National Regulations Team Manager
| Posting date: | 30 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £48,765 to £52,557 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 15 February 2026 |
| Location: | Bristol |
| Company: | Government Recruitment Service |
| Job type: | Temporary |
| Job reference: | 446474/1 |
Summary
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 workstreams, 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.
About the Regulations team
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:
Managing Enforcement and Complex Cases
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.
Streamlining regulatory processes
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
About the post
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 essential.
Responsibilities
The Regulations National Team Manager (East) will:
Rapidly develop expertise in forestry regulation, through an established induction programme, and become a subject matter expert on forestry regulation, legislation, case law, policy, and processes.
Lead and manage the Eastern Regulations team, on performance and workload monitoring, formal reviews, and wellbeing support.
- You will regularly review performance data to ensure that caseloads are manageable and progressed in a timely, factual, and accurate manner, seeking legal advice when it is needed.
- You will manage formal reviews on performance, absence, and behaviour in line with HR policies, manage difficult conversations with staff, and manage the wellbeing of the eastern Regulations team.
Collaborate with senior managers to align regulatory priorities with FC strategy and take effective leadership to manage the FC head count and maintain team cohesion.
Liaise with internal teams and external stakeholders to improve regulatory administration and enforcement.
Co-lead reviews of forestry regulation and contribute to future regulatory development.
Shape and communicate FC’s regulatory approach, to minimise non-compliance and ensure national consistency.
Ensure regulatory delivery aligns with FC and government forestry policy priorities.
Drive process improvements, digital solutions, and guidance updates to enhance efficiency and reduce regulatory burden through cost-effective operational practices.
Monitor regulatory changes and customer feedback to identify simplification and efficiency opportunities.
Maintain networks across the FC organisation, Defra policy teams, other Government Bodies and sector groups, to support better regulation objectives.
Provide accurate management information for KPIs, performance monitoring, and business improvement.
Respond to FOI/EIR requests, Parliamentary Questions, and media enquiries per established protocols.
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