The Public Rights of Way Conference 2023: Improving and Maintaining Public Paths

With the cut-off point for registering 41,000 miles of potential historic footpaths scrapped, local authorities now have a real chance at getting these documented to remain in public use for the long term. Additionally, with the increased use of public rights of way networks in recent years, strained council budgets are looking to new initiatives to ensure they are maintained in sustainable ways. To achieve this, local government and community groups need to work cooperatively with stakeholders to maintain and protect our public rights of way, while establishing accessible use for all users.

• According to the Open Space Society, the average timescale for clearing DMMO backlogs is 20 years
• The Ramblers Society reports Britain has 12 million walkers, 4.3 million horse riders, and 3 million cyclists taking advantage of public rights of way
• ADEPTs 3^rd public rights of way survey found that the most common pressure councils and national parks faced was low staff levels

Join us at the The Public Rights of Way Conference 2023: Improving and Maintaining Public Paths to hear the latest updates on maintaining public rights of way and available support measures to drive sustainable improvements. Case studies will give practical guidance on topics including developing rights of way improvement plans, ensuring rights of way are accessible to disabled users and strategies for managing disputes. Gain the opportunity to network with a range of colleagues from across the sector to discuss shared challenges and innovative solutions.

Why Attend:
✓ Latest updates on public rights of way management and protection
✓ Best practice examples from local councils leading the way in public paths compliance and enforcement
✓ New strategies for fostering improved rights of way access for disabled users
✓ Networking opportunities with senior colleagues from across local government
✓ Gain 4 hours of CPD points towards your yearly quota

This is a live event taking place online:
✓ Access a full live event with 4 hours of CPD points from home
✓ Network and connect with colleagues in breakout networking sessions and the meeting hub
✓  Interact with speakers through live Q&A and networking
✓ Review event materials and presentations post-event
✓ Receive additional resources to boost your learning and support you in your role

NEW AND EXCLUSIVE TO YOUR
CONFERENCE PACKAGE – GE Insights:

This year’s conference package includes 12-months FREE access to GE Insights, our cross-sector learning resource of case study focused videos, articles, lived experiences and more (RRP £199). Gain unlimited access to our online platform when you purchase your conference ticket.

Key benefits include:

 ✓100s of Exclusive Case Studies – fingertip access to videos and articles covering all key sectors including Police & Criminal Justice, and ALL CPD certified

 ✓Key Sessions from All Our Conferences – gain valuable insights from our past, present, and future events (160+ pa)

 ✓Articles and Interviews – learn from our network of expert speakers and contributors explore further the key discussions from the conferences

 ✓Additional CPD Hours – automatically earn more for everything you watch, read, and hear

 ✓Your Own CPD Dashboard – charts your progress, allows you to add notes, download your activities, and save/print an official CPD certificate

 ✓Personalised Homepage – only see the relevant content you need to save time

 ✓30+ New Uploads Each Month – we’re adding new content every week to ensure you stay engaged and informed all year round.

For more information or to make a booking please call 0330 058 4285

For more information or to make a booking please call 0330 058 4285

• 09.00

  Online Registration

• 09:30

  Chair’s Welcome Address

  Heidi Cruickshank, Inspector Manager, Planning Inspectorate (CONFIRMED)

• 09.40

  Keynote: National Strategies to Maintain and Protect Public Rights of Way

  • Outlining the latest guidance and budget allocations to manage and support public rights of way maintenance services
  • Keeping public rights of way free from obstructions and in a fit state for public use: key tips
  • Holding private landowners accountable and ensuring they fulfil their duty to maintain public rights of way on their land
  • Guidance on managing budgets to allow for regular maintenance on paths with increased activity

  Pippa Langford, Principal Specialist, Natural England (CONFIRMED)

• 10.00

  Keynote: Successfully Handling Rights of Way Disputes and Changes

  • Strategies for engaging with the public and wider stakeholders to manage disputes effectively
  • Effective public communication approaches
  • Tools for developing community buy-in to reduce grievances when making a public path order
  • Local highway authority obligations when submitting an opposed right of way order

  Heidi Cruickshank, Inspector Manager, Planning Inspectorate (CONFIRMED)

• 10.20

  Case Study: Developing Long-Term Rights of Way Improvement Plans that Meet Community Needs

  • Identifying and Integrating future trends in the Rights of way Improvement Plan – embedding in current strategies
  • Including the public’s current and future needs in the plan – collecting evidence
  • Assessment of all future and current requirements and developing an action plan

  Lilian Green, Transport Planner , Reading Borough Council (CONFIRMED)

• 10.40

  Questions and Answers

• 11.00

  Comfort Break

• 11.20

  Breakout Networking: Working in Partnership to Develop Well-Maintained and Accessible Rights of Way

  This session will provide you with the opportunity to discuss the main challenges you face in ensuring rights of way are accessible and consistently kept up to standard. Share your experiences and collaborate with peers from across the sector to find long-term solutions.

• 11.50

  Lived Experience: Creating Accessible Public Rights of Way

  • Experiencing the countryside and public rights of way as a disabled person: key insights
  • Practical ways for councils to review and improve the accessibility of rights of way paths
  • Supporting local community groups to help disabled ramblers access public spaces
  • Replacing stiles and other barriers on public rights of way with more accessible options where possible
  • Co-creating accessibility solutions with disabled users to ensure challenges are overcome effectively

  Shail Patel, Secretary and Trustee, Disabled Ramblers (CONFIRMED)

• 12.10

  Case Study: Delivering Successful Volunteer Recruitment within the Rights of Way Sector

  Abby Sullivan, Senior Countryside Access Ranger, Hampshire County Council (CONFIRMED)

• 12.30

  Questions and Answers

• 12.50

  Chair’s Closing Remarks

  *Programme subject to change

  

Who Should Attend?

Delegates who will have an interest in this event will be people who work around the PROW and environmental sector.

*This Conference is open to Public, Private and Third Sectors

For more information or to make a booking please call 0330 058 4285

We are now taking bookings for our wide range of sponsorship and exhibition packages; we also offer bespoke packages tailored for your organisation.

Why Sponsor and Exhibit at this event:

✓ Network with key decision makers across Local Government
✓ Meet your target audience in the Sector
✓ Listen and Learn from leading industry experts across the Sector
✓ Opportunity to demonstrate your products or services
✓ Speak alongside industry leading experts
✓ Work with your dedicated account manager to generate the maximum amount of leads

Exhibition and Sponsorship Packages:

Strategic Headline Sponsor:

• 20-minute speaking slot followed by Q&A
• 3x2m Exhibition Space (In the Refreshments and Catering room)
• Pre show marketing email to all registered delegates
• Post show inclusion on presentation email
• Branding on Website and Event Guide (Logo and 100 Word Profile)
• A4 Insert or A4 Chair Drop
• 5 Delegate Conference Passes
• 1 Speaker Pass

Key Supporter Package:

• 20-minute speaking slot followed by Q&A
• Branding on Website and Event Guide (Logo and 100 Word Profile)
• A4 Insert or Chair Drop
• 1 Speaker Pass
• 2 Delegate Conference Passes

Exhibition Stand:

• 3x2m Exhibition Space (In the Refreshments and Catering room)
• Power, Wifi, Table and 2 Chairs (If required)
• Branding on Website and Event Guide (Logo and 100 Word Profile)
• 2 Delegate Conference Passes
• 1 Stand Manager Pass

Insert or Chair Drop:

• 1 Delegate Conference Pass
• A4 insert into delegate pack or A4 Chair Drop

For more information or to discuss your requirements, please contact the team on 0330 0584 285, or sponsorship@governmentevents.co.uk or complete our enquiry form and we will contact you.

• Public Sector Rate: £260.00+VAT
• Voluntary Sector Rate: £260.00+VAT
• Private Sector Rate: £425.00+VAT