PR Executive Role Advertised for Scottish Forestry Quango Slated for Axe
Despite plans to streamline government agencies, Scottish Forestry is hiring a brand manager with a salary of up to £63,491.
Ministers are seeking to hire a £60,000-a-year brand manager for Scottish Forestry, a government agency responsible for the nation's woodlands, which has been earmarked for potential closure. The recruitment drive comes as part of First Minister John Swinney's broader initiative to reduce Scotland's public sector bureaucracy.
Scottish Forestry, established in 2019, oversees strategy and regulations for state-owned woodlands. Another entity, Forestry and Land Scotland, manages the physical forests. The agency's potential merger into a new environmental organization was outlined in the SNP's Programme for Government, which also proposed consolidating the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, NatureScot, and Zero Waste Scotland.
The newly advertised role, described as an 18-month position, offers a salary range of £58,953 to £63,491, including a pension. The brand manager's responsibilities will include promoting the organization and its work, as well as supporting ministers on official visits to forests. The position allows for hybrid working arrangements, with some travel required.
Critics have questioned the timing and necessity of the hire. Murdo Fraser, Scottish Conservative spokesman for public service reform, stated that the SNP's actions appear contradictory, promising to reduce state bureaucracy while simultaneously advertising taxpayer-funded positions. He argued that this demonstrates the need for a comprehensive plan to reduce quangos.
William Yarwood, campaigns director for the TaxPayers' Alliance, echoed these concerns, calling the hiring of an image-polishing executive for a potentially defunct organization a waste of money. Scottish Forestry received £80.9 million in government funding last year, and its chief executive earns between £95,000 and £100,000 annually.
A spokesperson for Scottish Forestry defended the role, explaining that it is necessary to review, update, and produce guidance and information materials for the public and the forestry sector. The spokesperson added that no final decision has been made regarding the agency's inclusion in the proposed new environmental body, and it is crucial to continue delivering existing services and statutory functions.