Local Access Forum Representative
Purpose of the role
It is important for ScotWays to be represented on local access forums as they are the eyes and ears of outdoor access throughout Scotland. As a Local Access Forum Representative (LAF rep) you provide a 2-way communication link between the local access forum and ScotWays.
The activities that you may be involved in include:
- Attending meetings virtually or in person, usually 3 or 4 times a year.
- Attending site visits with other LAF members and/or access officers.
- Checking access issues and reporting back to the LAF.
- Taking part in local consultations.
- Taking part in any training offered by the local authority.
You will need:
- A desire to improve outdoor access.
- A good understanding of outdoor access law.
- Time to commit to meetings and possible site visits.
- Willingness to travel independently throughout your LAF area as necessary
- To report back to ScotWays about any relevant issues.
- To provide the ScotWays opinion on specific matters arising in your LAF area.
We will provide:
- Training in outdoor access. This may be online or in person.
- Advice on legal matters
- Guidance on specific matters that arise.
- Support to give you the confidence to participate in meetings.
- ScotWays insurance cover for the work asked of you by ScotWays.
- Reimbursement of agreed expenses.
- The chance to make a difference to outdoor access in your local area.
- The potential chance to work with others on larger projects.
If you’d like to join your local access forum, search the local authority (or National Park)’s website for their Local Access Forum to see if there are any vacancies. If there is a vacancy on the forum you’d like to join, get in touch with Neil Birch, the Access Officer responsible for volunteering. He will arrange a chat with you to discuss how volunteering for ScotWays works.
ScotWays staff can support LAF members (not just ScotWays representatives) by providing information and advice. A great place to start is Ask Ken.
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