Natural England is the Government’s statutory adviser, independent regulator and central delivery body for the natural environment in England. Established by Parliament in 2006, we play a vital role in protecting and restoring nature, enabling sustainable development, and helping to deliver the Government’s environmental, economic and social priorities. 

Nature is fundamental to the nation’s prosperity, wellbeing and resilience. Through our strategy, Recovering Nature for Growth, Health and Security, we are leading action to restore nature at scale, create greener and healthier places, improve public wellbeing through access to nature, and strengthen resilience to climate and environmental challenges. Working in partnership with government, businesses, farmers, local communities and environmental organisations, we are helping to ensure that nature recovery supports sustainable growth and delivers lasting benefits for people and places across England. 

Defra is now seeking an outstanding Chair to lead Natural England through a period of significant opportunity and change. As Chair, this person will provide strategic leadership to the Board, ensuring that the organisation delivers its statutory responsibilities effectively while supporting the Government’s priorities for nature recovery, planning, infrastructure and sustainable growth. This person will work closely with the Chief Executive, Board members, Ministers and senior stakeholders across government and beyond to shape the organisation’s long-term direction and oversee its performance. 

This is a high-profile public appointment requiring exceptional leadership, sound judgement and the ability to build confidence across a wide range of stakeholders. The successful candidate will bring experience of leading complex organisations or systems, a collaborative approach to partnership working, and the credibility to engage at the highest levels of government, business and public life. This person will also demonstrate a strong commitment to public service, effective governance and ethical leadership. 

This is a unique opportunity to influence the future of England’s natural environment and help ensure that nature recovery contributes to economic growth, healthier communities and greater national resilience for generations to come. 

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Defra on this appointment. 

Your application contains two parts. Both parts must be submitted by midday Monday 5 October to be considered complete. Applications received after this date will not be considered. 

•Part one: Diversity Monitoring and Conflict of Interest Form on the public appointments website here: https://apply-for-public-appointment.service.gov.uk/roles/9573 

•Part two: A two-page statement of suitability and two-page CV submitted here: https://roles.saxbam.com/ using reference OBYWB. 

For queries about your application or the recruitment process, please email maria.dodson@saxbam.com