Would you like to play a leading role in conserving and enhancing the natural beauty and special qualities of one of England’s most treasured landscapes?
If so, this role could be for you.
The Secretary of State is seeking to appoint two passionate and committed ‘National’ members to the Cotswolds Conservation Board. Secretary of State Members have an important role to play overseeing the management of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). They provide leadership and strategic input, at a non-executive level, to the Board which works to ensure the delivery of benefits to the nation and local communities.
The overall role of Secretary of State Members is to contribute to the leadership, scrutiny and direction of the Cotswolds Conservation Board and further the statutory purposes of the AONB. Secretary of State Members are not representative of any organisation or group and have a duty to act in the best interest of the Board.
The key functions of a Secretary of State Member are to:
• Be collectively responsible, with other members, for decisions and ensure the Board furthers its statutory purposes;
• Contribute towards the overall strategic direction of the AONB/Board through the development of policy, business plans and participation in the activities of Meetings, Committees and Working Groups;
• Scrutinise independently the workings and policies of the Board;
• Approve and monitor programmes to implement the Board’s policies and plans;
• Influence the Board to help it come to informed and balanced decisions;
• Contribute knowledge and skills and provide advice from the national and local perspective which benefits the AONB/Board.
Candidates should satisfy one of the following local criteria:
• Communications skills with an emphasis on on-line/social media communication.
Or
• Expertise in fundraising and sponsorship
Candidates should have an appreciation of England’s Protected Landscapes and in particular the Cotswolds AONB as significant national asset, its 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 this protected landscape and its communities. Engaging and influencing a diverse network of contacts and working collaboratively with all who are responsible for managing the land.
For further information about becoming a Secretary of State Board Member and to view the candidate pack and apply please click here.
Closing date for applications is 22 March 2017 at 12 noon. Interviews take place in Bristol on 24 April 2017.
If you have any questions about the appointments process please contact Kate Fouracre, Public Appointments Team on 0208 0266757 or publicappts@defra.gsi.gov.uk
We actively encourage applications from individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds. Defra operates a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled people.