Head of Woodland Creation and Land Use
Edinburgh
Job Summary
About the team
The Policy and Practice Division is responsible for providing advice to Scottish Ministers on a range of policy issues connected with forestry. Importantly, our work relates to the role forestry plays in our environment, economy, communities and wellbeing. Forestry is a key part of the land use change agenda and vital in helping to tackle the Government’s twin aims of achieving Net Zero by 2045 and arresting biodiversity loss. The team works with other key policy Divisions within the Scottish and other Governments in the UK, other forestry delivery organisations, and a diverse network of partners and stakeholders. The Division also ensures that Government policy is translated into practical measures that can be delivered in Scotland’s forests and woodlands.
Job Description
What you will do
This is a newly created and important role within the Policy and Practice Division of Scottish Forestry, reporting to the Director of Policy of Practice and working closely with our other policy leads to ensure joined up policymaking and advice.
Your main objective will be to lead on the strategic development of woodland creation policy in support of Scottish Ministers’ targets and objectives, in support of the long-term vision of Scotland’s Forestry Strategy 2019-2029 and Scotland’s Climate Change Plan 2026-2040.
You will also lead on the strategic development of policy – including through close working with colleagues in other Divisions of the Scottish Government – regarding wider land use issues and forestry’s interaction with other land uses. For example, you will act as our lead on agricultural policy and support mechanism insofar as they interact with forestry policy, as well as owning our Control of Woodland Removal policy. You will achieve this by spearheading stronger and more systematic working with colleagues in the Scottish Government’s Agricultural and the Rural Economy Division.
You will engage with regular policy commissions in support of Ministers, senior officials and cross-Government initiatives, in line with strict timescales and procedures. This will require a robust understanding of the broader policy landscape and sound judgement in determining recommendations and handling plans.
Main Duties
This is a newly created and important role within the Policy and Practice Division of Scottish Forestry, reporting to the Director of Policy of Practice and working closely with our other policy leads to ensure joined up policymaking and advice.
Your main objective will be to lead on the strategic development of woodland creation policy in support of Scottish Ministers’ targets and objectives, in support of the long-term vision of Scotland’s Forestry Strategy 2019-2029 and Scotland’s Climate Change Plan 2026-2040.
You will also lead on the strategic development of policy – including through close working with colleagues in other Divisions of the Scottish Government – regarding wider land use issues and forestry’s interaction with other land uses. For example, you will act as our lead on agricultural policy and support mechanism insofar as they interact with forestry policy, as well as owning our Control of Woodland Removal policy. You will achieve this by spearheading stronger and more systematic working with colleagues in the Scottish Government’s Agricultural and the Rural Economy Division.
You will engage with regular policy commissions in support of Ministers, senior officials and cross-Government initiatives, in line with strict timescales and procedures. This will require a robust understanding of the broader policy landscape and sound judgement in determining recommendations and handling plans.
Main Duties
Success Profile
The Success Profile below set outs the essential and desirable elements that make up the vacant position - you’ll be expected to demonstrate these element in your application and/or during your interview and/or assessment.
Experience
Essential:
Essential:
On the application form you’ll find four free text boxes to provide your behaviour responses. Please note, you’re only required to provide evidence against the below behaviours on your application. This means that if less than four behaviours are noted, you can leave the relevant free text(s) box blank on your application.
Behaviour 1 and Lead Criteria: Seeing the Big Picture
Behaviour 2: Making Effective Decisions
Behaviour 3: Communicating and Influencing
Driving licence
This role requires you to have a full UK driving licence, however, we are willing to consider any proposals that would allow you to do the job by other means.
Travel
As this role involves working with colleagues across Scotland, there will be regular travel involved which may include overnight stays away from home.
Travelling at times may also involve visits to remote locations, therefore there is a requirement for you to have a current driving licence that enables you to drive in the UK. However, we are willing to consider any proposals put forward from candidates that would allow you to travel between locations by other means.
Alongside your salary of £66,749, Scottish Forestry contributes £19,337 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Selection process details
Apply by visiting out recruitment portal and completing our online application form.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Medical
Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical.
Nationality requirements
This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups:
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact :
Job Summary
About the team
The Policy and Practice Division is responsible for providing advice to Scottish Ministers on a range of policy issues connected with forestry. Importantly, our work relates to the role forestry plays in our environment, economy, communities and wellbeing. Forestry is a key part of the land use change agenda and vital in helping to tackle the Government’s twin aims of achieving Net Zero by 2045 and arresting biodiversity loss. The team works with other key policy Divisions within the Scottish and other Governments in the UK, other forestry delivery organisations, and a diverse network of partners and stakeholders. The Division also ensures that Government policy is translated into practical measures that can be delivered in Scotland’s forests and woodlands.
Job Description
What you will do
This is a newly created and important role within the Policy and Practice Division of Scottish Forestry, reporting to the Director of Policy of Practice and working closely with our other policy leads to ensure joined up policymaking and advice.
Your main objective will be to lead on the strategic development of woodland creation policy in support of Scottish Ministers’ targets and objectives, in support of the long-term vision of Scotland’s Forestry Strategy 2019-2029 and Scotland’s Climate Change Plan 2026-2040.
You will also lead on the strategic development of policy – including through close working with colleagues in other Divisions of the Scottish Government – regarding wider land use issues and forestry’s interaction with other land uses. For example, you will act as our lead on agricultural policy and support mechanism insofar as they interact with forestry policy, as well as owning our Control of Woodland Removal policy. You will achieve this by spearheading stronger and more systematic working with colleagues in the Scottish Government’s Agricultural and the Rural Economy Division.
You will engage with regular policy commissions in support of Ministers, senior officials and cross-Government initiatives, in line with strict timescales and procedures. This will require a robust understanding of the broader policy landscape and sound judgement in determining recommendations and handling plans.
Main Duties
- Lead our strategic development of forestry’s role in land use change and the rationale for the government’s support for forestry expansion and woodland creation.
- Provide policy leadership regarding woodland on agricultural land, ensuring that Scotland’s agriculture grants and policies support farmers and crofters to integrate trees into their landholdings.
- Act as the lead Scottish Forestry contact for wider strategic land use change issues and discussions across Government (for example, including landscape-scale initiatives and Scotland’s Land Use Strategy), working closely with colleagues in other Scottish Government Divisions.
- Translate the implications of the Climate Change Plan 2026-2040 into relevant policy positions and work with the Scottish Forestry’s Woodland Carbon Code team to ensure join-up.
- Own, continuously develop, and report against a strategic plan to achieve the woodland creation targets set out in the Climate Change Plan 2026-2040, including assuming ownership of our Woodland Creation Routemap.
- Act as the lead Scottish Forestry contact for planning changes that impact woodland cover (for example, wind farms and transmission lines that require compensatory planting) and assume ownership our Control of Woodland Removal policy, providing advice on its interpretation as needed.
- Lead on correspondence and ministerial support for the woodland creation and land use policy area, working with colleagues elsewhere in Policy and Practice, as well as in Operational Delivery. This will include, for example: providing regular written and verbal briefings to Ministers and official support to Ministers in stakeholder meetings; drafting responses to Parliamentary Questions; and drafting Official and Ministerial responses to correspondence.
- Work closely with our regional Conservancy teams, the Director of Operational Delivery and Head of Woodland Creation & Regulation – and with a diverse range of stakeholders – to understand and address barriers to woodland creation in Scotland.
- Provide input into responses to media enquiries relating to woodland creation and land use, and ensure relevant policy lines are up-to-date, fully developed, and registered in our policy rolling brief.
- Prepare advice for the Director of Policy and Practice, CEO and other senior decision makers in Scottish Forestry (as well as for other senior officials in Scottish Government), based on substantial analysis of policy drivers and tensions, stakeholder motivations, strategic handling concerns, and our operating context.
- Commission research as required to support the above.
This is a newly created and important role within the Policy and Practice Division of Scottish Forestry, reporting to the Director of Policy of Practice and working closely with our other policy leads to ensure joined up policymaking and advice.
Your main objective will be to lead on the strategic development of woodland creation policy in support of Scottish Ministers’ targets and objectives, in support of the long-term vision of Scotland’s Forestry Strategy 2019-2029 and Scotland’s Climate Change Plan 2026-2040.
You will also lead on the strategic development of policy – including through close working with colleagues in other Divisions of the Scottish Government – regarding wider land use issues and forestry’s interaction with other land uses. For example, you will act as our lead on agricultural policy and support mechanism insofar as they interact with forestry policy, as well as owning our Control of Woodland Removal policy. You will achieve this by spearheading stronger and more systematic working with colleagues in the Scottish Government’s Agricultural and the Rural Economy Division.
You will engage with regular policy commissions in support of Ministers, senior officials and cross-Government initiatives, in line with strict timescales and procedures. This will require a robust understanding of the broader policy landscape and sound judgement in determining recommendations and handling plans.
Main Duties
- Lead our strategic development of forestry’s role in land use change and the rationale for the government’s support for forestry expansion and woodland creation.
- Provide policy leadership regarding woodland on agricultural land, ensuring that Scotland’s agriculture grants and policies support farmers and crofters to integrate trees into their landholdings.
- Act as the lead Scottish Forestry contact for wider strategic land use change issues and discussions across Government (for example, including landscape-scale initiatives and Scotland’s Land Use Strategy), working closely with colleagues in other Scottish Government Divisions.
- Translate the implications of the Climate Change Plan 2026-2040 into relevant policy positions and work with the Scottish Forestry’s Woodland Carbon Code team to ensure join-up.
- Own, continuously develop, and report against a strategic plan to achieve the woodland creation targets set out in the Climate Change Plan 2026-2040, including assuming ownership of our Woodland Creation Routemap.
- Act as the lead Scottish Forestry contact for planning changes that impact woodland cover (for example, wind farms and transmission lines that require compensatory planting) and assume ownership our Control of Woodland Removal policy, providing advice on its interpretation as needed.
- Lead on correspondence and ministerial support for the woodland creation and land use policy area, working with colleagues elsewhere in Policy and Practice, as well as in Operational Delivery. This will include, for example: providing regular written and verbal briefings to Ministers and official support to Ministers in stakeholder meetings; drafting responses to Parliamentary Questions; and drafting Official and Ministerial responses to correspondence.
- Work closely with our regional Conservancy teams, the Director of Operational Delivery and Head of Woodland Creation & Regulation – and with a diverse range of stakeholders – to understand and address barriers to woodland creation in Scotland.
- Provide input into responses to media enquiries relating to woodland creation and land use, and ensure relevant policy lines are up-to-date, fully developed, and registered in our policy rolling brief.
- Prepare advice for the Director of Policy and Practice, CEO and other senior decision makers in Scottish Forestry (as well as for other senior officials in Scottish Government), based on substantial analysis of policy drivers and tensions, stakeholder motivations, strategic handling concerns, and our operating context.
- Commission research as required to support the above.
Success Profile
The Success Profile below set outs the essential and desirable elements that make up the vacant position - you’ll be expected to demonstrate these element in your application and/or during your interview and/or assessment.
Experience
Essential:
- Experience of leading on policy formation and implementation, ideally in forestry or a related land use
- Experience of briefing Ministers and senior government officials
- Experience of engaging constructively with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders at all levels of seniority
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to succinctly summarise complex issues and make clear recommendations
- Proven problem-solving ability, coupled with strong analytical skills
- Experience of commissioning research
- Experience of representing your organisation in a variety of public fora
- Networking and facilitating skills
Essential:
- Strong understanding of Scottish or UK land use policies and their translation into practice, ideally from experience of working in forestry or a related land use
- Degree level qualification in forestry or other related land use subject.
- Membership of the Institute of Chartered Foresters or working towards membership.
On the application form you’ll find four free text boxes to provide your behaviour responses. Please note, you’re only required to provide evidence against the below behaviours on your application. This means that if less than four behaviours are noted, you can leave the relevant free text(s) box blank on your application.
Behaviour 1 and Lead Criteria: Seeing the Big Picture
Behaviour 2: Making Effective Decisions
Behaviour 3: Communicating and Influencing
Driving licence
This role requires you to have a full UK driving licence, however, we are willing to consider any proposals that would allow you to do the job by other means.
Travel
As this role involves working with colleagues across Scotland, there will be regular travel involved which may include overnight stays away from home.
Travelling at times may also involve visits to remote locations, therefore there is a requirement for you to have a current driving licence that enables you to drive in the UK. However, we are willing to consider any proposals put forward from candidates that would allow you to travel between locations by other means.
Alongside your salary of £66,749, Scottish Forestry contributes £19,337 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Selection process details
Apply by visiting out recruitment portal and completing our online application form.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Medical
Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical.
Nationality requirements
This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact :
- Name : sfrecruitment@forestry.gov.scot
- Email : sfrecruitment@forestry.gov.scot
- Email : sfrecruitment@forestry.gov.scot