Planning Team Volunteer - Application Screening

CPRE Hertfordshire is a long-standing and well-regarded environmental charity dedicated to protecting, promoting and enhancing the Hertfordshire countryside for everyone’s benefit. 

We are now recruiting for a new part-time volunteer to join our Planning Team. Together we work to monitor and respond to planning applications that may adversely impact on the countryside and the Green Belt throughout Hertfordshire. 

What will you be doing?

You will be part of a team of volunteers who provide the essential first trawl and preliminary research on potentially harmful development proposals. Those that meet certain criteria are then referred to one of our senior planners for further research and preparation of CPRE's response. 

As one of our Planning Team volunteers, you will do a weekly screen of planning applications filed in one or two of Hertfordshire’s ten districts. This is done online and typically takes 1-2 hours per week. You can perform this role at your home, at a time each week that suits you. Training for new volunteers will be provided.

What are we looking for?

Previous exposure to the land use planning system may be helpful but is not required. However, you should:

·      Have good written and verbal communication skills and the ability to make sense of complex information

·      Have readily available access to a computer and the internet at home, and have up-to-date computer skills including Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel

·      Be detail-oriented, well-organised and reliable

·      Be able to commit to volunteering regularly with occasional attendance at meetings and videoconferences

·      Have an interest in the countryside and environmental issues

What difference will you make?

At CPRE Hertfordshire we want to encourage everyone to connect with the countryside and value and enjoy it. As part of our Planning Team you will be playing a vital role in our core work of protecting the countryside for now and for future generations.

What’s in it for the volunteer?

Some of our existing volunteers have been with us for many years. Why do they volunteer with us and what will you get out of it? 

·      Use your skills and experience to make a positive difference to the countryside

·      Have the satisfaction of making a real difference

·      Learn new skills and gain knowledge and experience in a new area

·      Have some variety from your regular work or routine

·      Meet like-minded people and enjoy being part of a team

·      We’ll support you to develop in your volunteering role and provide relevant training

·      Get involved with events and workshops on a local and national level, including induction sessions

·      The opportunity to learn about various issues facing the countryside, should you wish to become more involved in our work

·      We reimburse out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Volunteer Policy

·      We can give you a reference for your future work or volunteering