Deputy Chief Executive

Alan Law

Biography

Alan was appointed as Chief Strategy and Reform Officer in March 2015. He became Deputy Chief Executive in November 2018.

Alan spearheaded the development of Conservation 21, Natural England’s new conservation strategy. This sets out ambitious plans to fundamentally change the way nature conservation is practised: working at a larger scale, securing lasting benefits, and putting people at the very heart of our thinking.

Alan’s background is in zoology and applied conservation practice. He set up English Nature’s first biodiversity programme and provided operational leadership across south east England for many years.

In his more recent executive leadership roles Alan has focused on working across sectors to transform delivery services and achieve better conservation outcomes. He:

  • reorganised Natural England’s systems for the provision of statutory planning advice, bringing greater transparency and consistency
  • lead the introduction of commercial services to Natural England’s business model
  • oversaw the reform of systems for protected species

Deputy Chief Executive

The Deputy Chief Executive, Natural England supports the Chief Executive for the day to day management of the organisation.

Natural England

Previous roles in government

  • Chief Strategy and Reform Officer