What is Keep Britain Tidy?
Keep Britain Tidy is an environmental charity which campaigns directly to the public. We are probably best known for our campaigns aimed at reducing the amount of litter around the country.
In addition, we run a number of other campaigns which range from aiming to improve the quality of our coasts and beaches to encouraging children to take responsibility for making the country an environmentally better place for future generations.
Why is there a need for Keep Britain Tidy?
Environmental problems such as litter, graffiti and fly-posting can have a significant impact on people’s perception of themselves and their communities. They can also create an impression of decay and neglect which can escalate into more serious crimes.
In addition to tackling current issues, Keep Britain Tidy also campaigns in favour of environmentally friendly action which we believe will benefit the world for generations to come.
What is Keep Britain Tidy’s history?
We were formed in 1954 as part of an initiative by the National Federation of Women’s Institutes. In 2001 we changed our name to EnCams (Environmental Campaigns) to reflect the broadening scope of our work. Following extensive consultations, however, in 2009 we reverted to Keep Britain Tidy to capitalise on the high level of public recognition and goodwill that the name enjoys.
How has Keep Britain Tidy changed over the years?
Keep Britain Tidy has evolved frequently over the years to meet the changing environmental challenges. The way we live has changed and that means that we have had to adapt and change to meet new challenges. Fast food litter was never a problem in the 1960s and 70s – it is a massive problem today due to people living busier lives and eating “food-on-the-go”. There is also much more packaging on foods nowadays.
Where is Keep Britain Tidy based?
Our central offices are in Wigan in the North West of England, next to the pier immortalised by George Orwell’s classic book. In addition, a significant number of our staff are home-based working on activities around the country. Click here for directions to our office.
How is Keep Britain Tidy funded?
Keep Britain Tidy is funded in part by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Additional funding is received on a project by project basis or through providing technical support to local authorities and other organisations such as housing associations and business improvement districts (BIDs).
How is Keep Britain Tidy run?
The work of Keep Britain Tidy is overseen by its trustees under the guidance of a chairman. The trustees come from a range of backgrounds and all bring their specific skills and experience to assist in planning and implementing our activities. On a daily basis we operate under the leadership of a Chief Executive and his senior management team who work closely with managers and staff to ensure the company makes optimum use of its resources in campaigning on environmental issues around the country.
Where does Keep Britain Tidy operate?
Since Scottish and Welsh and Northern Irish devolution, Keep Britain Tidy now operates solely in England.
Why Are You Called Keep Britain Tidy, When You Only Campaign In England?
In 1954 the Women’s Institute founded Keep Britain Tidy, as they were concerned with the growing amount of litter throughout Britain. We became the Tidy Britain Group in 1987, the umbrella organisation for Keep Britain Tidy in England and the regional directorates, Keep Scotland Beautiful, Keep Wales Tidy and Tidy Northern Ireland. The nations devolved in 2005 and we continued as Keep Britain Tidy in England, and the regional directorates continued to campaign using their own regionally recognised names.
We still have close links with the allied charities in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
We believe that the name enjoys a high level of recognition and goodwill among the public that could not be achieved by alternative names.
What are Keep Britain Tidy’s future aims?
Our aim is for cleaner, greener and more attractive places, respected and enjoyed by all.
If I want to tackle litter in my area what can I do? Click here to find out how you can get involved.
Can I work for Keep Britain Tidy?
There are frequently opportunities in a wide range of career areas both at our Wigan Central Services and working around the country. Click on our careers section to find out more.
I am a volunteer litter picker, can you provide a litter picking kit?
Individual litter pickers, or litter picking groups will receive a free Big Tidy Up kit when they register at www.bigtidyup.org
I have been issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice for littering - what evidence should the officer have?
In 2007 the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs issued guidance on fixed penalty notices for environmental crimes such as littering. The guidance states that fixed penalty notices should be issued on the assumption that offenders will be prosecuted if the fine is not paid. There must be appropriate and sufficient evidence, to a criminal standard of proof, to support the prosecution of the offence. The evidence should include:
A description of the event, including date, time and weather conditions.
The view of the enforcement officer
What was littered
A description of who dropped the litter
This should be recorded in the enforcement officers notebook, which should carry a clear number and have pages that are bound and numbered.