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: "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.

"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, explained why getting involved with the review of occupational standards are so important.

He said: "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."

Ms Mitchell 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 [email protected], calling Lantra on 02476 858 424 or visiting the Lantra web site [click here].