Applicants' Focus Group
The Applicants' Focus Group provides advice to the Forestry Commission and helps shape operational practice.
This group has been renamed. The name Applicants’ Focus Group no longer represented the scope of the group. Whilst the purpose of the Group remains committed to representing the needs of applicants for grants and regulations the topics and discussion of the group is now wider.
Future updates will be made available on the Forestry Commission Delivery Advisory Group page.
Terms of Reference and operation
Objectives
The objectives of the Applicants’ Focus Group are to advise the Forestry Commission on:
- the management and development of woodland grants and regulations and
- the implications of government policy and practice changes for the forestry and woodland sector
The range of topics will primarily focus upon activities relating to grants, regulations and delivery activity but may on occasion cover other related topics. The emphasis is on shaping operational practice rather than policy.
Membership criteria
Membership reflects broad customer and stakeholder interests in forestry policy delivery.
Current membership
| Organisation |
|---|
| Community Forests |
| Confederation of Forest Industries UK (Confor) |
| Country Land and Business Association (CLA) |
| Horticultural Trades Association |
| Institute of Chartered Foresters |
| Local Government |
| National Farmers Union (NFU) |
| Royal Forestry Society |
| Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) |
| Small Woods |
| Soil Association |
| South West Applicants Focus Group and Woodland Management Companies |
| Sylva |
| Wildlife and Countryside Link (RSPB and Woodland Trust) |
| Wildlife Trust |
Frequency of meetings
Currently The Applicants’ Focus Group is meeting remotely approximately 9 times a year. There may be additional AFG+ meetings to discuss issues of particular interest.
AFG+ meetings may involve wider consultation exercises or subgroups looking at specific issues, so attendance may be expanded through regional nominations.
Minutes
For previous minutes, email GRNationalTeam@forestrycommission.gov.uk.
Members’ expenses and claims
Meetings are primarily held virtually but when held in person, Forestry Commission pays travel expenses for those members whose costs of attendance are not supported by their employers. Public appointment criteria prevent payment of an attendance fee.