The successful candidates will lead investigations and provide regulatory support to one of the Forestry Commissions area teams, reporting to one of the SEO National Regulations Team Managers.
About the Regulations team
The national Regulations team ensures effective implementation and continuous improvement of forestry regulation across England. As subject matter experts in forestry regulation, legislation and policy, and their application, our work focuses on two key areas:
Managing Enforcement and Complex Cases
We lead case management for non-compliance with tree felling conditions and alleged illegal felling, including reviewing inspection reports, conducting desk-based checks, determining enforcement actions, and referring cases for criminal investigation where necessary.
The team handles complaints and responds to appeals heard by Reference Committees and or Judicial Review. Occasionally, members may act as witnesses in court.
Additionally, we support Area teams on complex afforestation or deforestation cases, ensuring decisions comply with regulations and are enforceable.
Streamlining regulatory processes
We design and refine regulatory processes to ensure clarity, efficiency, and compliance with legislation and the Regulators Code. This includes providing guidance on Felling Licences, Environmental Impact Assessments, Habitat Regulations Assessments, and Woodland Management Plans. Our advice is limited to legislative and regulatory requirements; technical assessments are carried out by field teams, so only basic environmental knowledge is required for this role.
Our goal is to accelerate decision-making and processing times for afforestation and woodland management, reduce costs, and maintain environmental protections. We also contribute to training new staff and shaping digital systems that support regulatory functions.
As subject matter experts in forestry regulation and legislation, we provide specialist advice on regulatory requirements. Therefore, this role requires strong analytical skills, the ability to interpret legislation, and evidence-based decision-making.
About the post
The post holders will be part of a small team of regulations managers. You will provide guidance, act as a knowledge resource and offer direction where needed.
There is currently no line management responsibility for these posts, but a willingness to lead a support worker in the future, as required, is desirable.
The role also involves representing the Forestry Commission and engaging with key stakeholders, including but not limited to Natural England, Defra policy teams, Defra Counter Fraud and Investigation Service, the Rural Payments Agency, the Environment Agency, and Historic England. Strong presentation skills and the ability to navigate government processes are essential.
Fixed Term Appointment until 30th March 2028 with possibility of extension or permanency, but no guarantee.
The Regulations Manager will:
Rapidly develop expertise in forestry regulation, through an established induction programme, and become a subject matter expert on forestry regulation, legislation, case law, policy, and processes.
Assess, progress and manage enforcement cases through the regulatory framework in a timely manner. This includes liaising with land managers, internal and external stakeholders.
Represent the FC at statutory appeal hearings by presenting both written and oral submissions.
Provide regulatory expertise to frontline staff and internal/external stakeholders alike.
Liaise with internal teams and external stakeholders to improve regulatory administration and enforcement.
Conduct reviews of forestry regulation and contribute to future regulatory development.
Communicate FCs regulatory approach, to minimise non-compliance and ensure national consistency.
Ensure regulatory delivery aligns with FC and government forestry policy priorities.
Respond to FOI/EIR requests, Parliamentary Questions, and media enquiries per established protocols.
