Covenants Officer

Job Description

Summary The National Trust has legal covenants over c.36,000 ha of iconic landscapes and significant historic buildings across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. They enable us to protect the historic characters and habitat benefits of buildings and landscapesfrom inappropriate development.Youll lead in assessing applications for change, from property owners subject to National Trust Restrictive Covenants, and the monitoring of covenanted properties and negotiating any proposed changes to sites by their owners. Youll advise on the designand impact on the heritage or special qualities as well as enforcing against unauthorised change.Youll take a lead in the region for the ongoing management of covenant archives and records and in the recruitment, development and collaborating with volunteers to support this work. What its like to work here Your contractual location is flexible across the Midlands, were happy for you to work at any of our regional hubs or properties, that are appropriate for this role and there will be an opportunity to explore and agree a hybrid working arrangement, whichstrike the right balance for you and the Trust. Whilst this role sits in our Land and Nature Directorate, drawing on the expertise of our land and estate managers, it will also work closely with the diverse range of expertise and skills that sit within our national consultancy, enabling our covenanted placesto benefit from an outstanding range of creative and forward thinking, as well as a deep expertise in legal and design matters. What youll be doing Youll be dealing with enquiries from owners of covenanted property wishing to make changes. Youll be meeting owners on site, and balancing the views of key staff such as Curators, Estate and General Managers on the owners proposals. Youll also preparewritten reports with recommended actions for those responsible for final decision making.Working with external partners, such as local planning authorities, youll develop and maintain consistent professional relationships. Youll work effectively with your internal colleagues and train property teams in the management of covenants.Please also read the full role profile attached to this advert. Who were looking for To be successful in this role, youll need to have:

• A degree or equivalent experience in Building or Architectural Conservation, Architecture, Building Design or Planning
• Experience of building / landscape conservation work
• In-depth knowledge of historic buildings (particularly vernacular) and landscapes
• Experience in assessing heritage building and landscape significance or heritage values and relevant knowledge of heritage and planning legislation
• The ability to apply design principles in heritage settings and a creative and innovative approach to managing development relating to heritage or other buildings or to new development in special landscapes
• Experience of delivering expert advice in reaching design solutions
• Excellent organisational skills and be able to devise and maintain record and monitoring management systems
• Excellent influencing and negotiating skills

The package The National Trust has the motto For everyone, for ever at its heart. Were working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. Its important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audienceswe serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say were for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary

• Free entry to National Trust properties for you, a guest and your children (under 18)

• Tax free childcare scheme

• Rental deposit loan scheme

• Season ticket loan

• Perks at work discounts i.e. gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts

• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.

• Flexible working whenever possible

• Employee assistance programme

• Free parking at most locations

• Independent financial advice

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