At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the board to guide financial strategy and support decision-making for Forestry England.
- Company: Forestry England manages the nation's forests, enhancing the environment and community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Contribute to impactful projects while enjoying a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a difference in environmental sustainability and financial innovation with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Must have financial expertise, board experience, and a passion for forestry and sustainability.
- Other info: Diversity is key; we encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
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.ÂŁ105 million as well as delivering c.ÂŁ50m 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 have 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.
Non- Executive Director (Finance Expertise) employer: HAYS-2
Contact Detail:
HAYS-2 Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Non- Executive Director (Finance Expertise)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the forestry and finance sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet current board members or executives from Forestry England. This can give you insights into their strategic goals and how your expertise can align with their needs.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in green finance and sustainable land management. Being knowledgeable about these areas will not only enhance your application but also demonstrate your commitment to Forestry England's mission and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous board-level experiences in detail. Think about specific examples where your financial expertise led to significant decisions or changes within an organisation, as this will be crucial during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the current challenges and opportunities facing Forestry England. Understanding their financial landscape and strategic ambitions will allow you to tailor your discussions and show how you can contribute to their goals effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Non- Executive Director (Finance Expertise)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Non-Executive Director position. Make sure you understand the responsibilities, especially regarding financial control and strategic advice, as well as the expectations of the board.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your financial management and strategic leadership experience. Provide specific examples of how your skills have contributed to previous organisations, particularly in a board-level context.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your application materials to reflect the values and mission of Forestry England. Show how your expertise aligns with their goals for growth, innovation, and environmental impact.
Showcase Communication Skills: Demonstrate your exceptional communication skills in your application. Use clear and concise language, and consider including examples of how you've effectively communicated complex financial information to diverse stakeholders.
How to prepare for a job interview at HAYS-2
✨Showcase Your Financial Expertise
Make sure to highlight your financial management experience during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed finances in previous roles, particularly in complex organisations.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
As a Non-Executive Director, strategic leadership is key. Prepare to share your insights on how you would contribute to the strategic direction of Forestry England and discuss any relevant experiences where you've influenced strategic decisions.
✨Understand the Organisation's Values
Familiarise yourself with Forestry England's mission and values. During the interview, express your genuine interest in their work and how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding environmental sustainability and community engagement.
✨Prepare for Questions on Risk Management
Given the role's focus on financial control and risk assurance, be ready to discuss your approach to risk management. Think of examples where you've identified risks and implemented strategies to mitigate them effectively.