2 Background to the post
Natural England
3. Natural England was created under the Natural
Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006. Its remit is to help
protect England's nature and landscapes, for people to enjoy and
for the services they provide, both now and in the future. It
is the Government's statutory adviser on these matters, and reports
to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,
who is accountable to Parliament for its activities and performance.
4. The general purpose of Natural England, which
employs around 2,300 people, 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".[1] This
includes:
· promoting nature conservation and protecting
biodiversity;
· conserving and enhancing the landscape;
· securing the provision and improvement
of facilities for the study, understanding and enjoyment of the
natural environment;
· promoting access to the countryside and
open spaces and encouraging open-air recreation; and
· contributing in other ways to social and
economic well-being through management of the natural environment.
5. Natural England's duties and powers under this
general purpose are wide ranging. For example, it may undertake
research, give advice to any public authority or person, and publish
information about its work. All that work is carried out under
environmental legislation (including EU and international obligations)
and within the Government's policy framework.
6. For 2012-13, Natural England had a directly controlled
budget of £194 million. It also delivers the Government's
Environmental Stewardship Schemes, which offer over £400
m each year to farmers to protect and enhance the environment
and wildlife.
The role of the Chairman of Natural
England
7. The recruitment pack provided to applicants for
the post of Chairman sets out the following background to the
post:
The Chairman will provide overall leadership and
strategic vision for the Board of Natural England in delivering
Government policy for the natural environment in England. The
Chairman will understand the environment and its importance to
everyone. The Chairman will be able to balance priorities and
command confidence and respect at the highest level with Ministers
and partners.
The Chairman will promote a positive and constructive
relationship with everyone that works with Natural England including
farmers and other land managers, business and industry, planners
and developers, and a wide range of interest groups and local
communities. Providing an excellent customer service will be core
to the Chairman's role.
This is a dynamic period for Natural England and
a significant challenge will be to deliver Natural England's priorities
within a tight fiscal period. Supporting the executive team to
prioritise resources and drive forward further efficiencies will
be key to delivering the best value to the tax payer.
The successful candidate will have a keen interest
in driving sustainable development in the wider rural economy
in support of rural communities.
Natural England is going through a period of substantial
reform. Strong leadership in the context of change and transition
will be essential while maintaining a clear focus and ensuring
business continuity across a range of areas. The Chairman will
also implement the conclusions of the joint Triennial Review of
the Environment Agency and Natural England, in particular in delivering
a joint plan for driving further integration between the two bodies,
driving improvements to achieve transformational change in culture
and ways of working as well as taking forward back-office efficiencies
and sharing of services with the wider Defra network.
8. The post will require about two days work a week,
with an annual pro rata salary of £142,000. The Chair's role
is to:
· chair the Board and manage the business
of the Board: ensure that Board membership in terms of its composition
and capability is aligned with the challenges facing the organisation;
and ensure the effective utilisation of the skills of Board members,
both individually and in teams;
· ensure that the Board has accurate and
clear financial information, is aware of and can demonstrate achievements
and is advised of all likely future developments and trends;
· provide counsel, advice and support to
the Chief Executive and Executive team; act as a mentor/coach
where necessary, encouraging them in their ongoing development;
· oversee and make a strong contribution
to the development of Natural England's corporate strategy, acting
as a sounding board for the Chief Executive who will involve the
Board in the development of new strategic plans;
· be the principal public face representing
Natural England to senior representatives of partner organisations
and Government Ministers, with the media and promoting excellent
relations, explaining Natural England's work to a range of audiences;
· take responsibility for building and maintaining
an effective Board, in particular ensuring that the performance
of individual members of the Board and its committees is evaluated
annually; and
· support and encourage the Chief Executive
and their staff in their roles, but also, as required, constructively
challenge the Chief Executive's decisions and recommendations..
1 Natural England, Corporate Plan 2012-2015,
p.2 Back
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