New members sought for New Forest National Park Authority

New members sought for New Forest National Park Authority

In the New Forest National Park Authority’s 20th anniversary year, Defra is looking for dynamic candidates from a range of diverse backgrounds to apply to join the Authority’s Board.

The overall role of a member is to contribute to the leadership, scrutiny, and direction of the National Park Authority (NPA) and further the statutory purposes. Members are not representative of any organisation or group and have a duty to act in the best interest of the NPA.

There are three roles available as a National Park Member appointed by the Secretary of State.

New Forest NPA Chair David Bence said: ‘We are looking forward to further extending the range of voices, experiences and skills which reflect our communities and visitors.

‘The work you could be involved in ranges from our important role as the Local Planning Authority to restoring internationally-important habitats and encouraging the next generation to care for nature – all underpinned by a passionate “Team New Forest” of staff, members, volunteers and partners.

‘We look forward to receiving your application and particularly welcome applications from those people with new perspectives and wide lived experience to help expand the impact of our work.’

The time commitment is two to three days per month and a basic allowance of £1,922 plus expenses is paid per year for this public service role.

The closing date is 19 May. Find out more and apply at: https://bit.ly/4jh4leO.

Background details

The New Forest National Park Authority has 22 members. There are:

• 12 appointed by the county, district, and borough councils with land within the National Park. They provide local knowledge and expertise, without representing only their own local authority. Five come from Hampshire County Council, four from New Forest District Council, one from Test Valley Borough Council and two from Wiltshire County Council
• Six appointed by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. They bring key skills, knowledge and experience relevant to the work of the Authority, with a particular interest in the New Forest and a wider national viewpoint.
• Four selected by parish councils, appointed to represent the wider National Park view, not just the interest of their own parish. They ensure the truly local concerns of those who live or work in the New Forest are represented.

Secretary of State members are appointed for their ability to represent a wider national viewpoint and for their specialist experience and knowledge in relation to specific areas of national park purposes and duties such as business, conservation, environment and tourism.