Forest Standards Manager

Forest Standards Manager

Title: Forest Standards Manager

Reports to: Executive Director

Contract type: Permanent (subject to successful completion of a probationary
period)

Location: Home-based, with occasional travel within the UK and beyond.
Desk-space can be made available in FSC UK’s Llanidloes Offices if this is preferred and there
will be times when attendance at the Llanidloes office is required for meetings.

Salary: Starting salary in the region of £33K-£38K p.a. pro rata, depending on
experience.

Hours: 21-35 hours per week (negotiable)

Introduction to the role:

The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) is an international organisation dedicated to ensuring
that forests are managed in a responsible manner across the globe. FSC UK is a registered
charity responsible for promoting the FSC’s aims and objectives throughout the United Kingdom.

Key priorities for FSC UK include promoting the value of forests, demonstrating the impact and
benefits of FSC certification, and improving standards for forest management in the UK for all
sizes and types of forest. We are looking for a Forest Standards Manager to help deliver on
these strategic priorities and to support other areas of FSC UK’s work.

The Forest Standards Manager (FSM) is first and foremost responsible for the maintenance of
UK-level FSC documents, principally the Forest Stewardship Standard and the controlled wood
National Risk Assessment. The FSM is the main point of contact between FSC UK and FSC
International on forest management matters and represents the UK in relevant international
fora.

The FSM is the principal advisor to the UK forestry sector on FSC’s requirements for
responsible forest management. This advice is primarily delivered through attendance at
formally constituted meetings, at which the FSM is expected to speak authoritatively on behalf
of FSC.

The FSM, in collaboration with the Outreach Manager (OM), is also required to promote the value
of FSC Forest Management certification to UK woodland owners, both large- and small-scale, and
to educational establishments.

Main purpose and responsibilities of the role:

• Maintain the UK Forest Stewardship Standard (FSS) in line with relevant normative
  documents. Liaise with the UKWAS Steering Group to maintain alignment between the official FSC
  FSS and the UK Woodland Assurance Standard version. Represent FSC in the formal FSS review and
  revision processes, planned on a regular five-year cycle.
• Maintain the UK controlled wood National Risk Assessment (NRA) in line with relevant
  normative documents. Lead the formal NRA review and revision processes, planned on a regular
  five-year cycle.
• For both the FSS and NRA, during non-revision years, stay abreast of evidence and changing
  circumstances, including changes to the FSC normative framework, which may merit an unscheduled
  revision, and advise the Executive Director accordingly.
• Represent the UK in the Forest Management Community (which brings together standard
  development group coordinators from around the world), supporting other Forest Management
  Community members in their work where possible.
• Support other FSC global forest management policies and initiatives which may be of benefit
  to the UK forestry community (such as making FSC more accessible to smallholders). Undertake
  UK-level projects as appropriate.
• In collaboration with the OM, engage with representative bodies, woodland owners, and
  current and potential group scheme managers to identify motivations for and barriers to FSC
  Forest Management certification. Where possible, take action at the UK level or recommend
  action at the international level to bring more UK woodland into FSC Forest Management
  certification.
• In collaboration with the OM, investigate instances in the UK of non-renewal of FSC Forest
  Management certificates and recommend remedial action where appropriate.
• Support the OM to promote FSC’s Ecosystem Services Procedure and to engage with the UK
  forest sector.
• Act as an authoritative conduit between the UKWAS Steering Group and FSC International, and
  vice versa.
• Answer queries from the UKWAS Steering Group, UK Forest Management certificate holders and
  other interested parties on matters over which FSC UK has the authority to give advice.
• Support the work of FSC UK Board sub-groups as appropriate.
• Engage in the development and revision of FSC policies, standards and procedures for Forest
  Management certification, ensuring that UK stakeholders are involved at the appropriate times.
• Support the development and maintenance of FSC UK’s vision for UK forests.
• In collaboration with the OM, liaise with educational establishments to ensure that
  students on forestry or environmental courses are receiving accurate information about the FSC
  system. This may involve delivering seminars on FSC at various locations.
• Attend and represent FSC at webinars, conferences, trade fairs, training courses and
  meetings as required.
• Other duties as necessary.

Person Specification:

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• A practical and theoretical understanding of forest management in the UK
• Established track record of relevant experience
• Relevant degree or equivalent
• Good understanding of Microsoft Office

Desirable

• An existing understanding of FSC/UKWAS/forest management certification

Skills and Abilities

Essential

• Experience of communicating effectively and accurately both in spoken and written form
• Excellent interpersonal skills to maintain good working relationships
• Ability to suggest and negotiate policies and procedures between numerous stakeholders
• Ability to work on own initiative but happy to follow instruction and accept guidance
• Effective time management and organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workload
• Clean UK driving licence

Personal attributes

Essential

• Patient and polite but firm and assertive where appropriate
• Able to work as part of a small and dynamic team
• Friendly and professional manner
• A positive, enthusiastic attitude with an ability to enthuse others
• Able to relate to the mission and values of FSC UK and work towards its strategic
  objectives

Desirable

• A good sense of humour

Application Process:

Please upload your CV and a covering letter, outlining how you meet the criteria stated in the
Person Specification and responsibilities of the role, on our website.  

The deadline for applications for this post is 11.59pm on 27 April 2023.

Interviews for this post will be held online 15th-17th May.

We expect your CV to be honest and accurate. Before offering this post, we will check material
facts recorded on your CV and covering letter and take up references.

Evidence of your Right to Work in the UK will be checked prior to employment.