The UKWAS company is a not-for-profit body which fulfils the role of the standard-setting body charged with developing a forest management certification standard for the UK.
The UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS) is vital to forestry in the UK. It provides an audit protocol that gives access to certification through both FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification), the two global forest certification schemes. UKWAS draws on three main sources: the UK Forestry Standard, the requirements of FSC and those of PEFC.
The duties of the Chair would be to assist with the general business of UKWAS, chair the Steering Group, the administrative board, and the UKWAS company. (You would become a director).
The board is looking for someone with the ability to be an effective and neutral chair. Knowledge of forest certification and/or the role of UKWAS is highly desirable.
The Chair would work closely with Fiona Angier of Confor (secretary) and Peter Wilson FICFor CEnv (retained consultant), both of whom are paid for two days per month for UKWAS work.
The Chair would also work with the UKWAS board comprising directors – John Deakin MICFor, Elaine Dick MICFor and Stuart Wilkie FICFor CEnv.
The board deal with the administration of the company but decisions are taken by the Steering Group. (We expect to have two full day Steering Group meetings per year (one in London and one in Edinburgh) and approximately three half day Board meetings per year usually in Edinburgh).
This is NOT a paid position, but you would be offered an honorarium of about £1,000 per year together with expenses for travel and accommodation if necessary.
Please apply to Fiona Angier ukwas@ukwas.org.uk with a CV and covering letter by the end of April 2024.
