IWAC extends deadline for Scottish post

1 June 2009

The Inland Waterways Advisory Council (IWAC) has extended the deadline for applications for the Scottish post to 16 June 2009.

The Scottish Government are seeking people who believe that the inland waterways are a vital part of Britain’s heritage and must play an important role in our future.

Any new members of IWAC would be responsible for providing strategic advice to Ministers in the UK Government and Scottish Government, as well as to navigation authorities and other bodies. This could be on a range of matters including how the inland waterways across England, Scotland and Wales can deliver greater public benefit, and be made available to all sections of the community.

Candidates for these posts should have a personal interest in inland waterways and have the ability to use their experience to benefit the work of IWAC. The Scottish Government will appoint one new member who must demonstrate a special knowledge of canals in Scotland.

Potential applicants should have skills and knowledge relevant to inland waterways in one or more of the following areas:

• heritage
• business and tourism
• volunteering and community engagement
• environmental sciences
• freight and other transport
• investment planning and regeneration
• inland waterways in Wales
• Scotland’s canals either as a user or from another perspective

IWAC meets four times a year, at least two of which are at inland waterway locations across the country. Members typically spend around 12 to 20 days on IWAC business. Expenses, including loss of remunerative time at rates set centrally, are met although service is unpaid.

The new posts will provide an opportunity to contribute to, and influence, inland waterway policy. IWAC members take part in project groups and are able to widen and develop their skills and knowledge on a whole range of issues affecting inland waterways, for example in climate change and policies on sustainability. All initial appointments will be for three years.

Information packs are available at www.defra.gov.uk. For the Scottish appointment please e-mail scotlandscanals-appts@scotland.gsi.gov.uk for an information pack or telephone 0131 244 0575.

The closing date for completed applications is 12 noon, 16 June 2009.

Ends

Notes to editors:

IWAC is sponsored by the UK Government (Defra) and the Scottish Government. It provides advice to:

• the UK Government on matters relating to all inland waterways in England & Wales, and
• the Scottish Government on matters relating to canals in Scotland.

In addition, IWAC advises navigation authorities and other interested bodies.