From February 2023 heading UK Government's Environmental Governance Division in Defra responsible for sponsorship of/relationship with 5 Defra Arms Length Bodies - Natural England, Forestry Commission, Royal Botanical Gardens (Kew), Office for Environmental Protection and Joint Nature Conservation Committee. Also responsible for implementation of Environmental Principles Policy under Environmental Act 2021. Over 20 years experience in Senior Civil Service, previously heading divisions responsible for: national policy for biodiversity, leading team of 70 on national policy and legislation for conservation of habitats and species, wildlife management and tackling wildlife crime and invasive non native species. Before that headed national waste policy and regulation;, international/European fisheries policy and local and regional government. Extensive experience influencing, developing and implementing policy, legislation and regulation at national, European and regional level, principally around environmental and land use agendas. Record of partnership working with and across organisational and professional boundaries including delivery bodies; local government; industry; professional, trade and environmental organisations; consultancies; as well as across Government.Achievements have included nature elements of the Government's 25 Year Environment Plan and Environment Act 2021 (first statutory target to halt species decline, conservation covenants) supported by major uplift in funding for conservation of biodiversity; introduced single use plastic bag charge and strengthened recycling policy/regulation; produced well received review of England's National Park Authorities; led Bill team to deliver access provisions of Countryside and Rights of Way Act - 'right to roam'; introduced mechanism for securing more effective conservation of fish stocks - catch quotas; devised national urban design campaign.
Listed skills include Policy, Policy Analysis, Public Policy, Government, and 22 others.
