Behaviour

An attitude and approach to how someone conducts themselves and how they treat others.

This can be perceived as either a negative or a positive trait: the positive aspect being important for learning and development, working effectively with others, encouraging others, adapting to change, communicating effectively, having a positive work ethic, responsibility of health and safety for self and others, contributing to sustainability, focusing on quality outcomes.

Examples of the behaviours expected from occupations involved with turf maintenance are:
1. Sports Turf Operative (Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard) was until June 2024.:
“Customers demand safe and appropriate quality playing surfaces, which can range from pitches produced on limited budgets to first class televised events where pitches are at the cutting edge of technological developments. The Sports Turf Operative will frequently work in situations involving the general public, customers or commercial events. It is therefore important to ensure an operative is capable of demonstrating certain behaviours at all times, including the following:

Safety orientation
This occupation operates within an industry that has significant hazards and risks from the use of machinery and materials (such as pesticides). The potential for harm to self, others, wildlife and the environment is considerable. There needs to be a competent understanding of health and safety and implementation of these practices at all times.

Positive work ethic
Positive attitude, committed, motivated by providing an excellent customer service and getting the game on wherever possible. Able to adapt to a change in conditions, products, situations and working environments, is dependable, reliable, responsible and responsive to embracing social and cultural diversity and ethical in the treatment of others. Wants to stretch and drive their Continuous Professional Development.

Quality focused
Follows approved procedures and processes in a logical manner, paying attention to detail and applying approved checks throughout work activities to ensure work completed is fit for purpose.

Team player
Able to work on own initiative but also able to interact and communicate effectively within a team applying a respectful professional manner. Able to listen and absorb information, to ask questions when instructions are not understood or unclear and to work within the limitations of the job role.

Contributor to sustainability
Continuously strives to work efficiency and effectively to assist others in activities as appropriate to the job role. Aware of the financial, social and environmental impacts of their actions.”
(Source: previous Level 2 Apprenticeship standard for Sports Turf Operative)

From June 2024 this was changed to a more succinct:
B1: A strong work ethic including attention to detail and good time management.
B2: Flexible and positive attitude to work.
B3: Takes ownership of own work.
B4: Committed to keeping up to date with industry best practice.
B5: Possess a safety mindset for self, colleagues and others.
B6: Team focused and works effectively with colleagues and others.
(Source: Level 2 Apprenticeship standard for Sports Turf Operative, accessed 25th September 2025)

Golf Greenkeeper (Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard) was as follows until November 2023:
“Golf club employers are very customer focused and require their apprentices to have a set of personal skills and behaviours that will ensure success in their current and future roles as an individual and in meeting the company’s aims and objectives.

The behaviours required by golf club employees will be:
• Have a strong work ethic including pride in work, attention to detail, integrity and time management
• Have a flexible positive attitude to work
• Ability to work as a lone worker and as a member of a team
• A willingness to learn and contribute to their own continuing professional development
• Having a safety mindset for self, colleagues and golfers
• A clear and effective communicator who can use a variety of communication methods to give/receive information accurately and in a timely and positive manner
• Problem solving and effective decision making.”
(Source: Level 2 Apprenticeship standard for Golf Greenkeeper)

Some minor tweaks to wording occurred for the current Golf Greenkeeper standard (as of September 2025), as follows:
“B1: Puts health and safety first for themselves, colleagues, golfers and visitors.
B2: Has a flexible and positive attitude to work.
B3: Team-focussed and works effectively with colleagues, others and as a lone worker.
B4: Committed to keeping others informed and communicating accurately in a timely and positive manner.
B5: Takes ownership of their own continuing professional development.
B6: Has a strong work ethic, demonstrates integrity and is respectful of others.
B7: Acts using own initiative to solve problems and make effective decisions within levels of own authority.”
(Source: Level 2 Apprenticeship standard for Golf Greenkeeper, accessed 25th September 2025)

As a contrast a Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard (the Advanced Sports Turf Technician), which is for supervisory and skilled operatives, has 10 behaviour requirements as follows:
B1. “Ensure a strong work ethic including pride in work, attention to detail, integrity and good time management.
B2. Have a flexible, positive attitude to work.
B3. Team focussed and works effectively with colleagues, others and also has an ability to work alone.
B4. Sources solutions and seeks to continuously improve and develop. Committed to keeping up with industry developments and best practice.
B5. Puts safety first for themselves and others.
B6. Respectful of others.
B7. A clear and effective communicator who can use a variety of communication methods to give/receive information accurately and in a timely and positive manner.
B8. Represent the employer in a professional manner.
B9. Ability to use own initiative and is aware of limits of responsibility.
B10. Able to adapt to change in conditions, technologies, situations and working environments.”
(Source: Level 3 Apprenticeship standard for Advanced Sports Turf Technician, accessed 25th September 2025)

A Level 5 Apprenticeship Standard for a grounds manager (titled ‘Sports Turf Technical Manager’) is currently in development (2025), but has the following behaviour requirements for an individual:
“B1: Embraces technological advancements within the sector.
B2: Committed to tailoring communication style to suit the audience.
B3: Acts in a way that builds and maintains positive relationships with colleagues, customers and suppliers.
B4: Actively seeks innovative solutions to resolve problems and demonstrates a commitment to making objective decisions.
B5: Committed to keeping up with industry developments, technology and best practice.
B6: Actively promotes sustainable initiatives.
B7: Supports an inclusive workplace.”
(Source: Level 5 Apprenticeship standard for Sports Turf Technical Manager, accessed 25th September 2025)

The Level 5 Apprenticeship Standard for Golf Course Manager (2025) requires an individual to be capable of the following 22 behaviours:
“• Ensure a strong work ethic including pride in work, attention to detail, integrity and good time management
• Have a flexible, positive attitude to work
• The ability to work as a lone worker and as a member of a team
• A willingness to learn and contribute to their own continuing professional development
• Ensure a safety mindset for self, the greenkeeping team, golfers and members of the public.
• A clear and effective communicator who can use a variety of communication methods to give/receive information accurately and in a timely and positive manner
• Problem solving and effective decision making
• Represent the golf club in a professional manner at all times.
• Recognise and deliver exceptional customer service.”
(Source: Level 5 Apprenticeship standard for Golf Course Manager, accessed 25th September 2025)