1 x Committee member – Forestry Commission Expert Committee on Forest Science

Introduction

The Board of Forestry Commissioners has established the Expert Committee on Forest Science (ECFS) to provide independent, expert advice and assurance on the quality of science and evidence provided by the Forestry Commission’s (FC) research agency Forest Research (FR) and other providers.  As a committee member there is an opportunity to make a significant contribution to the development of forest science in the UK. This is at a time of unprecedented interest in the benefits which forestry can provide to society, the importance of objective evidence in guiding choices, and new working relationships between devolved administrations.

The Committee are seeking to appoint a new committee member with expertise in forest science, with a specific focus on tree health and resilience.

The appointee will be expected to actively contribute to the work of the committee in reviewing and providing feedback and guidance on applied research, particularly in relation to forest and land use science, forest genetics, silviculture, tree-breeding, forest management and related topics. Membership of the committee will allow access to some leading UK forest scientists and provide insights into the latest thinking – and unique opportunities to shape the future research agenda.

Role

As member of the Forestry Commission Expert Committee on Forest Science you will have responsibility for:

• participating in the activities of the ECFS – including assessing the quality and relevance of current research
• providing insights into the role of forest sciences in the development of the forestry research agenda
• suggesting ways in which knowledge exchange and the impact of research could be enhanced
• contributing to shaping future research programmes and recommending opportunities for science team development
• helping report the committee’s advice to the Forest Research Board (and the Forestry Commissioners) including alerting them to new evidence likely to have an impact on current policy and practice
• providing informal advice to researchers seeking to make links with other workers in forest sciences
• contributing as an individual and not as a specific organisational representative

Term and expenses

The Member will be appointed for a term of 3 years. A maximum of two terms may be served. The Member will be paid expenses in line with Forestry Commission policy.  Remuneration in the form of an optional per diem payment is available.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

The successful applicant must have:

• a proven track record or experience in tree health, forest pathology, forest entomology or forest resilience, with an interest in the research and evidence needs related to tree pests, diseases, and temperate forest systems.
• Understanding of UK land use and forestry, and awareness of the role and work of Forest Research in supporting tree health and biosecurity.
• Interest in applying scientific findings to policy and practical management, particularly in the context of tree health and resilience.
• enthusiasm for new ideas and curiosity to explore new concepts.
• ability to engage confidently and positively in debate and discussion.

Diversity and equality of opportunity

We value and promote diversity and are committed to equality and opportunity for all and appointments are made on merit.

Time requirements

2 x two-day meetings per year, plus occasional extra involvements (e.g. quarterly brief teleconferences; review and reporting compilation). Meetings are held in person when possible, at either of the main Forest Research sites, and typically focus on review of a particular area of forest science, including where relevant, site visits to experiments or other study sites.

Interview dates

Sift will take place w/c 8^th June.  Interviews will be held remotely by Microsoft Teams call 26^th June 2026.

How to apply

Candidates should submit the application form including the names and contact details for two referees.

The narrative provided in the application form should give evidence of the strength and depth of your ability to meet the essential criteria for this role. Please provide specific examples to demonstrate how you meet each of the criteria.

Your application form (see above link), CV and narrative statement should be sent by the closing date:  12.00 (midday) on 25^th May 2026 by email to chief.scientist.office@forestresearch.gov.uk quoting reference ECFS Forest Science in the subject line.

Further information

For further information or to arrange informal discussion with an existing committee member please contact Claire Holmes claire.holmes@forestresearch.gov.uk