Do you have what it takes to join Dartmoor National Park Authority? (From Mid Devon Star)

Do you have what it takes to join Dartmoor National Park Authority?

11:00am Wednesday 24th October 2012 in News

 

The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is looking to appoint a new Member to serve on the Dartmoor National Park Authority. Secretary of State appointees represent the national interest and sit alongside County, District and Parish representatives.

The National Park Authority’s purposes are to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Park and to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of their special qualities by the public. In pursuing these purposes National Park Authorities also have a duty to seek to foster the economic and social well being of local communities. Though not nationally owned, Dartmoor is nationally important because of its special value to the public.

Defra recognises that membership of the Authority must include the right balance of personal qualities and experience, and is looking for candidates from a broad range of backgrounds, representative of the social and cultural mix in the country at large. In particular, the candidates will be expected to provide a voice for the national interest on the Authority and should:

•Have a good understanding of the issues affecting the National Park and be prepared to work to achieve the National Park's purposes.

•Be able to contribute positively to debate within the National Park Authority.

•Be ready to make decisions on many aspects of National Park management including conservation, recreation, access, planning, land management and resources as well as reflecting both local and national interests.

Bill Hitchins, Chairman, Dartmoor National Park Authority, said: ‘Dartmoor National Park is one of our finest landscapes with its own special characteristics: dramatic expanses of wild open country, impressive granite tors, gentle river valleys, woodland and farmed land Internationally important wildlife species, historic buildings and settlements and an abundance of archaeological landscapes and remains add to this special character.

It is also where people live and work and where many visit to enjoy its special qualities. The new Secretary of State member will have a special role to play in the Authority that is responsible for the conservation and enhancement of this nationally important area.’

The appointments will commence from April 2013 and are initially for up to four years with the option of re-appointment for a total period of up to 8 years, although for Conservation Boards the total period is up to 10 years.

Applications are particularly encouraged from members of ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, women and young people. The application process is being managed by Defra.

Application forms and further detail are available on-line at: http://publicappts.defra.gov.uk/ (external link, opens new window) or from Chris Buxton at Natural England, Foundry House, 3 Millsands, Riverside Exchange, Sheffield, S3 8NH. (Tel 0300 060 2745 or e-mail sos.appointments@naturalengland.org.uk ).

Deadline for receipt of applications is Friday 16 November 2012.

For further information about National Park Authorities and the Broads Authority go to: www.defra.gov.uk/rural/national-parks (external link, opens new window).

Members of the Authority do not receive a salary for their work on the Authority. However, they are eligible to receive a small monthly allowance together with reimbursement of travel and other expenses necessarily incurred on authority business.