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Volunteer Role Description

Area Footpath Secretary (Wales)

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1. The role

To contribute to the development of the opportunities and facilities for walking in the Area by working to protect and improve the local right of way network.

2. Duties

General

  • Find out about developments that affect local rights of way, through local information sources such as the local highway authority rights of way team, and the planning authority, and through communications received from Central Office, and contact with local groups (both RA and other highway users).

  • Be aware of the footpath work of the various Groups and ensure that it is co-ordinated.

Specific

Time, enthusiasm and local priorities will determine the way the work is undertaken, but examples are likely to include:

  • Reporting footpath problems to local authority and monitoring progress and any action taken.

  • Commenting on proposals to close, divert and create paths

  • Looking for opportunities to extend the footpath network.

  • Comment on local authority plans / strategies where they refer to walking (eg Rights of Way Improvement Plans)

  • Collecting evidence for the addition of paths to the definitive map and defend the status of existing recorded paths.

  • Attending public inquiries either to present the RA's case or represent its interests

  • Checking proofs of OS Explorer maps.

  • Organising footpath surveys and liaising with Area Publicity Officer to publicise the results.

3. Skills & Experience

  • A passion for walking and an affinity with the charitable aims of the RA

  • An understanding of, or interest in learning about the basics of rights of way law

  • An understanding, or interest in learning about local authority consultation and planning processes

  • Good communication skills to represent the concerns of the RA to a range of audiences, including statutory bodies.

  • Initiative and a joy of finding out information that can be hidden away or hard to find.

  • An ability to develop close contact with RA Groups actively involved in footpath work and to take a lead to co-ordinate this where necessary.

4. Support Available

Extensive support is available from the 5-strong Footpath Policy Team at Central Office on the phone or email and sometimes through staff visits.  A detailed handbook is provided. Occasional training workshops are run.

5. Further Information

Janet Davis, Head of Footpath Policy Team
Tel: 020 7339 8538; janetd@ramblers.org.uk