Planning and Biodiversity Officer
Introduction
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust is a charity whose mission is to create an environment
rich in wildlife for everyone. The Trust comprises both the charity and a whollyowned subsidiary, Middlemarch Environmental Limited (MEL), which provides
professional ecological consultancy services and creative ecological solutions across
the UK. In 2013, the Group (i.e. Trust and MEL) had a turnover of £5.0 M and a
combined staff of more than 100 employees supported by 700 volunteers.
This post is a key role, representing the Trust’s position and policy in planning
frameworks, with considerable external liaison work. It delivers the Trust’s essential
work of securing positive outcomes for wildlife through the planning system. The post
supplies technical support and information to Trust staff, using GIS Map Info.
The role is part of our Living Landscapes work, promoting this long term vision in
planning responses. A Living Landscape is a recovery plan for nature, championed
by The Wildlife Trusts since 2006, to help create a resilient and healthy environment
rich in wildlife with ecological security for people.
More information is available at http://www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/planning
This post is responsible for the submission of formal responses to major
infrastructure projects, local authority local plans and planning development
applications. Supporting and recruiting volunteers to check planning lists, and
supervision of the temporary Planning Assistant post, the post holder will lead the
Trust’s contribution to planning responses to maximise positive impacts in
Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull.
During 2013, scanning of planning application weekly lists highlighted 217
applications which were followed up in detail. We engaged in pre-application
discussions with a further four major schemes.
The Trust responded to 9 spatial planning consultations including:
•
Core Strategies/Local Plans for North Warwickshire, Rugby, Solihull, Stratford
and Warwick boroughs/districts.
•
Warwickshire County Council: sub regional Green Infrastructure strategy and
Biodiversity offsetting; Waste Strategy
•
Warwick District Gypsy and Traveller Development Plan Document
•
Rugby Borough Council Local Plan Consultation
•
Detailed work, advocacy and consultations responses on High Speed 2.
Gina Rowe, Living Landscapes Manager
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust
Job Description
Accountable to:
Living Landscapes Manager
Location:
Brandon Marsh Nature Centre, Coventry CV3 3GW
Salary:
Starting point £20,000 (Grade 2 c £19,400 – £23 450). Additional
salary points may be awarded for an exceptional candidate
Liaison with:
Local Authority Strategic Planning and Development control staff,
NGOs, community groups, individuals
Responsible for:
Temporary staff; Volunteers
Hours:
Full time, 35 hours per week.
Job Purpose:
The purpose of this post is to develop and deliver the Trust’s Planning responses to major
infrastructure projects, strategic plans and development control across Warwickshire,
Coventry and Solihull.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Policy
1.1. Assess and analyse relevant national and local planning strategies and plans,
including Local Development Frameworks, Green Infrastructure studies and
strategies, and the Warwickshire Biodiversity Offsetting system, and write
appropriate responses to present the Trust’s policies and approach.
1.2. Work with local authorities, respond to consultations and attend meetings on
strategies and plans, working to secure positive outcomes for wildlife through
robust nature conservation policies and appropriate strategic housing and
employment land allocations, and infrastructure developments. Follow up to
determine how responses have been incorporated.
1.3. Ensure planning and nature conservation objectives are linked with and embedded
in policies for associated with Climate Change, water cycle and Water Framework
Directive, and high quality sustainable design, promoting green infrastructure
approach.
1.4. Promote Living Landscapes approach through spatial planning and development
management.
1.5. Identify the need for and support development of new policies within the Trust and
with other Wildlife Trusts to encompass agendas of landscape scale conservation,
neighbourhood planning, Biodiversity Offsetting, High Speed Rail, and
fracking/Underground Coal gasification.
1.6. When necessary, present the Trust’s point of view with commitment, occasionally in
adversarial situations, and in a way which generates support for the Trust’s point of
view.
2.
Planning Applications
2.1. Ensure the Trust provides expert comment and advice on planning issues in a
timely and professional manner and which is effective for nature conservation
2.2. Develop relationships with contacts in local authorities to ensure clear
communication and dialogue at an early stage regarding new developments.
2.3. Ensure monitoring of weekly planning application lists of all local authorities in
Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull, identifying major and contentious
developments that are likely to have significant effect on wildlife.
2.4. Review and respond to pre-application consultations, including EIA scoping and
screening consultations, highlighting key biodiversity issues and opportunities and
promoting the Living Landscapes and Green Infrastructure approaches.
2.5. Assess and respond to major infrastructure proposals including High Speed 2,
throughout the duration of a scheme to ensure applications deliver benefits for
biodiversity. This will include representing the Trust in pre- application
consultations, planning responses, mitigation/compensation steering groups and
Biodiversity Offsetting assessment.
2.6. Respond to domestic planning applications that affect statutory and on statutory
sites, Wildlife Trust nature reserves or other features of nature conservation
importance.
2.7. Engage with developers and consultants to find solutions to biodiversity issues and
promote opportunities to enhance schemes for wildlife benefit.
2.8. Maintain relevant records of responses to planning applications and enquiries,
using the Trust’s Planning database 2014.
3. Communication and promotion
3.1. Write guidance papers on using the planning system to enhance biodiversity, for
use by planning professionals and local residents and groups.
3.2. Liaise with statutory agencies, local authorities, NGO’s, local residents and
volunteer groups regarding planning issues affecting sites of wildlife value or of
potential value.
3.3. Research and assemble information and produce written representations or proofs
of evidence, and appear as expert witness if required to give evidence at Planning
Inquiries.
3.4. Work with Living Landscapes Manager and Fundraising Manager to develop future
funding support for the post.
3.5. Maintain the planning section of Trust website, develop guidance information to
support local groups.
3.6. Write an annual report of planning work achieved, to inform trustees and
colleagues, and for use in wider reports.
3.7. Use media to promote work on planning issues as agreed in conjunction with
management team.
4. Represent the Trust in planning related meetings
4.1. Attend HS2 Ecology Technical meetings, Birmingham Airport Historic Environment,
Ecology and Landscape Management Plan steering group, Biodiversity Offsetting
technical working group, Planning Liaison meetings and other meetings as agreed.
4.2. Meet developers, consultants, local authority contacts to discuss proposed
development at pre-application stage to address issues affecting wildlife.
4.3. Represent the Trust in discussions on major development proposals as they
progress, including monitoring after completion.
5. General Responsibilities
5.1. Promote the work, mission and vision of the Trust at all appropriate times.
5.2. Use appropriate opportunities commensurate with other duties to contribute to the
Trust’s membership recruitment, fundraising and engagement of people.
5.3. Ensure a high level of customer service in all dealings with the public.
5.4. Lead and manage temporary staff, including work planning, coaching and
mentoring.
5.5. Recruit, supervise and support volunteers as appropriate to the role.
5.6. Create and maintain a work environment which fosters individual commitment,
enthusiasm and confidence, ensuring effective teamwork and communication
5.7. Be accountable for own personal development, seeking opportunities to develop
new skills and learning.
5.8. Work within all the policies and procedures of the Trust, ensuring own compliance
with the Trust’s health and safety policy and procedures and that of your team.
5.9. Work at all times within the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust’s Equal Opportunities Policy
and to promote equal opportunities.
5.10. Comply with all legal and contractual obligations for the post.
5.11. Assist in the preparation of work programmes and fulfil reporting requirements.
5.12. Carry out any other reasonable duties commensurate with the level of responsibility
of the post, as requested by your line manager or the Chief Executive.
Person Specification The post-holder will have a range of knowledge, skills and
experience. The following is a summary indication of the key requirements for this post.
Experience
Professional expertise in one or more area of the following:
 UK biodiversity and nature conservation
 planning
Track record of assimilating and assessing technical/planning documents
Writing formal responses on planning matters
Project management to fulfil a range of deadlines, often concurrently
Working with local authority and statutory agency staff
Understanding and experience of working with volunteers
Experience of undertaking practical habitat surveys
Knowledge
UK biodiversity, habitats and management for nature conservation value.
Knowledge of wildlife site designations and protected species and habitats
An understanding of UK legislation and policies regarding wildlife
Awareness of Wildlife Trust priorities
Demonstrate ability to plan research, assessment and analysis of large scale and
depth of information
Landscape scale conservation principles and practice
Understanding of UK planning system
An understanding of key nature conservation issues affecting UK Wildlife
Essential
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Essential
Educated to degree /level 4 in relevant discipline/equivalent professional experience
Ecological survey and monitoring systems
Skilled in use of analytical and decision making processes
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including delivery of presentations
to a range of audiences
Good organisational, time management and prioritising skills
Ability to build working relationships with a range of stakeholders
Good listening and interpersonal skills; ability to handle range of enquiries
IT literate with good working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and some
knowledge of Access and GIS, including use of MapInfo Professional
Able to use a range of influencing skills
Able to work on own initiative, in teams and in partnerships
Personal Qualities
Awareness of and enthusiasm for WWT’s priorities
Holds themselves personally accountable for delivering their responsibilities
Understanding and passion for excellent standards in customer service
A full driving licence/able to travel throughout the sub region
Willingness and ability to undertake occasional evening and weekend work
Flexible and positive outlook
Commitment to nature conservation
Commitment to Continuing Professional Development
Desirable
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Understanding of the implementation of Biodiversity Offsetting
Skills
Desirable
Essential
Desirable
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Essential
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Desirable
GENERAL INFORMATION FOR THE POST
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust was established in 1970 and now manages some 60 nature
reserves, has 23,500 members and is supported by more than 700 volunteers. The Trust is
the largest local conservation charity working across Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull.
Our main purpose is to promote the interests of wildlife, wild places and the natural
environment for the wider benefit of society, people and local communities.
The Trust is also a member of the network of 47 Wildlife Trusts covering the whole of the
UK, the Isle of Man and Alderney. We are working for an environment rich in wildlife for
everyone. With more than 800,000 members, we are the largest UK voluntary organisation
dedicated to conserving the full range of the UK’s habitats and species whether they be in
the country, in cities or at sea. More than 150,000 of our members belong to our junior
branch, Wildlife Watch. We manage around 2,300 nature reserves covering more than
90,000 hectares; we stand up for wildlife; we inspire people about the natural world and we
foster sustainable living. Last year nationally, we reviewed more than 70,000 planning
applications. The Wildlife Trusts have a vision to create A Living Landscape and secure
Living Seas for the whole UK.
Further information on the Trust can be found on our web site:
www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk
Selection and Assessment
The candidates who appear to best meet the person specification will be invited to attend for
interview. We recommend that applicants pay particular attention to demonstrating how they
meet the person specification on the application form.
The assessment will consist of an interview designed to give candidates an opportunity to
demonstrate their skills and suitability for the post. Details will be sent to short-listed
candidates.
Closing date for applications: 6th January, 10 a.m.
Applications should be submitted by post to Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, Brandon
Lane, Coventry CV3 3GW, marked ‘Application PLAN JAN 15’. Applications submitted
by email will need to be followed by a signed copy by post.
Interviews will be held in the week of 12th January, likely dates are 14th/15th January.
Appointment
All our offers of employment are made, subject to some pre-employment checks including:
Satisfactory References, Checks on eligibility to work in the United Kingdom, Checks on
relevant certificates. Due to the anticipated level of contact with children or other vulnerable
members of society involved with this role, a satisfactory Criminal Records
Bureau/Independent Safeguarding Authority check is required.
Salary
Your initial salary will be based on your skills, knowledge and experience, and progression
will be based on your performance. You will be paid monthly in arrears by credit transfer to a
bank or building society account.
Location
This post will be based at the Trust’s offices at Brandon Marsh Nature Centre, Brandon
Lane, Coventry CV3 3GW. Employees may be required to work at other Trust or non-Trust
sites from time to time. The successful candidate will be expected to travel to visit sites
around the county; some sites are in remote locations and many include rough terrain as an
integral part of their character. The role will involve some lone working.
Hours of Work
Our employees work a 35 hour week (full time). In view of Warwickshire Wildlife Trust’s
work, employees can be called upon from time to time to work a reasonable period outside
of the set hours. No overtime will be payable. Time off in lieu can be taken. Flexible working
hours can be agreed.
Holiday Entitlement
Our holiday year runs from January to December. Full time employees get 25 days holiday
per year plus bank holidays. For permanent members of staff this increases to 28 days after
3 years and 30 days after 10.
Pension
You will be automatically enrolled in the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust Stakeholder Pension
Scheme if you meet the eligibility criteria, though you may opt out. Both the Trust and
employee contribute 3% of salary to the scheme.
Notice
If you choose to leave the Trust you will be required to give 2 months’ notice.
Equal Opportunities
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust is committed to equal opportunities and appoints on merit. We
welcome applicants from all sections of society regardless of gender, sexual orientation,
race, disability, marital status, age and religion, perceived community background or political
beliefs.
CVs
Please be advised that a completed Warwickshire Wildlife Trust application form only will be
accepted. CV's will not be considered if submitted without a completed application form.
Responding to Applications
Thank you for showing an interest in this job and for taking the time to apply. Unfortunately,
due to administration costs borne by the charity, we regret that only short-listed candidates will
be contacted. If you have not heard from us within four weeks of the closing date then please
assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
The purpose of this information is solely to provide prospective candidates with details relating
to the post. It may not be construed as an offer of employment, nor does it form part of the
contract of employment or the role profile.