Dorset Local Access Forum volunteer person specification

Job title: Dorset Local Access Forum Member (voluntary)

The following criteria will be applied in the selection of members. Please tell us about your experience, knowledge and any other factors in your application.

Experience

Essential:

Experience in 1 or 2 or 3 is required (not all 3) but please let us know about any experience you have in 1, 2 or 3.

1. Be a user of the Public Rights of way in Dorset e.g. Foot (includes people travelling on foot, by wheelchair or electrically propelled vehicle (EPV) and by pram/pushchair; Cyclist; Horse Rider; Horse Carriage driving; MPV (Mechanically Propelled Vehicle e.g. 4x4, motorcycle)

2. Be a Landowner or occupier e.g. Landowner/occupier over which Public Rights of Way exist or which Access Land exists; be an Owner/occupier of Agricultural land, Forestry land, Environmental conservation land or be a Land agent or valuer

3. Be interested in wider access related issues e.g. active Water based recreation (e.g. canoeing, surfing, fishing), active Air based recreation (e.g. paragliding, kite-flying), Active other land based recreation e.g. orienteering, shooting, dog-walking, Have an interest in the environment (e.g. wildlife, conservation, natural history), Heritage (e.g. landscape, arts, culture, archaeology), Transport (e.g. public transport, sustainable transport, parking, road safety) Planning and development, Tourism, the rural economy, Education, Health (e.g. exercise, well-being), Coastal Issues, Social Inclusion / Minority Groups (e.g. ethnic minorities, women, those on a low income), Disability (including carers), Young People, Older People, Countryside Access Management (Maintenance, Network Development, Legal Procedures, Definitive Map, Promotion, Information, IT)

Desirable:

• representation of a particular group in relation to access
• experience on committees or groups
• experience of chairing meeting
• experience of volunteer work, liaising and working with numerous people with
• dealing with and discussing material relating to legislation, policy and strategy

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• enthusiasm for improving access to the countryside
• good understanding of the benefits of Rights of Way and countryside issues relating to your interest(s) and in the Dorset context
• ability to work constructively as part of a team; respecting different and potentially conflicting interests and views; and able to reach understanding and agreement
• networking: Ability to liaise with personal and wider contacts to collate and disseminate information, inform discussion, and support and publicise the forums work

Desirable

• good knowledge of countryside and access issues in general
• good communication skills
• good interpersonal skills
• knowledge of central or local government procedures
• knowledge of relevant public rights of way and wider countryside access legislation/law
• ability to liaise with government agencies or other bodies

Other factors

Essential

• committed and able to prepare for, attend and contribute to forum meetings, usually three a year, for up to three years. The frequency and timing of future meetings is decided by the Forum
• access to the internet and use of email

Desirable

• willing and be able to attend additional meetings e.g. working group meetings, neighbouring and Regional LAF meetings and training sessions, virtual meetings
• willing/able to take on specific roles within the forum as and when and if required, e.g. DLAF link with specified organisation, lead a working group etc
• computer literate

Note - The regulations on Local Access Forums require appointing authorities to have regard to the overall balance of interest of members of the Forum.

Applicants are selected on the strength of their Application Form and the needs of the Forum at that time. Please take time to consider and complete in full the questions on the application form, thank you.

Footnote: The Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs encourages authorities to take account of the needs of young people, women, and people on low incomes, people with disabilities and people from ethnic minorities. We encourage people or representatives from these groups to apply for membership of the Dorset Local Access Forum.