The Secretary of State is seeking to appoint fourteen passionate and committed ‘National’ members to seven National Park Authorities – Dartmoor, New Forest, Lake District, North York Moors, Northumberland, Peak District, the Broads Authority and the Chilterns and Cotswolds AONB Conservation Boards. Secretary of State Members have an important role to play overseeing the management of these special landscapes. They provide leadership and strategic input, at a non-executive level, to the National Park Authorities and AONB Conservation Boards which work to ensure the delivery of benefits to the nation and local communities.
Candidates should have an appreciation of England’s Protected Landscapes and in particular National Parks and AONBs as significant national assets, their statutory purposes and duties and be able to take account of interests at both the national and local level. In addition, candidates should have the ability to think strategically and provide advice and challenge in ways which are impartial, creative and focused on finding solutions. You’ll act as an ambassador, championing these protected landscapes and their communities. Engaging and influencing a diverse network of contacts and working collaboratively with all who are responsible for managing the land. To complement the skills of other members additional criteria apply to some positions; the information pack provides full details.
National Parks and AONBs are protected because of their beautiful countryside, wildlife and cultural heritage. They welcome visitors and provide opportunities for everyone to enjoy them and learn about their special qualities. In the National parks the farms, villages and towns are protected along with the landscape and wildlife. AONBs take account of the need to safeguard agriculture, forestry and other rural industries and the economic and social needs of local communities.
In March 2016 Defra announced its 8 point plan, which aspires to put English National Parks at the heart of how we think about our environment and how we manage it for future generations. The plan forms part of our wider ambition to make our environment the best in the world and soon we will be publishing our 25 year Environment Plan. This is an exciting time to join one of these bodies.
These positions are non-salaried but certain allowances are available if needed. The time commitment varies between 1 – 4 days per month.
For further information about this role and to apply, please visit the Centre for Public Appointments
Closing date for applications: Noon, 22 March 2017