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Daily rate will be £409, and the time commitment is expected to be up to 20 days per year

We need someone who can :

be a non-executive member of the Forestry England board, with a specific remit to support the board and accounting officer (chief executive) in decision-making and in discharging their accountability obligations, particularly regarding the integrity of all elements of financial control and commercial decision making.
be a non-executive member of the Forestry Commission audit and risk assurance committee (ARAC). The ARAC has responsibility for the two executive agencies, Forestry England and Forest Research, with a specific remit to enable the committee to competently scrutinise financial statements and understand good financial, commercial and risk management disciplines.
provide strategic advice and constructively contribute to developing the nation's forests and Forestry England's strategy and business. Key to this role is understanding and helping to navigate the issues in establishing a long-term, financially sustainable organisation with both commercial income and public sector funding.

knowledge and experience, preferably obtained in the private or charitable sector, of financial, business and commercial matters.
demonstrable experience of financial and risk management in an operational environment as a professionally qualified accountant.
senior financial experience, including financial and performance management, audit and risk management, with professional understanding of corporate finance and multi-faceted financial structures.
board -level experience in a large complex organisation, acting to strategically assess the implications, including financial and commercial, of decisions to be made.
an appreciation of the difference between commercial and government financial requirements.
sound judgement and a high level of integrity.
exceptional communication skills, high level of personal impact and the ability to provide constructive and independent challenge and support.
an enthusiasm for, and genuine interest in, Forestry England's work and support for its purpose, values and strategic direction.

The successful candidate must abide by the Nolan principles of public life and the 12 Principles of Governance for all Public Body NEDs and the Code of Conduct for Board members

A sound understanding of government accounting standards and public sector financial regulations.
Experience of being a member of an audit risk and assurance committee (ARAC).
Experience of an organisation that seeks to balance multiple outcomes. For Forestry England this is delivering for the economy, for nature and for people.
Knowledge of new and emerging funding streams, including green finance.
Experience of engaging with government departments, regulators or public sector bodies.
Familiarity with public/private partnerships, land management and diversifying income

Time commitment is expected to be up to 20 days per year, which will include preparation for and participation in Board meetings.
Daily rate will be £409. Reasonable travel expenses are also paid. The roles are non-pensionable.
Start Date - It is anticipated that the successful candidate will take up their appointment in October 2025.
Term of office - The appointment will be initially for three years. A further appointment of up to 3 years may be made subject to satisfactory performance assessment and will be at the discretion of the Chair.
Location - Meetings will be held at locations around the country including our national office in Bristol.
Performance - an annual appraisal will be carried out by the Chair of the Board.
Conflicts of interest - If you have any conflicts of interest that might be relevant to the work of Forestry England and the Forestry Commission, and which could lead to a real or perceived conflict of interest if you were appointed, please provide details in your application and subsequently you must inform the Chair of the Board of changes to these interests. You should disclose information on any relevant business interest, public appointment or position of authority, including other connection with commercial, public or voluntary bodies.