Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) serves as the Forestry Directorate of the Scottish Government. Its mission is to protect and expand Scotland’s forests and woodlands and increase their value to society and the environment. The Scottish Government’s vision for forestry is outlined in the Scottish Forestry Strategy 2006.
The strategy has three outcomes:
1. Improved health and well-being of people and their communities
2. Competitive and innovative businesses contributing to the growth of the Scottish economy
3. High quality, robust and adaptable environment
The first outcome has a number of associated objectives including assisting community participation. These has been further articulated as two specific actions:
1. Enhancing engagement with communities; and
2. Encouraging community ownership and management
To facilitate this FCS has developed a clear statement on its commitment to working with communities (www.forestry.gov.uk/communitiesscotland). FCS has a number of delivery mechanisms to support these commitments including the National Forest Land Scheme (NFLS).
The NFLS provides a mechanism whereby communities or housing bodies can apply to buy national forest estate land (land managed by FCS on behalf of the Scottish Ministers), even where the land has not been declared surplus or for sale. If the group can demonstrate that transfer of ownership would deliver significant public benefits, and can meet the scheme criteria relating to community support or housing need. The scheme has been used by community groups to purchase woodlands and has also enabled Housing Associations to purchase land for affordable housing. The NFLS is closely aligned to the Community Right to Buy. To date 26 applications to the NFLS have been approved.
The scheme is discretionary with the Director, FCS deciding whether or not to approve applications after considering the recommendations of the NFLS Evaluation Panel. The Evaluation Panel will have seven members including a chair. Being composed of at least two representatives of the three elements of the Scottish Forestry Strategy – business development, health and well-being, and high quality environment.
The role of panel member includes reviewing all papers relating to NFLS applications and voluntary visits to the site of applications. The panel will meet no more than 4 times a year. The position is remunerated and appointment is on the terms and conditions associated with being an “Official Post Holder” (refer to Annex1). Payment will be at the rate of £220.00 per day. Members’ travel and subsistence, and additional childcare expenses will be paid. The Chair will be paid for any additional work they are required to carry out. Panel members will be remunerated for associated site visits and where applications are formally considered by the Panel by email/telephone as well as at meetings. The time spent on Panel business will depend on the number of applications received under the Scheme.
Panel members must act with honesty and integrity, provide impartial advice, and be committed to the principles of public service (for details refer to: http://www.civilservice.gov.uk/Assets/cs_code_tcm6-2444.pdf).
Please click on the job specification to view further details regarding this post.
For queries regarding the role and functions of the panel please contact Bob Frost or telephone 0131 314 6568).
Applicants should complete the associated application form and provide all necessary additional information simultaneously. Applications should be received no later than noon 12 March 2010. We hope to confirm appointments in May 2010 and hope new members can attend the inaugural meeting of the new panel on 14 & 15 June 2010.
The Forestry Commission is committed to providing equal opportunities for all sectors of the community, irrespective of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, marital status, religion, sexuality and transgender.
