Volunteer Local Access Forum

Are you passionate about public access to the countryside and conservation, and eager to make a difference in your local area?

We’re looking for volunteers to join our Joint Local Access Forum that is an independent advisory group that helps shape the management of public access to land across Staffordshire and Wolverhampton.

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers from all backgrounds- whether you are a landowner or land manager, walker, cyclist, horse rider, business or simply someone who cares about conservation and improving access to nature.

As a Forum member you’ll work alongside local authorities, user groups, and other stakeholders to provide valuable input on consultations, policies, initiatives and land management.

This is a fantastic opportunity to influence how people connect with and enjoy the outdoors whilst ensuring a balance between public access, land management and conservation.

For further information: Committee details - Staffordshire and Wolverhampton Joint Local Access Forum - Staffordshire County Council

Political Restriction: This position is considered as a Politically Restricted Post under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 and subsequent amendments introduced by the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009.

Package Description

About the Local Access Forum

Local Access Forums (LAFs) are statutory advisory bodies that provide independent advice to local authorities and other bodies on improving public access to land for the purpose of enjoying open-air recreation.

They play a key role in shaping how the needs of landowners, recreation users, and conservation interests can be balanced.

A Joint Local Access Forum exists covering Staffordshire and Wolverhampton and as a volunteer member of this Forum, you will contribute to discussions on how best to improve public access to land within Staffordshire and Wolverhampton (excluding the Peak District National Park).

As a volunteer member of the Joint Local Access Forum (JLAF), you will have the opportunity to help shape local access policies and ensure that the needs of different stakeholders are considered in decision-making.

Main Responsibilities

In this role you'll:

• Attend and actively participate in forum meetings (minimum 2 per year).
• Provide input on access-related policies, proposals, and consultations including those consulted by Natural England.
• Represent the interests of different user groups, including walkers, cyclists, horse riders, landowners, land managers, businesses and those with disabilities.
• Work collaboratively with other members, local authorities, and external stakeholders.
• Promote and support sustainable and responsible access to public open spaces and the countryside.
• Engage with the wider public and local communities to gather insights and feedback on access issues.
• Adopt a balanced and fair approach taking into consideration the needs of land management and nature conservation alongside public access.
• Support and demonstrate a positive approach to the forum.

The Ideal Candidate

You’ll have (Essential):

• Interest in public rights of way, countryside management, outdoor recreation, or land management.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to consider different viewpoints and work towards balanced solutions.
• Willingness to engage with local communities and user groups.
• Commitment to attending meetings and contributing to discussions.

You'll also have (Desirable):

• Experience working with or representing user groups such as walkers, cyclists, horse riders, or landowners.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and policies related to countryside access.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement or public consultation.
• Previous involvement in voluntary or advisory roles.

Don’t feel you meet all the requirements? We value transferable skills, experiences, and qualifications so consider applying anyway or for an informal chat about the role please contact madssupport@staffordshire.gov.uk.

Applications will be reviewed ongoing, we will review your application against the criteria as set out in the Role Description as to your suitability to sit on the LAF.

Our Recruitment Process: We anonymise applications during shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered. Please complete your application fully, especially the supporting statement, to highlight what you’ll bring to the role.

About Staffordshire County Council

We are no ordinary county council:

Our Values:

The core of who we are as an organisation. Just like we all have personal values that shape our thoughts and behaviour, organisational values drive how we think and act collectively.

Our values were created and shaped by colleague feedback and national best practice and they sit at the heart of People Strategy:

We have a real sense of community spirit that brings our people together. This feeling of belonging means we are all connected to what we do and take pride in the difference we make every day for Staffordshire people. We are ambitious and our sights are set firmly on a better future.

We look forward and race ahead - that goes for your career too.

Our benefits:

We recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive working environment where employees can achieve their full potential and achieve a healthy work-life balance.

In addition to your salary, as a member of staff, you will have access to Our rewards and benefits - Careers at Staffordshire

Our recruitment process:

As an Authority we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities organisation and Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities.

As part of our commitment as a Disability Confident employer, a Gold Award Armed Forces employer and our commitment to supporting care leavers - we offer a guaranteed interview as long as your application meets the minimum criteria for the post.