Announcements (Archive)

National Park Authorities and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Conservation Boards (Exemption)

Body
National Park Authorities and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Conservation Boards (NPA)
Appointing Department
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
Sector
Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
Location
Number of Vacancies
12 Broads Authority (2); New Forest NPA (2); Peak District NPA (3); Lake District (2); and Cotswolds CB (3)
Remuneration
These positions are non-salaried but certain allowances are available if needed. These allowances range between £300 - £3,000 per annum depending on the National Park Authority or AONB Conservation Board – full details are in the candidate pack
Time Requirements
1-4 days per month depending on the National Park Authority or AONB Conservation Board - full details are in the candidate pack

Announcement

An announcement has been made on the outcome of this appointment.

New Appointments in 2020

Stephen Bolt, Matt Shardlow and Jim Jackson have been appointed to England’s National Park Authorities (NPAs) and the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Conservation Board.

The following appointments have been made for four years:

Broads Authority

• Stephen Bolt • Matt Shardlow

Lake District NPA • Jim Jackson

Date: 14/07/2020

Assessment Panel

Panel Member
Marie Southgate (All Panels)
Added
17/04/2019
Panel Role
Panel Chair
Positions
Defra Deputy Director, Land Use Departmental Official
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Political ActivityNone
Notes-
Panel Member
Sophie Churchill (London and Manchester Panel)
Added
17/04/2019
Panel Role
Panel Chair
Positions
Board Member, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board Independent Member
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Political ActivityNone
Notes-
Panel Member
Haydn Thirtle (London Panel)
Added
17/04/2019
Positions
Chair, Broads Authority Representative of Organisation
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Political ActivityNone
Notes-
Panel Member
Oliver Crosthwaite-Eyre (London Panel)
Added
17/04/2019
Positions
Chair, New Forest National Park Authority Representative of Organisation
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Political ActivityNone
Notes-
Panel Member
Andrew McCloy (Manchester Panel)
Added
17/04/2019
Positions
Chair, Peak District National Park Authority Representative of Organisation
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Political ActivityNone
Notes-
Panel Member
Mike McKinley (Manchester Panel)
Added
17/04/2019
Positions
Chair, Lake District National Park Authority Representative of Organisation
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Political ActivityNone
Notes-
Panel Member
Liz Eyre (Bristol Panel)
Added
17/04/2019
Positions
Chair, Cotswolds AONB Conservation Board Representative of Organisation
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Political ActivityYes
NotesConservative
Panel Member
Henry Robinson (Bristol Panel)
Added
17/04/2019
Positions
Board Member, Natural England Independent Member
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Political ActivityNone
Notes-

Vacancy Description

“I am looking for passionate and committed individuals from all backgrounds who want to help shape the strategic direction of our National Park Authorities and AONB Conservation Boards. As a Secretary of State appointed member, you will have the opportunity to help conserve and enhance our most treasured landscapes now and for future generations. I welcome applications from people who have an understanding of and commitment to farming and land management, rural communities, the protection and enhancement of the environment, and making sure our finest landscapes can be enjoyed by everyone.”

Lord Gardiner of Kimble, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Rural Affairs and Biosecurity

There are ten National Parks (including the Broads Authority), and thirty four Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, including two Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Conservation Boards in England. The National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act (1949) enabled the designation of National Parks and AONBs in England and Wales.

National Parks and Cotswolds and Chilterns AONBs are protected because of their natural beauty and the wealth of opportunities provided for outdoor recreation, being designated nationally and internationally important landscapes. This high quality environment supports vibrant local economies and communities.

National Parks are administered by individual National Park Authorities. The Chilterns and Cotswolds AONBs are each administered by a Conservation Board. Each National Park Authority/AONB Conservation Board is managed by an executive of permanent staff with oversight from Members. Members make decisions about the actions that each National Park Authority/AONB Conservation Board should take to deliver its purposes. There are typically between 18 and 30 Members, either appointed by Defra’s Secretary of State, or elected by local authorities or parish councils.

The executive carries out the necessary work to run the National Parks/AONBs and support and advise the Members. Staff include professionals such as ecologists, rangers, planners and education specialists

Defra encourages National Park Authorities/AONB Conservation Boards to maximise funding from a range of sources to supplement the grant they receive from Government.

The overall role of a Member is to contribute to the leadership, scrutiny and direction of the National Park Authority/ Conservation Board and further the statutory purposes. Members are not representative of any organisation or group and have a duty to act in the best interest of the Authority/ Conservation Board on which they serve. Certain ineligibility criteria apply to these posts.

Person Specification

All applicants must demonstrate the following criteria:

Commitment to protected landscapes and an understanding of the statutory purposes of National Parks/ AONBs;

Ability to act as an ambassador for the National Park/ AONB, by influencing and working collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders including farmers and environmental land managers;

An ability to constructively challenge and influence within a leadership group ; and

Ability to think strategically and provide advice in ways which are impartial, creative and focused on finding solutions that take account of local and national priorities.

Additional Information

The statutory purposes of National Park Authorities are to:

i) Conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage;

ii) Promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of National Parks by the public.

When National Park authorities carry out these purposes they also have the duty to: seek to foster the economic and social well-being of local communities within the National Parks.

The Broads Authority has an additional purpose of protecting the interests of navigation, and in discharging its functions regard is to be had to the needs of agriculture and forestry and the economic and social interests of those who live or work in the Broads

The statutory purposes of AONB Conservation Boards are to:

Conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the AONB.

AONB Conservation Boards have a further responsibility to:

increase the public understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the area of outstanding natural beauty

When AONBs carry out these purposes they also have the duty to seek to foster the economic and social well-being of local communities within the AONB.

If there is conflict between the purposes for National Parks and AONBs they are both required by statute to place greater weight to conserving and enhancing the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the park, a concept known as the ‘Sandford principle’.

How to Apply

All candidates are required to complete the following forms:

• Monitoring form 1 (Conflicts of Interest, Conduct and Political Activity Questionnaire) • Monitoring form 2 (Diversity Monitoring Questionnaire)

Candidates should submit their CV with education, professional qualifications and employment history and the names and contact details for two referees, together with their statement of suitability.

The statement of suitability should give evidence of the strength and depth of your ability to meet the essential criteria for this role. Please provide specific examples to demonstrate how you meet each of the criteria (max two pages please).

Your CV and statement should be returned to the following address by the closing date: 12.00 (midday) on 13 May 2019. Email to publicappts@defra.gov.uk quoting reference APPT13-18.

For further information please email: publicappts@defra.gov.uk

Reserve Appointments - included in the announcement as 27957