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Job summary

Forest Services as part of Forestry Commission are the Government’s forestry experts. We advise nationally on how to unlock the full potential of woodlands and support the forestry sector to protect, improve and expand England’s valuable woodland assets, ensuring that they continue to provide benefits to people, the environment and the economy.

The Strategy and Transformation team sits within Forest Services and leads the development and delivery of change, digital services, technology and business improvement across the organisation.

This role will sit within Strategy and Transformation and primarily support the Plant Health Forestry SPS project. The postholder will work as part of the SPS project team, working closely with Plant Health Forestry colleagues, Forestry Commission digital teams, Defra Digital, Data and Technology Services (DDTS), the EU Delivery Programme (EUDP) and external suppliers to deliver SPS outcomes.

This is a new post within Strategy and Transformation to ensure the successful delivery of IT systems changes, particularly those resulting from the new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement between the UK and European Union. This will require significant changes to existing systems and processes, alongside the development and implementation of new digital solutions to support future plant health and forestry operations. The success of these changes will depend on ensuring that policy requirements are accurately translated into technical specifications and that system design reflects the operational realities of forestry plant health delivery while aligning with Forest Services and Forestry Commission strategic goals.

This is not a purely technical role. Success will depend on having a detailed understanding of the policy intent behind SPS implementation, the operational impacts on forestry stakeholders, and the practical requirements of plant health service delivery. The postholder will need to understand not only what changes are required, but why they are required, so that they can effectively challenge, influence and shape system development throughout the project lifecycle.

Job description

We are looking for an experienced digital, technology or systems delivery professional with experience in specifying, developing, procuring or transitioning IT systems. The post holder will provide the critical link between Plant Health Forestry (PHF), Forestry Commission digital teams, Defra Digital, Data and Technology Services (DDTS), the EU Delivery Programme (EUDP), and any external suppliers involved in solution development. The role will act as a translator between policy, business and technical teams, ensuring that complex technical information is understood by PHF colleagues and that policy and operational requirements are clearly articulated to system developers.

Programme & Project Delivery

• Lead the definition, planning and delivery of Forest Services' portfolio of IT projects as related to Plant Health Forestry and in particular changes driven by the SPS agreement.
• Work closely with the Plant Health Forestry team to integrate IT development into programme plans, governance, reporting and RAID management.
• Contribute to wider project and programme management activities, ensuring actions are managed through end-to-end project plans, reporting and governance.
• Oversee the effective transition of projects into business-as-usual IT service management, working closely with IT teams and the business. Ensure that all systems are fully tested throughout development/transition.

Governance and Representation

• Represent the Forestry Commission at cross-government and cross-organisational forums, steering groups and delivery teams, including Defra, DDTS and EUDP.
• Support the Head of IT and Business Services by providing advice on IT-related initiatives and contributing to strategic decision-making associated with the SPS programme.

Supplier, Commercial & Contract Management

• Oversee suppliers supporting delivery of the SPS IT portfolio as required, ensuring services meet business needs, quality standards and budget requirements.
• Provide technical expertise to procurement and tendering activities, producing technical specifications and supporting supplier selection and management in partnership with Commercial Services.

Other

• Contribute to wider Plant Health Forestry team activities and initiatives as required
• Participate in other projects or work areas that require input as directed and agreed with manager.

The responsibilities of these roles may evolve over time as the SPS negotiations progress and the team develop our wider structures, services and ways of working.

The post holders will therefore need to be adaptable and comfortable working in a changing environment.

Person specification

Essential

• Degree or equivalent professional qualifications in a related area; and/or significant experience working in an IT systems delivery role.
• Experience of working in uncertainty with the ability to manage a busy workload and quickly respond to emerging or changing priorities
• Ability to build productive working relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including colleagues at all levels, external stakeholders and colleagues across government.
• Experience of working at a strategic level, identifying dependencies and inconsistency across multiple projects
• Excellent track record of IT systems delivery to time, cost and quality constraints
• Ability to find solutions to issues that arise quickly and constructively, maintaining focus on delivery to tight timescales

Desirable

• Experience working with government digital services.
• Experience operating within complex regulatory or operational environments.
• Knowledge of project delivery methodologies such as Agile, Waterfall or hybrid approaches.
• Experience working across organisational boundaries.
• Experience translating business, operational or policy requirements into technology, system or service requirements.
• Experience working with third party suppliers and/or multi organisation delivery teams to achieve project outcomes.

Please clearly demonstrate how the above applies to you throughout your application.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Delivering at Pace
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Working Together

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £48,765, Forestry Commission contributes £14,127 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• A Civil Service pension.
• A range of family friendly benefits.
• An environment with flexible working options.
• Learning and development tailored to your role.
• A culture which promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment.
• A range of wellbeing benefits including discounted Civil Service Healthcare, access to an Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, Bike to Work Scheme, plus many more.
• 25 days annual leave, with 1 additional day for each years’ service up to 5 years (pro rata), plus 10.5 bank holidays/privilege days (pro rata).
• Ability to buy or sell 5 days annual leave.
• 3 days volunteering per year (pro rata).

We aim to provide a great place to work, whichever location you work from. Blended working forms part of our flexible and inclusive approach to future ways of working. It is an informal arrangement which gives you the option to work some of the week from home, and some of the week from our Forestry Commission workplaces, subject to role requirements, business needs, and regular review. Informal blended working arrangements will be available as agreed with the line manager.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.

This is a Fixed Term Appointment until 30th March 2027 with the possibility of extension or permanency but no guarantee.

As part of the application process, you will complete the following:

A tailored CV setting out your career history, with key responsibilities. Please ensure you have provided reasons for any gaps within the last two years. The CV will be split into 3 parts and requests: Job History, Previous Skills/Experience, and Full Qualification Details.

A personal statement – in no more than 500 words showing how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the Person Specification.

A number of behavioural statements.

Should a large number of applications be received, the initial sift may be conducted using a lead behaviour.

Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

We will be conducting online interviews with the use of Microsoft Teams or equivalent online communication methods. Candidates would therefore require access to a computer and internet at interview stage.

Those invited to interview will be further assessed on Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.

We aim to provide a great place to work, whichever location you work from. Blended working forms part of our flexible and inclusive approach to future ways of working. It is an informal arrangement which gives you the option to work some of the week from home, and some of the week from our Forestry Commission workplaces, subject to role requirements, office availability, business needs, and regular review. Informal blended working arrangements will be available as agreed with the line manager. Further information will be available for candidates invited to interview.

Indicative timeline:

Shortlisting to take place w/c 27th July 2026

Interviews to be carried out w/c 10th August 2026

Dates may be subject to change.

Further Information

A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.

This role is advertised as a minimum of 37 hours per week. Applicants who wish to work an alternative pattern are welcome to apply however your preferred working pattern may not be available and you should discuss this with the vacancy holder before applying.

Any move to Forestry Commission from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments.

You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare; for further information visit the Childcare Choices website.

If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.

In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf.

However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.

Existing Civil Servants (excluding Forestry Commission employees) and applicants from accredited NDPBs are eligible to apply, and will only be considered on a loan basis (Civil Servants) or secondment (accredited NDPBs). Prior agreement to be released on a loan basis must be obtained before commencing the application process. In the case of Civil Servants, the terms of the loan will be agreed between the home and host department and the Civil Servant.

Existing Forestry Commission, Forestry England and Forest Research employees are eligible to apply for this Fixed Term Appointment and will only be considered if there is written confirmation from their line manager and HR that their current role will be temporarily backfilled or held open before commencing the application process.

New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.

This role is full time only. Applicants who wish to work an alternative pattern are welcome to apply. However, your preferred working pattern may not be available and you should discuss this with the vacancy holder before applying.

Where a role has been identified as one which falls under the scope of the Public Sector English Language Requirements, within Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016, it is essential that applicants should have the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English. Applicants will be assessed in the selection process in accordance with the requirements.

Reasonable Adjustment

If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:

Contact Government Recruitment Service via FCERecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.

Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.

If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

Feedback

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : FS Recruitment
• Email : fs.recruitment@forestrycommission.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : fcerecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Further information

Our recruitment process is underpinned by the principle of appointment on the basis of fair and open competition and appointment on merit, as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles.If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should in the first instance contact FCE by email: englandhr.services@forestryengland.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Civil Service Commission, which regulates all Civil Service recruitment.