DO you want to play a key role in running the Malvern Hills? If so, why not stand for election to the Malvern Hills Conservators this autumn?

On October 22, voters in ten parishes or wards in and around Malvern will have the chance to vote for members of the Conservators' board, whose job it is to make sure the organisation fulfils its duties and acts within the powers which Parliament has given it.

The board has 29 members, 18 nominated by local bodies such as parish and district councils, and 11 directly elected by the residents of the parishes or wards which pay the levy that funds the Conservators.

The elections are in Colwall, which has two seats, Chase, Dyson Perrins, Guarlford, Link, Mathon, Pickersleigh, Priory, Wells and West.

Stephen Bound, the Conservators' director, said: "Being a board member requires commitment. There are around ten meetings a year to attend and Conservators need to develop a knowledge of the hills and commons, an understanding of the Acts of Parliament which govern our work, as well as an appreciation of charity law.

"However, it’s a great opportunity for anyone who would like to get involved in the management of the Hills and Commons and of this historic organisation."

To be eligible, candidates must be on the electoral register, live, own or tenant property in one of the wards or parishes.

Mr Bound said anyone meeting the eligibility criteria is welcome to seek nomination, but people with knowledge or experience of charity governance, law, communications, fundraising, income generation, human resource management, finance management, health and safety, land management and countryside access are particularly encouraged to stand.

A briefing session for anyone interested in standing will be held at the Conservators’ offices at Manor House, Grange Road, Great Malvern, at 7pm on Tuesday, September 8.

Nominations open on Monday, September 7, and forms will be available from the office. Completed forms must be returned by 4pm on Friday, September 25.