National Regulations Team Manager

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

We are seeking an experienced team leader 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. You will co-lead these work streams, driving efficiency and maintaining high standards.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual with proven leadership and 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.

The successful candidate will lead the Eastern Regulations Team, working closely with the Western team manager and reporting to the Head of Regulation.

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:

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.

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.

The post holder will lead a small team of regulations managers, ensuring their wellbeing, development, and performance. You will provide guidance, act as a knowledge resource, and offer direction where needed. Responsibilities include maintaining team effectiveness, managing wellbeing during challenging situations, and driving continuous improvement through commissioned projects.

The role also involves representing the Forestry Commission and engaging with key stakeholders, including but not limited to Natural England, Defra policy teams, Defra 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…