Planning And Policy Officer

Job Purpose

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.