Defra Hiring New Chair of Natural England

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) are looking for a new chair for Natural England. Playing a key role in delivering the environmental priorities of central government, Natural England's general purpose is to ensure that the natural environment is conserved, enhanced and managed for the benefit of present and future generations, thereby contributing to sustainable development.

Natural England forms part of the Defra Group and has its own powers and duties, exercising advisory and regulatory responsibilities at arm’s length from Ministers. Natural England is accountable to Defra’s Secretary of State for the delivery of its objectives.

This is an exciting time for Natural England. In January 2018, the Government published ‘A Green Future – our 25 year plan to improve the environment’. This set out an ambition to be the first generation that leaves the environment in a better state than we found it, and identifies some of the key steps we will need to take to reverse the decline in biodiversity and improve the health of our habitats and soils. As the Government’s advisor for the natural environment, Natural England has a key role in delivering this plan.

The Chair of the Board will be essential in driving ambitious plans with the senior leadership of the organisation, sharing their experience and enthusiasm for the natural environment working collaboratively and in partnership with stakeholders and staff alike.

I am looking for an ambitious new Chair for Natural England; a strong and visible leader who is passionate about the environment, has the ability to lead a substantial operational delivery organisation effectively and efficiently with a customer focus, and can respond to new opportunities and priorities and drive change and innovation.

If you have the skills, passion and experience to lead Natural England, whatever your background, we very much look forward to hearing from you.

Michael Gove, Secretary of State for the
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Click the link to find out more about the role and the application process.