Code of Practice
Introduction to the code

The Code is intended primarily for those managing Rangers, whether as line managers, senior Rangers, site owners or agents – the Code uses the collective term Ranger managers.

The object of the Code is to assist Ranger Managers by identifying a series of skill and competency matters relating to the employment and development of Rangers in Scotland. These can then link Rangers more directly and coherently to outcomes.

It provides an authoritative reference point for managers as they consciously and systematically guide Rangers’ contribution to local and national outcomes. It is hoped also that the guidance will be of general use to individual Rangers.

The Code of Practice is not a prescriptive or mandatory document. It will be helpful to read and consider the Code in association with other advice and taking account of organisational needs, traditions, culture and decision-making.

The Code of Practice assumes that most organisations will have their own appropriate policies and systems for verification of human resource quality and standards and these will be incorporated where they exist. Statutory requirements should be met as a matter of course.

How to use this Code

To help, the Code is set out in three distinct sections:

Core Roles of a Ranger

The Core Roles of a Ranger are based on the Rangers in Scotland statement and Aims for Ranger Services. The emphasis on each key area will differ depending on the employer and area of work.

Professional Best Practice for Rangers 

The Professional Best Practice is common to all Rangers no matter where they work or who they work for and is the foundation upon which the Generic competencies for Rangers are based.

Core skills and competencies of a Ranger 

The Core skills and competencies fall into 2 competency groups:

• Generic competencies. These are competencies based on best practice and should be common to all Rangers. They cover 4 competency areas:
• Work with other people
• Communicate
• Result delivery
• Application of learning
• Specialist competencies. These are competencies based on the key areas of the Rangers role and relate to the delivery of National Outcomes and other area or local plans

They cover 8 competency areas:

• Habitat management
• Management Planning
• Recreation and visitor management
• Ensuring site and ecosystem integrity
• Outdoor learning
• Interpretation of the cultural and natural heritage
• Community and other stakeholder engagement
• Delivering training to others

The Code of Practice and competencies cannot and are not intended to cover all activities of each individual Ranger or each Service. It will be necessary to assess your Service and Service Plan against the competencies to highlight those of relevance.