Rights of Way Officer

Starting salary for this role is £32,061 (pro rata for part‑time colleagues).

This role sits within a well defined pay band, offering clear progression as you grow your career at BCP. Without exception all new starters begin at the entry point of the band, ensuring fairness and consistency across the organisation. Be part of a forward thinking workplace where you’re supported to grow and you can truly #BeTheDifference at BCP.

Internal colleagues are also normally appointed at the bottom of the band, unless moving within the same profession and skill level, where the pay band is the same they can be appointed to the existing pay point.

Learn more in our “More than just a job” brochure on our careers site.

Role Purpose

We have an exciting job opportunity to work as a Rights of Way Officer (BCP Band 7, permanent, full‑time) within the Public Rights of Way section of the Traffic Team in BCP Planning and Transport.

Responsibilities

The Rights of Way team work to deliver the following:

• Administering the legal record of Public Rights of Way, the Definitive Map and Statement, and processing applications to modify these records, whether adding new paths following investigations into evidential claims or diverting paths to make way for new developments.
• Inspecting and identifying opportunities for new improvements to the Public Rights of Way network across the BCP area. We listen and respond to the needs of our users and find ways to make these paths more accessible and enjoyable and enhance their strategic value. We need to pay attention to small but critical details like highway defects and identify resources to repair them as well as look at the bigger picture and see how large development schemes can change the context and user demands placed on the paths. Our work is guided by the vision set out in the BCP Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2023‑2040.
• Working with our colleagues within Planning and Transport on planning applications and finding ways to minimise the loss of Public Rights of Way while creating new and improved links to develop our off‑road walking and riding network.
• Enforcing against individuals who obstruct highway maintained Public Rights of Way.
• Contributing to special projects such as Transforming Cities or the Stour Valley Way and working with outside partners such as Natural England and the National Trust to provide insight and expertise on how to create new access opportunities and deliver on improving the health and wellbeing of BCP residents and our visitors.

Main Responsibilities

You will be part of a small two‑person Rights of Way team within a larger Traffic team of friendly and supportive colleagues, dealing with many issues running in parallel and working with many partners across service units and outside of BCP.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for individuals who can meet the challenge of understanding the needs of our path users and deliver our service to them in a cost‑effective and timely manner.

Candidates Must Have

• Ideally, but not mandatory, have relevant NVQ 4, HND, HNC, degree or diploma (or equivalent experience) or working towards.
• A good practical and theoretical knowledge of the management of Rights of Way and the underpinning legislative framework. Although the successful candidate will receive on the job training and will attend appropriate training courses.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to adapt quickly to rapid changes in priorities, in addition to the ability to develop your own organisational tools.
• Good knowledge of ICT including Excel, Word, Outlook and Teams.
• Ability to prepare engaging presentations using a clear brief.
• Excellent research and analytical skills, being able to interrogate a wide range of historical, legal, written and spoken evidence, to collate this and then to develop complex and detailed reports.
• A level of physical fitness and environmental awareness adequate for attending site visits and carrying out regular in‑person inspections of Public Rights of Way in sometimes physically challenging environments, covering miles at a time.
• A personable and sensitive approach to communication, being able to empathise with user needs and knowing how to prioritise work that can quickly adapt to changes in people’s lives.
• Willingness to represent BCP at Public Inquiries and Hearings, presenting and arguing the authority’s stance in a flexible and reactive way in real‑time.
• Understanding of the planning system and planning policy, which will be used to influence development decisions in favour of Public Rights of Way while minimising negative impact on users.

The role requires excellent organisational and administrative skills, including the ability to plan and prioritise workloads, the prioritisation of non‑standard tasks, work accurately, be organised under pressure, work to tight deadlines and be resilient to the demands and pressures of the role.

We offer the opportunity to work agilely (e.g. work from home for some of the working week). We will consider part‑time working applications.

Inclusion and Accessibility

At BCP Council, inclusion is more than a promise – it’s how we work. We’re committed to providing a fully inclusive recruitment process ensuring every candidate and colleague has the support and reasonable adjustments they need to thrive. From the moment you apply, through the recruitment process and throughout your career with us, we’ll be here to listen and provide the help and support you need. It’s why we’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer – and why you can trust that we’ll always do our best to make your experience positive and accessible.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply or contact us directly – we’re here to help.

About BCP Council

BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world-renowned coastline. We can offer career defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, world‑class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.

Our Benefits

At BCP Council, we’re not just building a workforce— we’re transforming how we recognise and reward our people. Check out our attractive enhanced benefits and find out more about the new Pay and Reward package at Employee benefits | Working for BCP.

Be the difference – Join an organisation that values you.

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