New appointment to the Joint Nature Conservation Committee

 

Judith Webb has been appointed as an independent member of JNCC – the UK and international nature conservation advisory body.

 

Judith Webb - Independent Committee memberJudith is an experienced conservationist with strong expertise in the field of sustainable development. She is an independent environmental consultant, specialising in woodland management, land use policy and conservation schemes. She sits on the Cotswolds AONB Conservation Board, is a non-executive director of the National Forest Company and a non-executive Forestry Commissioner. She also chaired the Rural Development Service during 2006 in the run up to its merger into Natural England.

 

The appointment commences on 1 September 2008 and is for three years. Peter Bridgewater, Chair of JNCC in welcoming Judith’s appointment said “In Judith Webb’s appointment we have broadened our experience and views of the nexus between conservation and sustainable development.  Her previous experience will bring invaluable new insights for the Committee, and we look forward to her contributions greatly”

 

JNCC’s Committee comprises 14 members: a Chair and five independent members appointed by the Secretary of State; the Chairman of the Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside (CNCC); the Chairmen or deputy Chairmen of the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW), Natural England and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH); and one other member from each of these bodies.

 

JNCC, originally established under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, was reconstituted by the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006. Support is provided to the JNCC by a company limited by guarantee (JNCC Support Co) that the Committee established in 2005.

 

The appointment has been made in accordance with the code laid down by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. The Commissioner is independent of the Government and was appointed to follow up certain recommendations of the Nolan Committee. The intention of the Code is to provide an efficient and transparent appointments system in which both candidates and the public can have confidence. More details concerning the Commission and the Code are available at www.ocpa.gov.uk.

 

All appointments to JNCC are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However in accordance with the Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for the political activities of appointees to be made public. Judith Webb has not declared any political activity.

 

For more information about JNCC>>>