UP to ten places on a new course for tree professionals living and working in Scotland will be funded by forestry chiefs. 

Scottish Forestry bosses have agreed to cover the costs for a considerable cohort on the Institute of Chartered Forester’s (ICF) Emerging Leader Programme. 

A six-month scheme, it is designed to help future leaders in the sector build their leadership potential, strengthen their networks and drive both social and organisational change.

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Environment Minister Mairi McAllan said: “Our forests and woodlands are vital in the fight against climate change and nature loss. They are also very important in sustaining our forest industry, strengthening our communities, their well-being and our economy. 

 “We need to ensure our future forest leaders have all the skills and expertise to bring these key objectives together and communicate the multiple benefits of forestry. 

 “I’m therefore very pleased that SF is supporting up to ten places on the Emerging Leaders Programme, helping to develop a strong and collaborative network of forest leaders in Scotland.”

The Emerging Leader Programme, developed in partnership with Clore Social Leadership, is designed for those leading teams, projects, volunteers, and/or departments, offering access to a wealth of leadership development activities designed to help participants build the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to drive change effectively.

Programme details: 

  • Clore Social Leadership Fellowship awarded upon successful completion
  • Up to £1,000 travel and training bursary to cover travel and future development needs identified by the programme
  • For sector leaders with 3–6 years’ experience
  • Mentoring and coaching
  • Access to revised UKFS webinar training series, coming in 2023
  • 20–24 days commitment
  • Action Learning Sets (ALS) – learn from other leaders in the sector

ICF executive director, Louise Simpson, said: “At a time of increased economic, political and social focus on trees, ensuring the workforce is equipped to deal with the challenges of tree and woodland planting and management is now more important than ever.

 “The Emerging Leader Programme offers access to a wealth of development activities designed to help participants build their skills, knowledge, and networks – we’re delighted that SF have agreed to fund ten places for Scottish foresters to develop the leadership skills necessary to drive the sector forward and navigate future challenges.”

The submission deadline for applications to the Emerging Leader Programme is 30 September 2022. The programme will begin in the week commencing January 16, 2023.