We are recruiting for a new Chair of Wildlife Estates Scotland (WES). Managed by Scottish Land and Estates, WES recognises and promotes exemplary sustainable land management that delivers demonstrable and lasting benefits for Scotland’s natural heritage, rural economy and communities through an objective accreditation system. WES is a national version of the European Wildlife Estates label.
The current Chair, Miles Montgomerie, is coming to the end of his three-year term: "The role of the WES Chair gives the incumbent a voice within the community of Scottish agencies and government associated with the management of the Scottish countryside. I see WES as the influential and pragmatic voice within the competing, and often polarised, views on how to manage our countryside.
"The high bar and transparency of the WES accreditation allows the Chair to legitimately push on any doors, no matter how open, and influence policies and outcomes. I see the next Chair’s role as one of embedding the progress made to date within the policies of the Scottish Government who will now be in power for the next four years."
The role is an opportunity to provide strategic leadership, to represent and promote the scheme and the membership externally, and to sustain and enhance the credibility of the scheme. The Chair will lead the independent WES Advisory Board and Technical Committee, represent Scotland on the European Wildlife Estates Label Steering Committee, and act as an ambassador for the scheme with Government, agencies and wider stakeholders.
The role is open to anyone who either owns or manages a WES Level 2 accredited landholding. The appointment is for a three-year term, with an anticipated commitment of approximately 14 days per annum. There is an annual honorarium for activity undertaken. If you are eligible, or know of someone who would be interested, you can find all the details in the attached recruitment pack.
To apply, please email a CV and personal statement to Neil Gunn, WES Project Manager, at: neil.gunn@scottishlandandestates.co.uk. Applications are open now. They will close at noon on Wednesday 29 July, with in-person and online discussions taking place in August.