The Institute of Chartered Foresters is delighted to announce that Richard Stanford CB MBE, Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, has been promoted to Professional Member status, acknowledging his significant contribution to the forestry sector and his continued dedication to advancing sustainable forestry policy and practice across the UK.
Richard Stanford CB MBE joined the Forestry Commission as Chief Executive in August 2021, and his leadership skills, ambition and expertise are vital as he steers the organisation at a pivotal time for nature, people, the environment, and the economy. A 35-year career across various roles in the British Army allowed him to develop considerable skills in change management and organisational design, helping him lead all parts of the Forestry Commission, made up of Forestry England, Forest Services, the Commissioner’s Office, and Forest Research. He was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in October 1993 and was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath in the 2021 New Year Honours.
Commenting on his promotion to Professional membership of the ICF, Richard said:
“I am proud that the Institute of Chartered Foresters has accepted me as a Member through the Assessed Professional Competence route.
“I firmly believe that forestry deserves the professional recognition which the ICF provides, in the same way that other professions are recognised such as chartered surveyors, ecologists and environmental managers. It is important that our work as foresters is recognised as a credible profession with clear standards of competence, ethics and professionalism.”
