Farming in Protected Landscapes - Farming Communications and Engagement Officer

It is an exciting time to join the Cotswold National Landscape (CNL) team, we have bold ambitions for the future.

We are seeking someone to create a legacy for FiPL in the Cotswolds by creating a range of materials such as case studies and knowledge sharing activities for farmers, land managers and other key stakeholders. The role holder will also spend some time supporting the Farming Engagement Officers to develop project proposals, administer applications and process claims.

Created by Defra, and managed by National Landscape and National Park teams across the country, FiPL helps farmers, land managers and others to deliver work on the farmed landscape under the themes of climate, nature, people and place.

Introduction to the Cotswolds National Landscape

The Cotswolds National Landscape is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), and is the largest of 38 AONBs in England and Wales, covering 790 sq. miles (2,038 sq kms). It was originally designated in 1966 and then extended in area in 1990.

The organisation has two purposes:

• to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the AONB
• to increase the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the AONB

In fulfilling these purposes, the Cotswolds National Landscape Board seeks to foster the social and economic wellbeing of people living in the National Landscape.

The Cotswolds National Landscape Board is the operating name for the Cotswolds Conservation Board, an independent organisation comprising 37 Board members nominated by the local authorities, parish councils and the Secretary of State, Defra. A small team are employed, based at offices in Gloucestershire, and supported by an extensive voluntary warden network. Funding for the Board’s core budgets is provided through contributions from local authorities and Defra.

Overall purpose of the role

There are two core elements of the role to support the delivery of the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) grants programme:

1. Creating and coordinating a range of communications materials and activities for different audiences, including farmers, land managers, the public and other key stakeholders. This will serve a variety of purposes, from promoting the availability of funding to ensuring the programme‘s impact and legacy is widely known and understood. For this element of the role, there will need to be close liaison and advice from the CNL team’s Communications Lead, ensuring consistency of messaging and branding.
2. The postholder will also support the Farming Engagement Officers as required in working with farmers, land managers and landowners within the Cotswolds National Landscape to attract and develop good quality project proposals, administer grant applications and process claims.

Package

Salary: £30,000-£32,000 per annum dependent on experience

Hours: Full-time (37 hours), fixed term contract to 31 March 2025

Location: minimum two days per week in CNL offices in Bourton-on-the-Water or Gloucester. The rest of the week is either working from home or field based. Flexible working arrangements will be considered.

Benefits:

1. Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
2. 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
3. Hybrid/remote working encouraged, with an expectation of 2-3 days per week in the office
4. Offices in attractive countryside locations

To apply:

The deadline for applications is 12 noon on Monday 8th April 2024. Interviews will be held on 15th April 2024. 

For more information and to apply, visit the vacancies page on our website: www.cotswolds-nl.org.uk/about-us/jobs-careers 

For an informal conversation about this role please call Mark Connelly, Land Management Lead, on 07841 663606 or Scott Brown, Farming Engagement Lead on 07841 663601 (during office hours).

Diversity Statement. We’re building a culture where diversity is valued, and we can all be ourselves. We still have work to do but are strongly committed to inclusive practices which demonstrate fairness, equality and anti-racism in everything we do. We will not tolerate less favourable treatment of anyone, especially those with legally protected characteristics, and welcome applications from all sections of communities.