Overview
Policy Advocate - Forestry and Land Use (Scotland) — The Woodland Trust is seeking a Policy Advocate to influence forestry, farming and land use policy at the Scottish Government and statutory agencies.
This role involves developing and leading advocacy strategies to ensure woods and trees are valued in national policies and decisions. The role includes monitoring and analysing relevant Scottish Government and Parliament politics and policies, supporting campaign and policy development, informing and responding to public consultations, and leading external policy reports, consultation responses, briefings and other materials. You will manage the Trust’s advocacy relationships with civil servants and statutory agencies relevant to the policy area, develop and advocate the Trust’s positions to internal and external stakeholders, and travel across Scotland as required.
The Role:
* Target forestry, farming and land use policy issues at the Scottish Government and statutory agency level.
* Develop and lead advocacy strategies to value woods and trees in key policies and decisions at national level.
* Monitor, research and analyse Scottish Government and Parliament politics and policies.
* Collaborate with colleagues to support campaign development, policy development, inform and respond to public consultations.
* Lead and write external policy reports, consultation responses, briefings and other materials.
* Lead the Trust’s advocacy relationship with civil servants and statutory agencies as relevant to the policy area.
* Develop and advocate the Trust’s positions and policy goals to internal and external stakeholders.
* Work from home with travel around Scotland.
Candidate profile
The Candidate:
* Enthusiasm for the environment and alignment with our core values: Grow Together, Explore, Focus and Make it Count.
* Experience in forestry and/or land use policy advocacy.
* Knowledge of deer management, farming and Rhododendron ponticum issues affecting Scotland’s native woods.
* Research and analytical skills related to Scottish Government and Parliament politics and policies.
* Experience working collaboratively across multiple teams and departments.
* Knowledge of Scottish forestry, farming and land use policy landscape.
* Ability to understand complex information quickly and communicate to diverse audiences.
* Well organised, detail-oriented, able to prioritise and meet tight deadlines.
* Experience leading and developing advocacy strategies in woodland creation, restoration and protection.
* Willingness to travel around Scotland; a clean UK driving licence is required.
Benefits & Wellbeing
Benefits & Wellbeing: Joining our team means contributing to tackling environmental and climate issues. We offer staff support and training opportunities, including:
* Generous annual leave – 25 days + bank holidays (pro rata for part time)
* Buy and Sell Annual Leave
* Employee Assistance Programme
About Us
About Us: The Woodland Trust is the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity, dedicated to creating a world where trees and woods thrive for people and nature. Our mission involves engaging and inspiring people to help tackle the nature and climate crisis through protection, restoration and creation of woodland habitats.
Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: We strive to reflect society and the communities we work in. All people should benefit from trees. People of colour and disabled people are under-represented in this sector, so we especially encourage you to apply if you identify as such. Please contact us for any additional support or adjustments needed.
Application Advice: To ensure fairness we keep candidates’ details hidden from hiring managers and do not require a CV at the application stage. Highlight how your skills and knowledge link to the job spec and show your passion for the role.
Even if you don’t meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply.
AI note: We welcome the use of AI to support applications where it improves accessibility, but ensure submissions reflect your own experience and understanding. Respond independently in interviews without AI tools. For adjustments during recruitment, contact recruitment@woodlandtrust.org.uk.
Apply Now: If you’re ready to make a difference, apply soon. We may close the job early if there are many applications. If closed, we will email you if you have an active application.
Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams on 4 November 2025. For queries, please email recruitment@woodlandtrust.org.uk.
Location
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
#J-18808-Ljbffr