Regulations and Incentives Support Officer x2, London and South East England

Never has there been a more important time for trees and forests to help tackle the climate
emergency and provide a much-needed sanctuary for people and wildlife. Our Prime Minister and
our government are committed to creating 30,000 hectares of woodland a year across the UK, of
which 7,500 ha per year are anticipated to be in England, by the end of this Parliament. This
acceleration in current planting rates in England will contribute to meeting the net-zero by
2050 ambitions, and to government’s wider environmental targets. This was supported by the
announcement in the 2021 budget of £640m for a new Nature for Climate Fund ‘to support natural
habitats like woodland and peat’ and the publication of the England Tree Action Plan.

The Department for the Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Forestry
Commission have set up a joint tree planting programme for England to support the forestry
sector, landowners and communities in the delivery of these ambitions.

Forestry Commission will lead the delivery of the following parts of the tree-planting
programme:

• Developing sector capacity.
• Woodland creation on public land.
• Woodland creation on private land.
• Engagement.

If you are passionate about the role of trees, woods and forestry in creating a better future
for England and want to play a key part in realising that, then we want to hear from you.

By joining the Forestry Commission, you will become part of a team of passionate, committed
colleagues, and be able to build on a wealth of expertise to take this ambitious work forward.
You will be able to make your mark by helping the Forestry Commission to revolutionise how we
work together and reach new stakeholders.

Our staff engagement levels are consistently well above the Civil Service average and staff
turnover is well below. We value our people, we look after them, and we will look after you. We
hope you will join us for the challenge.

Job description

We are seeking dynamic individuals with experience in forestry and/or land management, who are
quick to learn and to inspire and enthuse others.

The Regulations and Support officer role primarily is to support the woodland Officers in
relation to current Forestry regulations and carry out compliant inspections on conditions of
felling licences and Alleged Illegal felling (AIF ) restock and enforcement notices . You will
also partner any Woodland officer on initial site visits when a suspected AIF has taken place
and a second person is required to collate information. Reviewing and processing of
unconditional thinning licences are also a key part of the job.

Internal team working is also integral in the RISO role, for example across the Area Team (e.g.
assisting others in ‘alleged unlicensed felling’ investigations) and the wider Forestry
Commission (e.g. opportunity for review of national guidance and procedure). Through both, you
will have the ability to assist the Forestry Commission build strong working relationships to
help create and manage diverse, resilient multi-purpose woodlands.

This RISO role will cover the whole of the South East and London region. The substantive office
will be Bucks Horn Oak, nr Farnham. Although, alternative parent office locations of Wendover
(Bucks) and Bedgebury (Kent) may be considered. If you live within that area then you have the
opportunity to work in a blended manner directly from your home, once you have become fully
established in the role.

New RISO’s are expected to attend your substantive office 2 to 3 days per week to allow you to
learn the role from managers and colleagues. When fully established we would expect you to
spend 1-2 days per week in BHO . If your home lies outwith your work area you will be expected
to travel to your work area or BHO in your own time and cost.

Responsibilities

Expand Woodland Cover:

• Champion the multiple benefits of new woodland as business opportunities for land owner and
  as natural capital (including biodiversity, water quality, flood management, carbon
  sequestration/substitution, etc) for the wider environment and society.
• Facilitate the design and delivery of new woodlands optimising the benefits they can
  deliver to the owner and as natural capital.
• Administer the forestry Regulations relating to woodland creation (Environmental Impact
  Assessment).
• Assist Woodland Officers to administer/process applications for grants.

Protect our existing trees and woodlands:

Administer Forestry Regulations to include:

• Forestry Act – Felling Licences to ensure tree felling is carried out legally in accordance
  with the principles of the UK Forestry Standard as appropriate.
• Environmental Impact Assessments – afforestation, deforestation, forest roads and forest
  quarries.
• Habitats Regulations – re forest operations within Special Protection Areas and Special
  Areas of Conservation.
• Advise on the links with other legislation such as those pertaining to European Protected
  Species; and Improve the condition and resilience of our existing woodlands and wider
  treescape:
• Champion the benefits of actively managed woodland.
• Work to increase resilience within woodlands to the challenges of a changing climate; and –
  facilitate closer working across the forestry sector – for instance between markets,
  contractors, managers, etc.

Engaging partners, stakeholders and the public:

• Encourage, enthuse and support key partners and stakeholders to help facilitate the
  expansion, protection and improvement of our woodlands and treescape; and champion the many
  values of trees and woodland to the wider public helping them understand and appreciate the
  importance and values of active management.

Benefits

• A Civil Service pension
• A range of family-friendly benefits
• An environment with flexible working options
• Learning and development tailored to your role
• A culture that promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment
• A range of wellbeing benefits including discounted access to an Employee Assistance Programme
  24/7, Bike to Work Scheme, plus many more
• 25 days annual leave, with 1 additional day for each years’ service up to 5 years (pro rata),
  plus 10.5 bank holidays/privilege days (pro rata)
• Ability to buy or sell 5 days annual leave
• 3 days volunteering per year (pro rata)

We aim to provide a great place to work, whichever location you work from. Blended working
forms part of our flexible and inclusive approach to future ways of working. It is an informal
arrangement which gives you the option to work some of the week from home, and some of the week
from our Forestry Commission workplaces, subject to role requirements, business needs, and
regular review. Informal blended working arrangements will be available as agreed with the line
manager.