The Ramblers are Britain's biggest and most vibrant walking community with over 3000 members in East and West Sussex. The Area Chair oversees all activities of the Ramblers across both counties of Sussex and delivers the Ramblers' vision for the Area.
Sussex is one of around 60 Ramblers' Areas in the UK which campaign to keep our footpaths open to all and fight for the things that matter most to walkers, as well as coordinating the Groups (8 in Sussex) through which organised walks are provided.
The Chair leads the Area Executive Committee and Area Council in driving the campaigning activity, supporting the Groups to run well, ensuring that Ramblers' national policies and procedures are followed by the Area and Groups, and overseeing the Area's working relationship with local authorities, politicians, and other stakeholders.
We are looking for someone who is passionate about walking and keeping the footpath network across East and West Sussex open for everybody to enjoy. You will need to be committed to leading the activities of the Ramblers across the Area; able to represent the Area effectively in interactions with a range of stakeholders, both inside and outside the Ramblers; and capable of leading and coordinating teams of people with a variety of different skill sets.
The Area Chair also has a key responsibility for the recruitment and retention of Area Officers.
This is a core leadership role which will shape the profile and activities of the Ramblers across East and West Sussex, ensure delivery of our campaigning goals, and support the Groups in running well, following best practice and joining in national and Area initiatives of the Ramblers.
Skills
• People person, able to lead a team with good humour and patience
• Able to understand policies and apply them to real life situations
• Organised, with the ability to develop and manage Area plans
• Diplomatic, with excellent communication skills for developing working relationships with people who may not share Ramblers' aims and objectives.
Availability
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Afternoon | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Evening | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
The current Area Chair will be standing down at the next Area AGM, at the end of January 2027. We are looking to recruit a prospective new Chair now to provide the opportunity to shadow the existing Chair and allow for a sensible handover period. Time in the role is self-managed and the level of activity fluctuates, generally peaking around the time of the Executive Committee and Council Meetings and the AGM, but a regular commitment of on average not less than 15 hours a week is likely to be required.
Location
Countywide
Interests
- Environment
- Heritage & Conservation
- Sport & Recreation
Activities
- Advice, information, Support
- Campaigning / Lobbying
- Conservation
- Trustee / Committee Member