The Ramblers are Britain's biggest and most vibrant walking community with over 3000 members in East and West Sussex.
Sussex is one of around 60 Ramblers' Areas in the UK which campaign to keep our footpaths open 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 for members
West Sussex has a network of over 4000 km (2500 miles) of public rights of way (PRoWs) which includes footpaths, bridleways and byways open to all traffic. This extensive network provides access to the countryside and is a vital part of the local environment for outdoor activities.
This is an opportunity to lead the protection of the PRoW network across the countryside of West Sussex and to ensure walking in the natural environment is accessible to all.
You will coordinate a team of currently around 60 Local Footpath Wardens and will be responsible for assessing proposals affecting the routes of paths and for developing Ramblers' response to and comments on those proposals, liaising with the Paths Team at Ramblers' Central Office and other stakeholders, including the West Sussex Area Countryside Officer, and the East Sussex Area Footpath Officer, as necessary.
You will represent Ramblers' Sussex Area on rights of way issues with local authorities and at meetings and public events.
The Area Footpath Officers for East and West Sussex are members of the Area Executive Committee and Area Council and play a key role in decision-making on all activities of Sussex Area of the Ramblers.
Skills
The skills required for the role are to be confident but diplomatic; able to understand complex rights of way and legal issues; be friendly and personable with the ability to influence; and good at presenting arguments in writing and in person.
To undertake the role you will need to keep up to date with legal and policy information about paths and planning issues nationally as well as in your local area.
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 West Sussex Area Footpath Officer intends to stand down from the role at the next Area AGM, in early 2027. We are looking to recruit a prospective new WSAFO now to enable a period of shadowing the existing role holder and allow adequate time for handover. Time in the role is self-managed and the level of activity will fluctuate but a time commitment on average of 15 hours per week is likely to be required. You will need to attend Area Executive Committee (by Zoom) and Area Council (currently held at Haywards Heath on Saturday mornings) Meetings four times a year and the Area AGM. You should be able to travel within the county of West Sussex to undertake site inspections, meet with Local Footpath Wardens and attend meetings with or public hearings held by local authorities.
Location
Countywide
Interests
- Environment
- Heritage & Conservation
- Local Community
- Sport & Recreation
Activities
- Advice, information, Support
- Campaigning / Lobbying
- Conservation
- Training / Mentoring / Teaching
- Trustee / Committee Member