Could you help to lead nature recovery in Derby and Derbyshire? (Deadline: 21st June)

Could you help lead plans to protect and prioritise nature in Derby and Derbyshire?

Derbyshire County Council is seeking an independent Chair to lead the next phase of delivery of the Derbyshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS).

The strategy sets out how councils, businesses, landowners, land managers and other organisations will work together, and with communities, to protect and restore our environment.

Working closely with a core team to deliver actions set out in the plan, the independent Chair will:

• Lead the LNRS Partnership and Steering Group, bringing together diverse interests and perspectives.
• Champion a shared vision for nature recovery, helping partners align priorities and investment.
• Create the conditions for collaboration, unlocking collective action across sectors.
• Provide constructive challenge and support, ensuring a clear focus on delivery, outcomes and impact.
• Act as a trusted, independent voice, helping to navigate complexity and maintain momentum.

Candidates do not need to be a technical specialist but should be able to confidently steer complex discussions, support evidence-led decision-making and have:

• Strong strategic leadership and influencing skills.
• Experience of working across multi-agency or partnership environments.
• The ability to engage, challenge and unite stakeholders with different priorities.
• A passion for nature recovery and sustainability.
• The judgement and independence to act as an effective Chair.

Councillor Carol Wood, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “Derby and Derbyshire is a beautiful area, with a variety of landscapes and wildlife to be proud of. It’s important that we protect it now and in the future.

“Our Local Nature Recovery Strategy provides a long-term vision and action plan to improve and restore habitats and create new ones, backing our commitment to create more prosperous, green and sustainable places with opportunities for everyone.

“If you’re a credible and inspiring leader with the ability to operate confidently across organisational boundaries – influencing investment, land use, policy alignment and partnership working over the coming years – then we want to hear from you.

“This is a high-profile leadership role at the heart of one of the county’s most important long-term programmes offering a unique opportunity to shape how nature recovery is delivered across an entire county.”

For more information about the role and to apply visit Chair of the Derbyshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy

Closing date for applications: Sunday 21st June 2026.