Bluespaces Manager

Bluespaces is a programme to deliver improvements to the water environment that has been
developed by Northumbrian Water Group (NWG) in partnership with Durham Wildlife Trust (DWT).
The programme was developed in 2020, and is now in its fifth year of delivery. DWT has
supported Bluespaces through the development and initial roll out of the programme, leading on
project development and delivery, and working with other partners.

Bluespaces funds partnership projects investing in wildlife and biodiversity, water quality,
and access and recreational facilities. It is focused around accessible areas of rivers, lakes,
coasts, beaches and other water environments where people can enjoy being close to water.

In April 2022, NWG published a Vision for Coasts and Rivers. This included a pledge to improve
500km of bluespaces by 2030, across both NWG’s Northumbrian Water (NW) and Essex & Suffolk
Water (ESW) regions. By 2025, the company will have improved almost 250km. Looking ahead to
2025-30, funding has been secured by the company in its PR24 Business Plan to deliver bigger,
better and bolder co-funded Bluespaces projects.

The DWT Bluespaces Manager will support NW in the development and delivery of the Bluespaces
programme, allowing NWG to achieve its targets to improve the water environment.

The Bluespaces Manager will have the skills and knowledge needed to support NWG and partners in
the development and delivery of the Bluespaces programme. The successful applicant will track
delivery of the existing Year 5 programme of projects, focusing on partner engagement,
progress, risks, and evidence reporting. They will also help shape the programme, engaging with
partners through the region and identifying new project opportunities for partnership
development and delivery for 2025-30. This work aligns closely with DWT’s own strategic
objectives as set out in its newly developed Strategy 2030.

This is a full-time, permanent post.

The Process

To apply for this post please complete the application form available on our website and also provide a personal statement setting out your suitability for
the role. The statement must be a maximum of two sides of A4. The form and statement are to be
submitted to [email protected] . The closing date
for applications is 9 am on Friday 13th September 2023.

Interviews are likely to be held on Thursday 19th September at Durham Wildlife Trust’s Rainton
Meadows HQ (DH4 6PU). Unfortunately, it will not be possible to respond to all applicants.

Contact details

If you have any questions about the Bluespaces Manager role please contact Mark Dinning, Head
of Conservation by email – [email protected].