A superb opportunity to contribute to the operation of the LEADER programme.

Following a recent review we are seeking an independent Chairman to help lead the Cotswolds LEADER programme.

The programme was launched in November 2015, with the Cotswolds Conservation Board and its partners having successfully secured £1.998 million. The programme is due to operate through to March 2020.

The LEADER priorities of generating jobs and economic growth cover the following themes: micro-enterprises and farm diversification, rural tourism, increasing farm productivity, increasing forestry productivity, culture and heritage and rural services.

You will be Chairman of the Cotswolds Local Action Group (LAG) and its smaller Executive Group. The LAG meets annually, with the Executive meeting approximately 8 times a year to determine grant applications.

You will help to lead, develop and promote the programme, working closely with the Executive Group, Programme Manager and Conservation Board, the accountable body.

This is voluntary and unpaid position requiring on average 1.5 days a month. Travel expenses to attend regional or national meetings will be paid.

For further information about the Cotswolds LEADER programme and the terms of reference for the Executive Group in particular please click here.

Applications in the form of a CV and covering letter are invited by the closing date of noon on Friday 7th April 2017. Please send CV/ covering letter to info@cotswolds-nl.org.uk
Interviews are scheduled for Thursday 4 May 2017.

Advert for Independent Chairman for Cotswolds LEADER

Job description and background information

Full time 37 hours per week, up to £31,048 (pay award pending)

We are seeking an experienced finance officer to provide and manage accountancy and financial services to the Board as well as acting as the Board’s office manager. 

For further details, go to www.cotswolds-nl.org.uk/jobs

Would you like to play a leading role in conserving and enhancing the natural beauty and special qualities of one of England’s most treasured landscapes?

If so, this role could be for you.

The Secretary of State is seeking to appoint two passionate and committed ‘National’ members to the Cotswolds Conservation Board. Secretary of State Members have an important role to play overseeing the management of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). They provide leadership and strategic input, at a non-executive level, to the Board which works to ensure the delivery of benefits to the nation and local communities. 

The overall role of Secretary of State Members is to contribute to the leadership, scrutiny and direction of the Cotswolds Conservation Board and further the statutory purposes of the AONB. Secretary of State Members are not representative of any organisation or group and have a duty to act in the best interest of the Board.

The key functions of a Secretary of State Member are to:
• Be collectively responsible, with other members, for decisions and ensure the Board furthers its statutory purposes;

• Contribute knowledge and skills and provide advice from the national and local perspective which benefits the AONB/Board.

Candidates should satisfy one of the following local criteria:

• Communications skills with an emphasis on on-line/social media communication.

Or
• Expertise in fundraising and sponsorship

Candidates should have an appreciation of England’s Protected Landscapes and in particular the Cotswolds AONB as significant national asset, its statutory purposes and duties and be able to take account of interests at both the national and local level. In addition, candidates should have the ability to think strategically and provide advice and challenge in ways which are impartial, creative and focused on finding solutions.  You’ll act as an ambassador, championing this protected landscape and its communities.  Engaging and influencing a diverse network of contacts and working collaboratively with all who are responsible for managing the land.

For further information about becoming a Secretary of State Board Member and to view the candidate pack and apply please click here.

Closing date for applications is 22 March 2017 at 12 noon. Interviews take place in Bristol on 24 April 2017.

If you have any questions about the appointments process please contact Kate Fouracre, Public Appointments Team on 0208 0266757 or publicappts@defra.gsi.gov.uk

We actively encourage applications from individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds.  Defra operates a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled people.

Full time 37 hours per week, £14,906 – £16,584

We are currently seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and conscientious Administrative Assistant to join our hardworking and friendly team at the Cotswolds Conservation Board. 

For further details, go to www.cotswolds-nl.org.uk/jobs

Full time 37 hours per week plus essential user car allowance, £23,743 – £28,214

For further details, go to www.cotswolds-nl.org.uk/jobs

Part-time 22 hours per week, £21,257 – £22,998 pro-rata

We are currently seeking to appoint a Community Engagement Officer to join our hardworking and friendly team at the Cotswolds Conservation Board.

For further details, go to www.cotswolds-nl.org.uk/jobs

Three photographs have been selected as joint winners of the Cotswolds Landscape Photographer of the Year 2016 competition following a public vote online and at the recent Cotswolds Inspired Art Exhibition.

As part of celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the Cotswolds Conservation Board were looking for the most captivating local landscape images.

The three joint winners are:

Autumn Eye of the Cotswolds by Anthony Paul Inwood from Bourton on the Water
	Broadway Tower, by Andrew Caley from Bourton on the Water	Naunton, by Andy Prior from Witney

Over 170 photographs were entered into the completion with 10 selected by judges in December. Judges were: Andrew Grahame (CEO – Farncombe Estate, Dormy House Hotel & Spa, Foxhill Manor, The Fish Hotel); Nick Holliday (Vice Chair, Cotswolds Conservation Board); Sarah Howard (landscape photographer); Nick Turner (photographer/filmmaker) and Nicky Price from BBC Radio Gloucestershire.

The 10 finalist’s photographs then went to the public vote online during December and at the Cotswolds Inspired Art Exhibition at the Corinium Museum in Cirencester throughout January.

Nick Holliday Vice Chair of the Cotswolds Conservation Board and one of the judges said: “It was extremely tough selecting the final 10 photographs from the 170 that were entered into the competition. Many were of a very high standard. Congratulations to the final 10 that made it to the public vote and to our joint winners!”

Sponsors of the photography competition; the Dormy House Hotel and Seen Image will be awarding the joint winners with their prizes.
 

Hedgelayers from across the country will battle it out against each other in the new look Cotswolds Hedgelaying Championship this Saturday at Daylesford Farm near Kingham in Gloucestershire.

The annual event organised by the Cotswolds Conservation Board will see competitors tasked with transforming a 15ft high wild hedge into an agricultural work of art!

It’s your chance to watch this traditional countryside craft at its very best. Witness the skills and craftmanship of our competitors.

The new look event which will have ‘hands on’ rural skills activities for visitors, coincides with the 50^th anniversary of the Cotswolds as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).


While the hedgelayers compete there is chance for you to grab a hot drink and have a go at rural skills such as dry-stone walling, wooden spoon carving, wool weaving and cider making and of course hedgelaying.

Entry is free, event starts at 9:30am with winners announced at around 4pm at the Greedy Goose Pub where the awards ceremony is being held.

For more information about the event and rural skills courses and workshops across the Cotswolds AONB visit www.cotswoldsruralskills.org.uk