The post holder will ensure that BBOWT seeks opportunities to prevent negative impacts and
promotes positive outcomes for wildlife from development. This will be both at the strategic
level, in influencing development frameworks, and through pursuing green infrastructure
provision in major developments. The post holder will also influence local and national
environmental policies through consultation responses, campaign activity and other forms of
advocacy.
Reporting Line
The post holder reports to the Biodiversity and Planning Manager.
Key Responsibilities
Planning
Screen planning applications and significant infrastructure projects and respond to planning applications
Contribution to the Trust’s strategic aims, particularly in Berkshire, by positively influencing planners, decision makers and developers
Support the Conservation Strategy Directorate in reviewing the biodiversity net gain credentials of development proposals
Support the Head of Planning, Policy and Advocacy in facilitating the Berkshire Local Nature Partnership
Research and advocate for gold standard policies in local authority plans and policies
Represent the Trust in meetings with developers and local authority planners and DEFRA bodies.
Policy
To respond to consultations and other appropriate communications where these provide significant opportunities for biodiversity benefit
To give advice and support to other staff on conservation issues including the provision of briefings for lobbying, campaigning and strategic development to the Chief Executive
Work closely with the Planning and Public Affairs Officer to run campaigns, influence key decision makers and support our members and Wildlife Ambassadors to take action for nature
Create appropriate campaigning and presentation materials and literature and ensure they are used strategically to further BBOWT’s aims
Attend RSWT campaigning meetings
Generate and deliver materials aimed at key political contacts to support the need for wildlife protection, legislation and better policy locally and nationally, for the enhancement of the natural environment.
General
Adhere to all Trust policies, procedures and systems
To represent the Trust in a professional manner and to act at all times in a manner which will not damage its reputation
To ensure that all health and safety obligations are met in all aspects of the role, to provide regular reports as required
To engender a culture of membership recruitment within the team
Any other duties as delegated by the line manager, Head of Department or Chief Executive.
Person Specification
Good written and verbal communication skills
An understanding of the planning system and ability to respond appropriately to planning applications
Good organisation and prioritisation skills
Ability to engage and influence a range of audiences, including key decision makers
Ability to work well in a team and self-directed
An understanding of environmental policy of England
Competent in use of MS Office functions such as Word and Outlook and advanced Excel
Ability and willingness to demonstrate the BBOWT behaviours and values
Measurements Of Success
75% of planning applications responded to have been withdrawn, refused or amended with improved considerations for wildlife
80% of key decision makers identified as acting for wildlife when called upon
Successful campaign influence national and local policy development.