Commissioner, Forestry Commission

Dear Candidate,

Thank you for applying for the role of member of the Forestry Commission (FC) Board of Commissioners, which has a key role in protecting, expanding and promoting the sustainable management of woodlands.

Established a century ago as a body serving Great Britain, the departure of Wales from the Commission in 2013 and Scotland in 2019 means that the FC’s work is now primarily focused in England. It is headed by a Board of Commissioners, comprising a Chair and up to 10 other Forestry Commissioners, made up of non-executive and executive appointments. The FC’s significant contribution to the government’s missions to kickstart economic growth and accelerate to net zero, means you will be joining as a Commissioner at an exciting and pivotal time.

The nation’s forests are among the most popular natural spaces in the country, visited by millions of people, and are the largest supplier of Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) timber in England. They increase rural job creation—boosting both financial and environmental resilience and driving economic growth. As the world’s third-largest importer of timber, the UK benefits greatly from FC’s work, which is instrumental in supporting Britain’s clean energy efforts.  Sustainable forestry provides a renewable source of biomass for energy production, furthering our environmental agenda.

FC are committed to breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for workers transitioning from declining industries, supporting the rural economy, healthier futures for all and a more resilient NHS. As a Commissioner, you will play a pivotal role in guiding the country toward a nature-positive, net-zero future. You will collaborate across sectors to manage more land and trees than any other organisation in England. You will help shape landscapes that benefit people, wildlife, and timber production, fostering resilience in the face of climate change.

I am seeking someone with extensive knowledge and experience in the timber and forestry products trade, including sustainability, UK timber markets, and their global context.  Good communication skills are crucial, as is enthusiasm for the mission and goals of the Forestry Commission, Forestry England, and Forest Research. The ideal candidate will have a strategic mindset, capable of analysing complex issues with impartiality and creativity to develop practical solutions. Experience in guiding organisations through operational and cultural change is key, as well as a commitment to support the Chair and existing Commissioners in the work of the Forestry Commission.

I am particularly keen to hear from candidates who can bring diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and innovative ideas to our work. Reflecting the full breadth of our society’s diversity is essential to achieving our mission of a sustainable and equitable future. Boards of public bodies like the Forestry Commission are most effective when they mirror the communities they serve.

MARY CREAGH CBE MP

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State

(Minister for Nature )

The Forestry Commission is seeking to appoint a commissioner who specialises in Timber Trade.

Role of Commissioners:

The Forestry Commission (FC) Board of Commissioners plays an important role in the delivery of the FC’s objectives. It sets the strategic direction, provides leadership for FC activities, directs the executive in the conduct of business and allocates resources to meet the FC’s objectives.

The Board has an important role in overseeing, monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the FC’s strategy and objectives, building effective strategic partnerships to support the organisation and its aims. It promotes good governance and sound decision making across the organisation.

Board members are expected to work collaboratively, contributing effectively and constructively challenging group discussions involving a wide range of subject matter and people, including technical specialists and professionals. The Board needs to formulate and discuss strategic subjects in a coherent and structured way and ensure that communication with stakeholders is transparent and effective.

Board members are expected to represent the FC and its values at external events and engage with local teams to help support and promote the work of the FC at an operational level.

Commissioners are appointed to the Forestry Commission Board by HM King on the recommendation of Defra Ministers and are required to promote the interests of forestry, the development of afforestation and the production and supply of timber. In doing this, they must seek a reasonable balance between the production and supply of timber and the interests of conservation.

• An ability to analyse issues at a strategic level in ways which are impartial, creative and focused on finding solutions.

• Strong communication skills, along with the ability to influence, engage, and inspire confidence across a diverse network of stakeholders.

• Demonstrable ability to support an organisation through a period of significant operational and cultural change.

• An appreciation and enthusiasm for the objectives and work of Forestry Commission, and it’s agencies Forestry England and Forest Research.

The successful candidate must abide by the Nolan principles of public service and the 12 Principles of Governance for all Public Body NEDs (attached at Annex A and Annex B) and the Code of Conduct for Board members