Our governance

Find out about our board and committees from April 2019.

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Ministers and Commissioners

The Forestry Commission is both a government department and a statutory body with a board of Commissioners. Find out about our Ministers and Commissioners

National Committee for England

The statutory National Committee for England does not currently meet because the Forestry Commissioners have not delegated any functions to the Committee. Read the minutes for meetings up to 2018/19. The National Committee maintained an Audit and Risk Assurance sub-committee.

The Forestry Commission Executive Board

The Forestry Commission Executive Board sets the strategic framework for all of our business in England.

Forest Services Board

The Forest Services board is appointed by the Forestry Commissioners to enable them, as ‘the appropriate forestry authority’ in England, to discharge their duties and exercise their powers set out in the Forestry Act 1967 and other relevant legislation, including the Plant Health Act 1967.

Forestry and Woodlands Advisory Committees

Forestry and Woodlands Advisory Committees (FWACs) advise the Forestry Commission on implementing forestry and related policies in 9 regions.

Applicants’ Focus Group

The Applicants’ Focus Group provides advice to the Forestry Commission and helps shape operational practice.

Expert Committee on Forest Science

The Expert Committee on Forest Science provides independent, expert advice and assurance on the quality of science and evidence provided by Forest Research (the Forestry Commission’s research agency) and other providers.

Forestry Commission Audit and Risk Assurance Committee (The ARAC)

The Forestry Commission Audit and Risk Assurance Committee is a non-executive committee of the Forestry Commission, which it supports in issues relating to risk, control, governance and assurance.