenance and governance, our volunteers give their time, energy and care to keep the park welcoming and thriving.

They come from all walks of life. Some volunteer weekly, some occasionally. All make a difference.

Volunteering at Hardie Park is about:

• Supporting the local community
• Building friendships
• Gaining experience
• Giving something back
• Protecting a much-loved public space

We are always keen to welcome new volunteers.

If you’re interested in getting involved, you can find out more here: https://www.friendsofhardiepark.co.uk/volunteer/

Whether you have an hour a month or more regular availability, there’s a role for you.