SNH Board seeking new members

SNH is particularly keen to have more women on the board to meet the Scottish Government’s 50:50 by 2020 initiative.

Scottish Ministers will appoint four new SNH Board members to start on 1 April 2016.

SNH’s work is hugely varied, from researching and combating climate change to encouraging people to get out and enjoy nature, restoring Scotland’s peatlands, battling wildlife crime, and being involved in a diverse range of partnership projects that seek to enhance our biodiversity – from the majestic sea eagles to the more obscure woolly willow. A key aspect of our role is to demonstrate the link between our natural heritage and a range of wider social and economic benefits to society.

Ian Ross, SNH’s chair, said: “You think of Scotland and immediately picture beautiful mountains, lochs and coastlines. It’s SNH’s role to help protect and enhance all of this, which is not only crucial to our heritage and health, but also to our economy. The work we do is incredibly important, and I’d encourage anyone with a passion for nature, and experience of either scientific conservation or business, to apply for these rewarding board openings.”

“In particular, I would like to encourage women and members of minority groups to apply. At the moment, we have only one woman out of seven people on our board, but we’re committed to change this dramatically to meet the Scottish Government’s 50:50 by 2020 initiative.”

“The Scottish Government looks to SNH for both advice and hands-on management, often working with our partners, to conserve nature for future generations. That’s a huge responsibility, and a challenge that the board members take to heart. The job isn’t an easy one – as board members constantly have to balance protecting our environment with the resources available and what can be very differing interests across public, private and voluntary sectors – but it is a highly rewarding one. Board members fulfil an important governance and accountability role and make an important contribution to SNH’s engagement with a diverse range of groups and organisations.”

Current expertise represented on the SNH board includes local authority, land use, natural resource management, renewable energy, environmental education, wildlife management, strategic planning, business, information technology, modernising government, and bird conservation.

Ian added: “You don’t need a detailed understanding of science and nature to apply for the board positions. We’re looking for people with the experience and enthusiasm to help lead a large and complex public service organisation.”

SNH board members receive £291.37 per day with a normal commitment of 30 days a year. Application packs are available from the public appointments website (http://bit.ly/1QwZO7B ) with a closing date of 17 January. The appointments are for a three-year period.

ENDS