ConFor's thoughts on how FC England might best contribute to the future success of the sector

March 2010 - read the Outcome of ConFor's Review of the role of Forestry Commission England

ConFor has a clear objective to focus public support to helping forestry and wood-using businesses become and remain self-sustaining, financially viable enterprises. This objective, guides ConFor's lobbying and policy development. It is in this context that ConFor is considering how FC England (FCE) might best contribute to the future success of the sector.

FCE through its range of activities has a fundamental impact on the private sector. As a government agency FCE exists to support development and delivery of government policy in forestry. ConFor members, as stakeholders in the sector, have a strong and relevant interest in how FCE operates.

The position that emerges from this exercise could also, depending on what it contains, have a significant impact on the Forestry Commission in Scotland and Wales.

A draft position paper has been prepared with the active engagement of a working group of members. The aim of this paper is to provide members with a summary of the discussion that the group had in order to help members understand how it arrived at the draft position.

Following feedback on this position from the wider membership, the working group will finalise a statement on how ConFor views the role that FCE could play in supporting the success of the sector. The intention is to produce clear messages for politicians with achievable actions for delivering the sector's aims.   

Members are asked to comment to Caroline Harrison by 8 January 2010.