Are you a visionary leader who can help shape the next stage of our work to protect, create and restore Scotland’s woodlands?
We are looking for our next Chief Executive, someone who can lead the charity into an exciting period of growth and change.
FWS is a Scottish charity working to create a Scotland where trees and native woodlands are thriving for our wildlife, communities and climate. Our mission is to protect, create and restore these vital habitats through knowledge, partnership and practical action.
Founded in 2012 to support innovative thinking for trees and native woodlands, we have grown into an organisation delivering practical action at scale. Today, our work stretches from city spaces to wild places — supporting farmers and landowners to create or restore native woodlands, strengthening local nurseries, building sector skills, and bringing trees into everyday landscapes across Scotland.
The organisation has grown rapidly over the past three years, and now operates as a team of seven delivering national programmes across Scotland.
About the role
This is a rare opportunity to shape a small, ambitious and high‑performing charity at a time of growth and increasing national influence.
As Chief Executive, you will report to and work closely with our Board of Trustees, providing strategic leadership and acting as the organisation’s senior representative. You will:
- Lead the delivery of our strategic plan and future direction
- Strengthen partnerships across the woodland, environmental, community and land‑use sectors
- Oversee programme delivery and organisational performance
- Support, motivate and develop our small and committed team of seven, working across programmes, fundraising and communications
- Represent Future Woodlands Scotland at senior levels across Scotland
You will bring strategic clarity, a collaborative leadership style, and the ability to build strong, trusted relationships across sectors and with funders.
Location
This role is Scotland-based, working from home with travel across Scotland to meetings. Our current team is spread across Dumfries & Galloway, Lothian, Central Scotland and Aberdeenshire.
Contract and salary
- 8% employer pension contribution
- Permanent, part‑time (3 days per week)
- £65,000–£75,000 FTE, depending on experience
- 25 days annual leave + 10 public holidays (pro rata)
- Additional annual leave increasing with length of service, up to a maximum of 10 additional days.
How to apply
Before applying, please read the Candidate Pack for full details of the role, responsibilities and the application process. You can find it on our website.
Invitations are invited from suitably qualified people and applications should consist of a CV and covering letter. The covering letter should explain how you meet the essential skills set out in the Candidate Pack and what you would bring to Future Woodlands Scotland.
If you would like an informal chat about the role, please contact Shireen Chambers to arrange a call (details in Candidate Pack).
Key dates:
- Application deadline: Midday, Monday 16 March 2026
- Interviews: Monday, 30 March 2026, in Edinburgh in person
Registered Charity 
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The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
A leading anti-slavery charity is operating where most organisations do not: at the intersection of real-time victim insight, systemic prevention, and market-level change. Through its safehouses and community support, the organisation empowers survivors to reclaim their lives and dignity. As operators of a UK-wide Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline, it provides vital national infrastructure that drives urgent action and delivers real-time data on exploitation trends.
The organisation is working to end modern slavery by empowering, equipping, and influencing others to bring about positive and transformational change. Its work combines frontline intelligence with policy influence and business transformation, turning hidden exploitation into actionable reform. It is a values-led organisation – honourable, insightful, dynamic, collaborative, and ambitious – relentless in its pursuit to build a future free from exploitation.
The organisation is seeking an inspirational, confident, and values-led Chief Executive Officer to lead it in its mission to tackle modern slavery and support survivors to rebuild their lives. The successful candidate will act as the organisation’s principal ambassador, engaging credibly and persuasively with government, policymakers, media, and the public.
The postholder will balance strong external leadership with rigorous internal excellence, ensuring the organisation remains a leading authority in the fight against modern slavery.
Chief Executive Officer
A leading anti-slavery charity
Salary: £85,000 – £90,000
Location: Remote, with a minimum of one day a week based at head office in Bristol
About you
The organisation is seeking a highly collaborative and competent leader, with:
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Significant senior leadership experience working with/reporting to a Board in progressive organisations across the charity, NGO, social justice, or public/private sectors.
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Proven ability to provide strategic direction and oversight in complex, mission-driven organisations.
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An entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to drive growth and diversify income.
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Strong advocacy skills with a track record of influencing government, legislative processes, and diverse stakeholders.
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A consistent commitment to diversity and inclusion, with experience advancing inclusive policies and organisational culture.
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Strong financial and operational expertise, with a record of maintaining robust financial controls and regulatory compliance.
Crucially, candidates will be inspired by the organisation’s vision of a world without slavery and its commitment to turning hidden exploitation into actionable reform that empowers survivors and informs broader public understanding.
How to Apply
For further information, to access the appointment brief and to apply to this role, please click 'redirect to recruiter'.
Recruitment Timetable
Deadline for applications:
25th February
First interviews with Prospectus:
w/c 2nd March
First stage interviews with the organisation (online):
w/c 16th March
Second stage interviews with the organisation (in person):
w/c 23rd March
