Non- Executive Director (Finance Expertise)

Forestry England

Non- Executive Director (Finance Expertise)

This is a rare opportunity for an exceptional candidate to use their financial expertise to contribute to the strategic future of the nation’s forests and Forestry England, an organisation that helps to improve the environment of this country, the wellbeing of its people, and the climate of the planet.

Do you have an outstanding record of financial management, strategic leadership and accountancy skills? Will your expertise support our ambitions for growth, innovation in our commercial businesses, and exploring new opportunities in green finance? Can you help us meet our public finance responsibilities? If the answers are “yes”, then we would like to hear from you.

About Forestry England

Forestry England is the largest land manager in the country – operating at a scale unmatched in its potential to benefit people, wildlife, and the climate. We are shaping landscapes for the nation as guardians of the nation’s forests and inspiring people to connect with our forests.

The business delivers an annual traded turnover of c.£105 million as well as delivering c.£50m ring-fenced government-funded programmes. We are ambitious to strengthen our financial position and increase our environmental and social impact.
There is a real appetite for growth and innovation as we seek to realise more of our potential through progressive plans.

We have a wealth of expertise and experience, coupled with a love for forests and sustainable land management that makes us a world leader in forestry.

Forestry England is part of The Forestry Commission (FC) the non-ministerial department responsible for the management of the public forest estate and the regulation of both public and private forestry in England.

About the role

There are two distinct aspects of this role

As a non-executive member of the Forestry England board, with a specific remit to support the board and Chief Executive in decision-making and in discharging their accountability obligations, particularly regarding financial control and commercial decision making. You will also provide strategic advice and constructively contribute to developing the nation's forests and Forestry England's strategy and business

As a non-executive member of the Forestry Commission audit and risk assurance committee (ARAC). The ARAC serves the Forestry Commission and its two executive agencies, Forestry England and Forest Research, with a specific remit to competently scrutinise financial statements and understand good financial, commercial and risk management disciplines.

About you

The successful candidate will have knowledge and experience, preferably obtained in the private or charitable sector, of financial, business and commercial matters.

You will be able to demonstrable experience of financial and risk management in an operational environment as being a professionally qualified accountant with understanding of corporate finance and multi-faceted financial structures.

You will bring an appreciation of the difference between commercial and government financial requirements.

You will also have board level experience in a complex organisation, able to strategically assess implications of important decisions.

Sound judgement, high integrity and exceptional communication skills will be a prerequisite as is a genuine interest in our work and values.

Familiarity with government bodies, or of land management, will be helpful but not essential.

Closing date: 14th June 2025 at 23:59

For further information please contact Andrew Timlin – 07887 777 735 or Owen Quant – 07867 695 217

Our differences enrich us, our diversity makes us stronger. The nation’s forests are for everyone. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds so that our leadership and governance reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to increasing diversity and inclusion in Forestry England as well as in our visitors to the nation’s forests. We use our voice and platform to help make our sector more inclusive. This means reflecting critically on all we do, identifying and taking action to reduce inequality and barriers to access.