November 6, 2013
Work on Rural Parliament gets underway
It started as a commitment in the 2011 SNP manifesto – Scotland would have a Rural Parliament as a means of helping ‘rural communities engage more effectively with Government.’ Not much more detail than that. Nothing about how it would work, how often it would meet or who might become involved. Outward appearances might suggest a lack of progress over these last few months but that’s all about to change. A date for the inaugural Rural Parliament has been set. The recruitment process for a Coordinator is underway.
06/11/13
Scottish Rural Action has received funding from the Scottish Government to deliver an exciting new initiative for rural Scotland. The Rural Parliament will provide those who live and work in Scotland’s rural communities with an opportunity to come together, to consider rural priorities with a wide range of public bodies, to agree specific policy proposals and in due course, present these to the appropriate bodies. The Rural Parliament will also be a major celebration of rural Scotland, its people, places, products and achievements.
The Rural Parliament has been inspired by those that have emerged elsewhere in Europe over the past 25 years. As with these European examples, it is anticipated that Scotland’s Rural Parliament will be underpinned by the consolidation of a wider rural movement.
We are seeking an exceptional individual who is passionate and knowledgeable about rural Scotland, capable of communicating complex messages at many different levels and possesses a track record of building successful relationships between different sections of the community. He/she will put in place all the necessary arrangements for the inaugural Scottish Rural Parliament which is to be held in late autumn 2014. The business plan sets out a tight timetable of work to be delivered which will include establishing an Advisory Forum of rural organisations and interests, building interest from across the wider community, identifying key issues to be addressed by the Rural Parliament and seeking additional funding as required.
Website: www.scottishruralparliament.org.uk
Application notes: A job description and person specification is available for download below.
Informal enquiries can be made to John C Hutchison, Chair of Scottish Rural Action on 07768 537698.
Applications are invited by letter, supported by a CV of no more than 3 pages. The letter should include the names and contact details of two referees, whom we will contact before interview, unless otherwise requested.
Secondment arrangements may be considered and applicants with this in mind should indicate accordingly and, if invited for interview, will be expected to furnish the panel with confirmation of their employer’s agreement.
Applications should be made to apply@scottishruralparliament.org.uk by close of Sunday 17 November 2013.
Interviews to be held on 28th November.
Job description click here