Regulations Manager

Job summary

Lead the protection of England’s trees, woodland and forest and help shape a sustainable environment for future generations.

We are seeking experienced regulatory officers to join the Forestry Commission’s national Regulations team. In this role, you will oversee the implementation and improvement of environmental protections for trees, woodland and forestry across England, ensuring compliance with statutory regimes and tree and woodland policy.

The team’s work focuses on two key areas: enforcing action against non-compliant or illegal activity and streamlining regulatory processes for compliant land managers.

We are looking for highly motivated individuals with proven regulatory experience, capable of performing under pressure in a fast-paced, occasionally adversarial environment. Strong attention to detail, the ability to manage complex information and a commitment to team wellbeing and productivity are essential.

Collaboration is central to this role. You will work closely with your national and local counterparts across England and engage with a wide range of stakeholder interests. Influencing key decision-makers to deliver positive outcomes for the team and the wider Forestry Commission will be a critical part of your success.

Job description

The successful candidates will lead investigations and provide regulatory support to one of the Forestry Commission’s 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 FC’s 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.

Person specification

Experience:

Essential:

• Ability to absorb, retain, and apply large volumes of technical information.
• Skilled at managing multiple priorities at pace.
• Excellent oral and written communication, with high-quality written English.
• Confident decision-maker, able to justify decisions to external and potentially adversarial audiences.
• Proven strategies for maintaining resilience and wellbeing during stressful periods and seeking support when needed.
• Experienced in handling FOI/EIR requests, formal complaints, and challenging case discussions.
• Competent IT user: MS Office, SharePoint, and quick to learn bespoke systems.
• Comfortable with blended/remote working and maintaining team engagement via online communication.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of regulatory processes and case reviews.
• Experience seeking and applying legal advice in decision-making.
• Skilled in interpreting and applying legislation.
• Working knowledge of tree felling controls, EIA forestry regulations, Habitats and Species Regulations, or related legislation.
• Clear understanding of current forestry policies.
• Ability to advise stakeholders on regulatory impacts, including communication planning and stakeholder management, particularly in land management and forestry contexts.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a Quality Service
• Delivering at Pace

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Degree or Higher Diploma level and/or significant experience managing regulatory, legal, and/or enforcement functions, ideally in forestry, land us, planning or related fields.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £40,388, Forestry Commission contributes £11,700 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

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