JOIN A MAJOR REVIEW OF STANDARDS FOR GAME AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT INDUSTRY

A major review of the management and professional skills Standards for the game and wildlife industry has begun, giving employers the chance to play their part in ensuring their ways of working are accurately reflected.

Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for environmental and land-based industries, is spearheading the UK wide project, which will lead to a new list of the skills needed for staff in game and wildlife management roles. Lantra is seeking those with a keen involvement in the game and wildlife industry to register their interest to participate in meetings and help ensure that National Occupational Standards fit modern business needs. Mary Mitchell, Industry Partnership Manager at Lantra, said: “The standards are a great tool to use in the workplace as they can be used to identify the skills needed, highlight best practice, develop training and recruitment plans, develop job descriptions and they also form the basis of game and wildlife qualifications. The game and wildlife management standards were last reviewed in 2005 and we now want as many people as possible from across the range of roles within the industry to take part in the review.” The review process starts with research into the skills required for management and professional roles within the industry. A number of meetings will also take place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on Wednesday 12 May and Wednesday 21 July, and will give all those interested parties the opportunity to come along and contribute to defining the standards for the industry. An online consultation open to all is planned for later this year. Higher Education Institutions with game and wildlife related provision are also invited to contribute to the review as the standards are used for mapping during curriculum development, review and accreditation. Ideas for involving an institution in the review could include using employer liaison meetings or considering student progression destination data to identify relevant employment opportunities. Niall Rowantree, Sporting Manager at West Highland Hunting, explains why getting involved with the review of occupational standards are so important: “This review provides an excellent opportunity for employers to express their skills requirements and to enshrine best practice in day to day exercises. Demands on employers are changing and the need for businesses to be successful as we exit recession is vital to the viability of our communities. Our greatest asset is the skills of our people, so that’s why it’s essential to get involved in this review and ensure they’re correct.” Mary concluded: “Standards cannot be developed without your help. Only by working together can we ensure that the National Occupational Standards will take into account any new business practices and make them fit for purpose and valued by employers.” To take part in the review and help the game and wildlife industry get the most out of the skills system, register your interest by emailing standardsandquals@lantra.co.uk, calling Lantra on 02476 858 424 or visiting www.lantra.co.uk/game-NOS. ENDS Issued by: Lantra Press Office – contact media@lantra.co.uk or call 02476 858 407. NOTES TO EDITOR: National Occupational Standards National Occupational Standards offer a framework for good employment practice in the industry and define the skills, knowledge and experience required to work in the industry. They provide a tool for small and micro businesses, employers, careers advisors and trainers to benchmark and assess what skills are required to do a job. About Lantra • Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for the environmental and land-based sector, is licensed by the UK government to drive forward the new skills, training and business development agenda for the sector. • Lantra represents 17 industries and 1.5 million workers and volunteers in agricultural crops, agricultural livestock, animal care, animal technology, aquaculture, environmental conservation, equine, farriery, fencing, fisheries management, floristry, game and wildlife management, land-based engineering, landscape, production horticulture, trees and timber and veterinary nursing. For more information see www.lantra.co.uk.

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