In January 2012, ALERC were pleased to appoint their first National Coordinator, Tom Hunt..  The post is initially until March 2014 and will have the following outputs:

To facilitate the wider adoption of new biodiversity data management technology, improve data flow, encourage exchange of ideas and promote collaborative working between local record centres and National Biodiversity Network partners throughout the UK by:  

Supporting local record centre (LRC) engagement in projects led by the NBN Trust and Natural England with the aim of:

• Securing the adoption of tools and technology (e.g. NBN Web Services) by LRCs to improve the provision of ecological data products to end users.
  
• Promoting the wider adoption of online recording by LRCs and ecological consultants.
  
• Exploring the integration of existing online recording systems as part of a wider national system.
  
• Promoting collaborative working between LRCs, the NBN Trust, DEFRA, statutory nature conservation bodies and the local recording community to deliver a more structured approach to species recording in the voluntary sector for surveillance and monitoring.
  
• Improving data flow and data exchange between local and national data providers across the National Biodiversity Network. 
  

Managing the ALERC Accreditation System

• Manage the Accreditation System on behalf of ALERC in accordance with the outcomes and recommendations of the 2011 Pilot.
  
• Provide guidance and support to LRCs undergoing the accreditation process, with a particular focus on how participation in the NBN Trust and Natural England projects can help to fulfil accreditation criteria.
  

Facilitating communication between LRCs and their stakeholders

• Support the ALERC Directors in coordinating input from the LRC community into national strategies for biodiversity conservation, evidence and reporting.
  
• Encourage LRC engagement in the NBN Trust and Natural England projects and communicate project achievements, for example through the organisation of workshops and the annual ALERC Conference.
  
• Work with LRCs and their partners to raise awareness of the statutory requirements for a biodiversity and geodiversity evidence base and to ensure responsible use of ecological data. 
  
• Communicate any changes in policy and legislation relevant to the provision of biodiversity and geodiversity data to the wider LRC community.
  

If you wish to get in contact regarding anything to do with ALERC or LRCs, please complete the contact form below.