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Appointment of Secretary of State Members to National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Conservation Boards in England – 6 vacancies

Applications are being invited for Secretary of State member appointments to National Park Authorities and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Conservation Boards in England as follows:

The Broads Authority – 2 vacancies

Chilterns Conservation Board – 1 vacancy

Cotswolds Conservation Board – 2 vacancies

North York Moors National Park Authority – 1 vacancy

Defra is looking for a wide range of passionate and committed individuals who want to help shape the strategic direction of our National Parks and AONBs. The campaign is now open with a closing date of 12 February 2021 at midday.

The overall role of Secretary of State Members is to provide leadership, scrutiny and direction for the National Park Authority and further the statutory purposes of the Parks. Secretary of State Members are not representatives of any organisation or group and have a duty to act in the Authority’s best interests according to the special characteristics of the Park.

Candidates should have an appreciation of England’s designated landscapes, National Parks as significant national assets, their 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. A Secretary of State member will act as an ambassador, work collaboratively with others, and engage and influence a diverse network of contacts.

Defra is looking for applicants who are sensitive to the needs of the local communities, whilst having an ability to respond to the challenge of widening access to more diverse groups in society. They particularly encourage applications from Disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic and younger candidates as currently the Boards of National Parks and AONBs are not fully reflective of our diverse society.

For more information, including how to apply, see HM Government Public Appointments.