FORESTRY COMMISSION SEEKS NEW REGIONAL CHAIR FOR ADVISORY COMMITTEE IN THE SOUTH WEST

The Forestry Commission is seeking to appoint a new Chair for its Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) in the South West of England.

The post has arisen after Sir Harry Studholme, the previous Chair, was appointed as a non-executive Forestry Commissioner for England.

Regional Advisory Committees bring together partners at a regional level to discuss and advise the Forestry Commission on its woodland and forest development and policy for local areas. The 9 regional RAC chairs also collectively advise the Forestry Commission on issues that are of national significance.

The South West RAC advises the Forestry Commission on the implementation of existing regional plans for trees and woodlands (including the Regional Woodland and Forestry Framework), and will be taking forward the Government’s anticipated new national plan for trees and woodlands. This strategic planning alongside regional partners strengthens forestry’s role in delivering social, economic and environmental benefits to both rural and urban areas.

The role of the RAC is vital to our goal in delivering and sustaining trees and woodlands which meet the needs of local people, and local areas. Forestry is unique in the range of functions and opportunities it offers local populations and places : helping habitats to adapt in the face of climate change, supporting rural businesses, including tourism and providing, providing sustainable construction materials and valuable renewable energy resources, creating more attractive settings to planned developments, and offsetting noise and air pollution; providing green spaces with light and shade for children to play safely, and learn about their natural environment.

The person the Commission is looking for to fill this unique regional role will have first hand knowledge of the strategic issues and major stakeholders in the region and be able to identify opportunities where forestry can help to make a difference. They will have significant experience in the public, private or voluntary sector, and excellent leadership and networking skills as well as a good track record of working with a range of complementary interests and expertise in a structured and outcome-focussed way. The Chair needs to be independent in their role and thinking.

Paul Hill-Tout, Director of the Forestry Commission in England, said:

“This post has a key role in helping to deliver forestry and woodland policies which are responsive to the South West's priorities. The RAC Chair is responsible for bringing together the local expertise and knowledge of the group to advise the Commission on delivering regional priorities for woodlands across the South West of England. It is a very rewarding role, at a time when people are increasingly valuing green spaces, and new ways are being developed to help owners manage woodlands sustainably and deliver a wide range of public benefits.”

Sir Harry held the post for the past six years. As an owner and manager of the Perridge Estate - a forestry, farming and property business near Exeter, Devon - as well as being involved in a large number of regional bodies including the Regional Development Agency, Harry provided a valuable role in informing, promoting and steering the work of the Forestry Commission and its role relating to trees and woodlands across the South West more widely.

Commenting on his former role, Sir Harry said:

"It has been a privilege to Chair the South West RAC; to help stimulate debate about forestry and promote the valuable role of trees and woodlands across the South West of England. This is a great time to take on this post: trees have such a vital role in helping us to address some really important social, environmental, and economic challenges. Whether we are talking about tackling climate change, or giving our children opportunities for healthier ways of living, the South West RAC is at the forefront of policy development".

People with the right qualities for the position of Regional Advisory Committee Chair and who are interested in this unique role should contact Pauline Marchington at the Forestry Commission's National Office for England and ask for an application form:

Tel: 01223 346019

E-mail: pauline.marchington@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

Address:
Pauline Marchington
Forestry Commission
England National Office
Great Eastern House
Tenison Road
Cambridge
CB1 2DU

The deadline for receipt of applications is 30 March 2007

For further information about the Forestry Commission visit our website on www.forestry.gov.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. The Forestry Commission is a government department responsible in England for protecting, expanding and promoting the sustainable management of woods and forests, and increasing their value to society and the environment. Forestry makes a real contribution to sustainable development, providing social and environmental benefits arising from planting and managing attractive, as well as productive woodlands.
2. RACs are statutory committees and members are appointed under the Forestry Act 1967. The RACs advise the Commission, through our regional managers (Conservators) on the implementation of forestry and related policies in each region.
3. Their function is to:

advise the Commission on the implementation at regional level of national forest strategies and associated policies, together with any expressions of these in regional forestry frameworks;

advise on a small number of specific topics and issues which Commissioners will select, focusing on regional frameworks;

conciliate in all disputed applications for grant aid, felling licences or approvals of plans of operations under a closed grant scheme where there is a sustained objection by a statutory body; and advise the Commission on other applications when asked to do so by the Conservator; and

inform the Commission of matters of regional or local concern on which the RAC considers it necessary to comment.

4. There are 9 RACs in England, which advise the Forestry Commission on a range of issues, including the implementation of policy in the regions. In recent years the RACs have played a particularly important role in advising the Commission on the preparation of Regional Forestry Frameworks which provide the primary policy drivers for the Commission’s work in each region. The Frameworks were prepared through an inclusive, Government led, regional process facilitated by the Forestry Commission. The Commission is not the ‘owner' of the Frameworks but has a major role to play in their delivery.

5. All RAC members are appointed in a personal capacity. Members are expected to be well informed of the particular interest they represent.

6. Each RAC normally has 3 meetings a year and there are also 2 meetings each year between all RAC Chairs and the England Forestry Commissioners. Chairs can typically expect to spend up to 10 days per annum on RAC work. A stipend of �2,000 per annum is payable together with travelling expenses at Government rates. Appointments are on the basis of a three-year term of office with the possibility of extension or renewal. This particular appointment will be until 30 November 2009.

7. The Forestry Commission is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all age groups and sectors of the community.

Media enquiries: Rebecca Britton
Tel: 01223 346 027, 07785 748 351 or e-mail rebecca.britton@forestry.gsi.gov.uk