Ramblers Sussex Area has two countryside officers, one for East Sussex and one for West Sussex. The primary function is to act on behalf of members where a reported planning proposal risks to have an adverse impact on the Sussex countryside.
The Ramblers, which celebrates its ninetieth anniversary this year, is the only charity dedicated to removing barriers so everyone can enjoy walking in green spaces, and to improving Britain’s most popular and least-known walking places. We’re committed to campaigning to keep our countryside open to all and to fighting for the things that matter most to walkers. We lead the way, and the walks, for a vibrant community united by the joys of walking, helping everyone get more out of their walks.
In West Sussex we have an unrivalled variety of places to walk including the South Downs National Park, and mile after mile of accessible coastline taking in, for example, the Chichester Harbour National Landscape.
This is an opportunity to protect the vital footpaths and rights of way network across West Sussex in the context of a high level of new developments and ensure the preservation of the walking environment for all.
You will be responsible for reviewing planning applications for potential impact to the settings of footpaths and rights of way and engaging with local and National Park authorities and other organisations to ensure the voice of the walking community is heard, including by making representations verbally or in writing.
You will work closely with other Area volunteers and external stakeholders and will be a member of the Area Council which meets four times a year.
You should have a passion for walking and for preservation and protection of the natural beauty of the countryside and the special qualities of urban space, and a reasonable knowledge of the county of West Sussex. Experience and knowledge of planning processes would be an advantage. The person in the role will need to be highly motivated, reliable, organised, capable of taking initiative and with an ability to articulate strategic issues clearly in written and spoken form. A desire and ability to work in a team environment is essential. You will also need to be comfortable using a computer and the internet, and managing information.
Not less than three years' experience in a role involving one or more of campaigning, advocacy, public speaking and general or operational management is required and the ability to work in a team environment is essential. You will also need to be comfortable using a computer and the internet, and managing information.
The Ramblers help everyone, everywhere, enjoy walking and protects the places we all love to walk. By volunteering as a Countryside Officer you will be paying a vital role in making sure we can achieve this by holding Local Authorities to account for planning decisions, and helping to ensure that our countryside and the places people walk, essential to health and wellbeing, are safeguarded.
