Working with Communities in Scotland - Our Commitment

Prepared by Forest Enterprise (undated)

Content

The People’s Forest

The Forestry Commission’s forests and associated open land managed by Forest Enterprise are owned by the nation. Listening to and working with local people - urban and rural communities – and national stakeholders is an increasingly important and major part of our work. This statement sets out where Forest Enterprise as a public agency stands on community involvement as a contribution towards the Government’s commitments on sustainable forest management, rural development, urban renewal and land reform in Scotland.

Our Vision and Commitment for the Future

Forest Enterprise is committed to increasing the involvement of people and communities in the sustainable management of the Forestry Commission estate through providing:

Making Progress

Over the past 5-years considerable progress has been made with the advent of nearly 40 community projects, involving Forestry Commission forests and our staff, across Scotland. All are unique; there is no standard model. What they do share is the recognition that successful partnerships require a broad understanding of all points of view and a commitment from all players to work together to make the best use of available resources.

Working Together

Based on our experience, the need to support and guide our staff and local communities we have published some guidance entitled Forest Enterprise – Working with Communities. In addition, in conjunction with other agencies and the Forestry Commission we are also preparing a set of case studies for publication.

Providing a Spectrum of Opportunities for Community Involvement

We will facilitate and provide opportunities for involvement of local communities in the management of Forestry Commission land wherever feasible.

We will prepare and publish a document clearly explaining our approach to community involvement.

Existing community partnerships will continue to be sustained and developed whilst actively promoting the opportunities for new projects.

We will develop Forest Panels as a means of developing a dialogue with local experts on all aspects of sustainable forest management.

We will develop participative planning through trail Forest for Real programme.

In partnership where possible with other key agencies, we will explore by means of pilots, the merits of community forestry facilitators.

A more Listening, Consulting, Integrating and Transparent Approach towards the preparation of Forest Plans

Make available information for local communities on how Forest Enterprise approaches forest design and other Forest Enterprise development s on the Forestry Commission estate.

As a matter of course we will provide the opportunity for community councils and Local Authorities to be consulted on forest design plans, the timing and conduct of harvesting operations and the introduction of significant environmental, heritage, recreation, access and interpretation projects.

Provide on site information on forest plans and operations in areas of significant public access.

Develop closer working relationships with other public and private sector bodies to deliver a more integrated approach for the benefit of local communities.

Develop integrated land use planning at local/catchment scale.

Improved Information, Consultation on, and Provision of, Opportunities for Local Communities over Developments and Changes Affecting the Forestry Commission Estate

Advise prospective developers with an interest in a development opportunity on the Forestry Commission estate that they are expected to engage/consult local communities about their plans in tandem with the planning system.

Improve the opportunities for local communities to buy surplus woodland, land and property identified by the Forestry Commissioners.

Extend the social and economic sponsorship arrangements from woodlands to include other surplus property assets.

Make the names of purchasers of Forestry Commission property available to the public.

Keep local people advised of significant changes or issues via the local media and through direct contact.

Making a Greater Contribution to Rural Development and Local Jobs

Ensure that local people are made aware of employment opportunities within the bounds of fair and open competition.

All permanent employment opportunities are advertised in job centres and the local press.

Prepare guidance on the Forest Enterprise tendering system, which ensures that in employing contract labour the impact on local employment, is one of the factors taken into account.

In constructing tenders for contract work, have regard with respect to size and timing of contract work to the local employment implications.

Facilitate discussions between Local Enterprise Companies (LECs) and organisations such as the Forestry Contracting Association to help the provision of suitable training opportunities and support for small business start up.

Being a Good Neighbour and Responsible Land Manager

Implement, maintain and develop Service First** to take account of local community interests, neighbours, tenants and contractors.

Work towards achieving Charter Mark Awards** by means of pilot in parts of Forest Enterprise.

Run training events for all relevant staff to ensure that they are well informed on community involvement strategy, the tools and techniques, which are available, and to improve their skills for working with people.

Contributing to Sustainable Development through a Partnership Approach

Seek to develop more opportunities for the creation of local enterprises based on the resources and opportunities provided by Forestry Commission forests, land and other assets.

Liaise with other public bodies to ensure as far as possible a co-ordinated approach.

Network experience and best practice by publishing case studies and monitor the effectiveness of different types of community involvement.

Investigate how the Forestry Commission crofting estate could be more fruitfully managed for the benefit of local communities.

Ensuring and Demonstrating through the Services We Provide that People Matter to Us

We will ensure that all local staff are clearly identifiable and accessible to the public and subscribe to the Service First** Standards.

All staff subscribe to the needs of the public through the Service First** programme.

All key localities on the Forestry Commission estate identify Forestry Commission ownership and local manager’s contact details.

Staff are readily identifiable through corporate clothing, badging and livery on vehicles.

As part of an effective external communications strategy all staff contacts in and on the Forestry Commission website are clear and easily understood.

What are Charter Mark and Service First?

Charter Mark**

Charter Mark is the Government’s award scheme for recognising and encouraging excellence in public service. It is unique among quality schemes in the way it concentrates on results – the service the customer actually receives.

Service First**

Service First is the government’s programme for improving the quality of public services. And for ensuring that they respond to the needs and wishes of the people who use them.

To Find Out How to Get Involved

Ask for a copy of our booklet, Working with Communities in Britain – How to Get Involved.

How To Get in Contact with Forest Enterprise

For further information on the management of the Forestry Commission Estate in your area contact the relevant Forest Enterprise Scotland Office: