EXECUTIVE OFFICER

On behalf of the Timber Transport Forum, one of its partners, Confor (the representative body for the forestry and wood processing sector in the UK), invites quotes for the provision of services of an Executive Officer as detailed in the attached Terms of reference.

Invitation to Tender - closing date for submissions is 12.00pm on Monday 29 July 2024
The Timber Transport Forum (TTF) is a voluntary partnership which brings together key stakeholders across the forestry and transport sectors. Working with local authorities, community representatives and the forest and timber industries, the TTF aims to support sustainable forest management by ensuring that the UK timber resource can be efficiently accessed, seeks to minimise the impact of timber haulage on the public road network, local communities and the environment, and informs, develops and promotes good practice. Further details can be found here.

KEY FUNCTION

The Timber Transport Forum Executive Officer will support the Timber Transport Forum to deliver the ambitions set out in their Business Plan. This can be found here.

Support to the Strategic Timber Transport Scheme may also be required, further details of which can be found here.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Team Working, Developing Partnerships and Communication:
Effective team working and collaboration; the Executive Officer should be self-motivated and have a proven track record of encouraging and developing partnership working, building and maintaining good relationships, establishing trust and transparency and working with confidential information.

• Facilitation and Administration:
Managing groups and meetings, ensuring clear agendas, minutes and reports for effective group discussion and decision taking.

KEY SKILLS

• Presenting information:
Gathering and presenting information in written, verbal and face-to-face formats.

• Budgetary and Project Control:
Managing the contract budget and, where required, the work of suppliers providing services to the Timber Transport Forum.

DESIRABLE SKILLS

• An understanding of national policy relating to forestry and knowledge of the wood supply chain.
• Previous experience in the preparation of public sector funding applications and claims, and working on tenders.
• Competence in GIS and website software.

OTHER

• A full driving licence and access to a vehicle for business use, as travel across the UK may be required; it is anticipated that the majority of work will be based in Scotland.
• The successful consultant will be required to have a reasonably flexible work pattern, adapting to changing workload and priorities. Regular meetings will be held with the TTF Executive Group/Client to agree output targets, priorities and progress.
• The successful consultant must provide an appropriate office space with suitable computer, telephone, broadband and printing facilities.
• The successful consultant will be required to carry adequate Public Liability insurance (minimum £1 million cover) and Professional liability insurance (minimum £0.5 million cover) for the duration of the contract.
• Depending on the nature/legal entity of the company/individual bidding for this opportunity, the award may be subject to the completion and determination of an HMRC IR35 Tax Questionnaire.

FEES AND COSTS

The provision of Executive Officer services is based on the annual grant received through the Strategic Timber Transport Scheme and co-funders.
Tenderers are asked to provide a full day rate inclusive of all costs. The fee quoted shall include for all necessary resources required to fulfil the project requirements including, but not limited to, personnel, materials, and out of hours working. Prices must be exclusive of VAT.
The total value of invoices shall not exceed the available annual budget £32,000 which will be agreed prior to the contract commencing. Invoices will thereafter be charged back to Confor monthly.
Reasonable expenses may be claimed separately for the cost of travel (car mileage at HMRC mileage rate or rail fare as incurred) and overnight stays and associated meals as incurred, within reasonable limits agreed with Confor.

DURATION OF CONTRACT

This contract will be in place from contract award to 31 March 2025. Thereafter the contract may be extended by one further year until 31 March 2026 subject to performance and funding availability.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR TENDERS

Tenders are invited from suitably experienced consultants who are required to provide a fee proposal, CV and covering statement describing their background, experience, personnel to be involved and how they propose to deliver the brief and submit this information to eliza@confor.org.uk

The closing date for submissions is 12.00pm on Monday 29 July 2024, with interviews taking place approx. two weeks afterwards.

For further information contact Andy Leitch andy.leitch@confor.org.uk or Jason Hubert jason.Hubert@forestry.gov.scot