National Park Authority staff
How many staff does the National Park Authority employ?
The Authority began its first year with five permanent employees transferred from the New Forest Committee. Permanent staff were then recruited to fill posts covered by temporary staff or secondees.
How many staff the Authority eventually employs will be dependent on members’ decisions on the priorities for the National Park and the Authority and the mechanisms for delivering them. The maximum would be 80, of whom around a third will deal with the Authority’s spatial planning functions. By the time it took up its full powers in April 2006, the Authority had around 40 permanent staff in total, 21 of whom were providing the planning service, and four temporary staff. At present (2009) the Authority has 70 full-time equivalent staff.
What do all the staff do?
Many of the staff are involved in providing the planning service, including experts in policy, development control, listed buildings, and tree preservation. Others are experts and specialists in areas such as conservation, recreation, education, and sustainable development. All of these specialists are supported by a few core staff dealing with, for example, finance and communications and the essential services that the Authority needs to carry out its duties.
Why are the salaries so high?
Salaries are not high. They reflect the market-rate for the type of job in the south-east of England and are the same as for the equivalent jobs in New Forest District Council. Each post goes through a comprehensive job evaluation which is then linked directly to the comparable pay-scale in New Forest District Council. The National Park Authority is employing a relatively small number of staff with a high level of expertise and this can make it appear as if all the jobs are highly paid.
How do I find out about jobs with the National Park Authority?
Vacancies will be advertised on the Authority’s website. Jobs will also be advertised in the national or local press, as appropriate.
Do you have a volunteer service?
Many other organisations already provide opportunities for voluntary work in support of the National Park.We are reviewing the extent and purpose of current provision before reaching a decision as to whether the Authority should have a volunteer service of its own.
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