This is a rare, unique and exciting opportunity to take a lead role in developing the programme and setting the strategic path for the Western Forest – the first new national forest in over 30 years.

The Western Forest is a brand-new programme having been launched with national and Ministerial profile in March 2025. The Forest will support over 2.5 million people, cultivating a greener, more connected future by creating a landscape with trees and woodlands at its heart. The Western Forest will deliver landscape scale change and real green investment, connecting people and nature across three regions – Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and the West of England (including North Somerset).

The Western Forest Director will lead, direct and manage the strategic direction and delivery for this new national forest. The Director will inspire and facilitate partners and the core Western Forest team to achieve the goals and targets set for the Forest, ensuring it develops sustainable income streams and models of delivery by 2030.

Salary: £63,369, with annual pay review

Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, flexible work hours

Contract: Permanent

Location: Bristol

Benefits include: Staff pension, Employee Assistance package, 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, volunteering days and staff training and social events.

Closing on Mon, 26th May 2025

To apply for this role please submit your CV detailing your relevant experience together with a covering letter of no more than 4 A4 pages to stacey@solutionsforhr.co.uk

The Head of Finance (HoF) is responsible for overseeing all financial operations of the Forest of Avon Trust which now includes Western Forest, England’s first new national forest in 30 years covering Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and the West of England (including North Somerset).

Our new HoF will manage the charity’s financial systems, preparing accounts, supporting audits, reporting to the Board of Trustees and overseeing and reporting on the financial elements of key programmes such as the Trees for Climate grant scheme and the Western Forest. The HoF also works closely with the team and external stakeholders to expand the charity’s financial capacity, ensuring transparency and effectiveness in all financial activities.

Salary: £46,305 – £51,146, with annual pay review
Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, flexible work hours
Line manager: CEO, Forest of Avon / reporting to Finance Sub-Group of Board.
Contract: Permanent – Forest of Avon are also open to considering an Interim contract whilst recruitment for a permanent role is underway – please contact Solutions for HR as soon as possible
Location: Central Bristol. Mainly office based with the option for some home working, as agreed.
Benefits include: Staff pension, Employee Assistance package, 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, volunteering days and staff training and social events.

Closing date: 5pm on Monday 2nd June 2025
Interviews are likely to be held w/c 9th June 2025