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Why Join IPROW?

IPROW's members cover all aspects of access work, from countryside rangers putting in stiles to enforcement officers, path inspectors and strategic access developers, as well as those maintaining the definitive map and making public path orders. For most, the main benefit is the easy availability of information, advice and help through the Forum, Seminars and other networking events.

Adam Taylor, Public Rights of Way Officer (Jack of All Trades), Medway Council

I was advised to join IPROW by my colleague when I first started in this remarkable job.

As there are only two of us, we have to deal with all aspects of PRoW; we don't enjoy such luxuries as a Definitive Map Officer, dedicated legal team, or even the dizzy heights of an Enforcement Officer. Some would say we're quaint, others, a little under resourced.

So becoming a member of IPRoW has been one of the smartest choices I've made.

I've found the online Forum to be of particular value: if I'm not too sure about a certain legal or enforcement aspect I pop it on the Forum and I always get an answer. It's like having a huge super information swimming pool to dive into when you need some real answers, usually accompanied by the relevant legal quotes and prime examples.

I've spent a lot of valuable time sitting in lengthy meetings or training days which really haven't helped me in my duties or answered my questions, however, I went to my first IPRoW Regional Seminar which was organised through Kent County Council. It was by far the most informative, articulate and rewarding seminar or course I've ever been on. My only wish was that it had been two days rather than what seemed a very short one day.

IPRoW isn't just for managers and senior officers, it's for us little guys on the ground as well, if you don't find it useful or an inspiration you're not doing your job properly!

(N.B. IPRoW did not pay me for this article, nor did they upgrade me from associate to full member early, despite my requests ;) )

Ian Blomeley, Enforcement Officer, Monmouthshire County Council

IPROW provides me with a forum to raise enforcement problems and discuss them with other officers to show my authority's approach is reasonable and fair. It also keeps me up to date with changes in legislation and guidance as well as giving me the opportunity to influence legislation.

Robert Thompson, Senior Countryside Access Ranger - North, Hampshire County Council

IPROW has helped to give me a solid foundation for my work as Senior Countryside Access Ranger, tackling maintenance and enforcement issues in the north of Hampshire. Through its training courses, annual conference and regional seminars and the good practice guide there hasn't been much I haven't been able to find out. A recent post to the forum provided me with not only the rights and wrongs of walking on a golf course but even background guidance to pass on to Course managers, saving me time and broadening my knowledge.

Tim Chinnick, Rights of Way Officer (Definitive Map Section), Wiltshire County Council

I have been trying to obtain a job in Public Rights of Way since I saw an advertisement internally in my authority for a Rights of Way Officer and thought (as many others I'm sure!) mmm, that sounds a doddle! Paid for strolling around out in the fresh air, pampered by the rich of the land - that'll do for me!

I was more surprised than anyone to be shortlisted and went for interview unprepared - it was a war zone! I had no idea how involved the job was and how much the occupation was underrated. I didn't get the job, but I did get to know the staff and to find out how devoted they were to this calling (for calling it most surely is!). Trudging around in foul wind and weather, happily taking abuse daily from all and sundry. Trying to balance seemingly impossible tasks on virtually invisible budgets. Constantly trying to be fair to all and keep everyone and his dog happy by refereeing disputes and instigating necessary compromises whenever needed. Needless to say I was hooked!

I read the Blue Book several times and devoured websites such as IPROW, CA, OSS, RA; I did a bit of practical work for the LA on BVPI surveys; I enjoyed about six months as a local footpath secretary for the RA; and I joined IPROW.

Through IPROW I started getting alerts of Job Vacancies and one was in the next county. I applied and got the job: I was thrilled.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff at the Institute for all of their selfless, diligent and unstinting work. Much of this is hidden and not often acknowledged.

It is not only the awesome amount of practical guidance in the form of the GPG they have tirelessly accumulated into a user friendly format I would like to thank them for. Nor is it only the wide variety of professional courses and the chances to follow forums on diverse and immensely interesting issues. Nor is it their tireless fight to gain further professional recognition for all Rights of Way staff throughout the country.

No, what I would really like to thank them for is the radiant warmth and camaraderie with which I have been treated whenever I have contacted them (usually with a training query or to plead forgiveness for being late with my membership fees or similar!). Right from the start they have always made me feel accepted, valued and wanted, even though I was only working in the most peripheral sphere of Rights of Way.

Thank you IPROW!