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Tilhill Forestry sees its involvement with the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) as increasingly important for staff and customers.
The relationship has now been further strengthened following the recent announcement that Tilhill District Manager David Edwards has been elected as the ICF’s new President.
Prior to his previous election as Vice President in 2015, David served the Institute as an examiner, member of Council and Professional and Education Standards Committee, Finance Officer, committee member and Regional Group Chairman in Wales, as well as representing the Institute and wider sector externally.
In addition to David Edwards’ election, the ICF recently awarded Tilhill’s Investment and Property Director Jason Sinden a Fellowship of the ICF. There are six other Fellows within Tilhill including: Martin Craig; Gordon Dugan; David Edwards; Tim Liddon; George McRobbie; Andrew Vaughan and Peter Whitfield.
Dr Stuart Glen, Member Services Director for the ICF explains: “In applying for Fellowship of the ICF applicants are expected to show the highest level of accomplishment during their career, demonstrated by a substantial level of experience and significant achievements. Applicants must have held Professional membership of the Institute of Chartered Foresters for a minimum of five years and have at least ten years’ professional experience.”
As of 19 April 2017, the Institute had 1,720 members – more than at any point in the organisation’s 90-year history. Of the 1,720 members, 75 members are listed as Tilhill Forestry employees. Thirty six staff are Associate members and 39 are Chartered Members – 31 Professional members and six Fellows of the Institute. Only the statutory bodies – Forestry Commission Scotland, Forestry Commission England, Natural Resources Wales – rival the membership within Tilhill Forestry staff.
Tilhill Forestry Managing Director George McRobbie said: “Membership of the Institute has long been encouraged at Tilhill Forestry. Membership is an international badge of recognition among your peers, clients and customers. Externally and internally within Tilhill Forestry, chartered status denotes an individual’s standing within the profession.It demonstrates a commitment to Continuing Professional Development and a commitment to follow a Code of Conduct.”
Tilhill Forestry supports the Institute and would like to see all applicable staff achieve chartered status. The company pays the membership subscription fee and supports staff members as they plan their route to chartered status. Graduates are encouraged to attend the Institute’s Young Professionals Study Tour. This year’s Young Professionals Study Tour was organised by Tillhill Forestry’s Sam Bristow, Assistant Forest Manager in West Highland District.
Other staff are encouraged to attend Institute events, both locally and nationally, and represent the Institute on expert committees and panels. For example, three Tilhill Forestry staff currently act as Exam Assessors for the Institute – Julian Hollingdale, Julian Ohlsen and Andrew Vaughan.
Dr Stuart Glen added: “Chartered Status denotes standing within the forestry profession. It gives staff parity with other professionals e.g. Architects, Landscape Architects, Engineers, Surveyors, Environmental Scientists, Planners, etc., many of whom employees will encounter on a regular basis in day-to-day activities. This notion of parity and recognition across professions is highly important to many members.”
Image: © 2017 Institute of Chartered Foresters