Safety Accord Manager
About the Role
Following the external review of the Accord in 2024, FISA is being restructured to better serve the industry. As part of this, the CEO’s contract is ending in March 26. The Directors and Steering Group of FISA are consequently looking for a talented professional manager to lead the Accord.
The role of the Accord Manager is to ensure that FISA provide strategic leadership to raise health and safety standards across the forestry industry.
Key responsibilities include developing and implementing industry-wide safety strategies, fostering collaboration between FISA Members, Steering Group and industry partners, overseeing compliance with legal guidelines, and ensuring a strong organisational culture focused on high performance, member engagement, and continuous improvement in safety practices.
The role requires extensive experience in safety, compliance, senior leadership, stakeholder engagement, governance and a working knowledge of finance and performance management within the forestry sector.
About FISA
The Forest Industry Safety Accord (FISA) is a membership organisation established in 2012 as a collaboration between a cross-section of forest industry organisations, united by a shared commitment to transforming safety standards across the sector.
FISA provides clear, proactive leadership in raising health and safety standards throughout the forestry industry. Through specialist Working Groups and the provision of comprehensive guidance and information, we drive meaningful change in attitudes and behaviour to safety across all sectors of the forest industry.
Role and Responsibilities
Develop and maintain a working relationship with employees, contractors and industry volunteering including the Steering Group and Working Groups.
- Collaboration with the FISA Board
Support the FISA board to ensure the strategic aims of the Accord are met.
Routine accountability to the board including monthly reports with financial, membership and key targets. Prompt response to board queries.
Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key stakeholders, including HSE, industry organisations, landowners, contractors, and their employees..
Act as a spokesperson for the FISA, raising awareness among members and those working within forestry about their safety responsibilities and promoting best practices.
Oversee the development and implementation of safety initiatives, policies, and programs to ensure all guidance is compliant with legal and ethical guidelines. Maintain routine Board and Steering Group updates regarding initiatives.
Drive the organisation's strategic and financial performance, ensuring it meets its goals and operates efficiently. Prepare and present annual budgets, with routine monthly updates of actual vs budget for the Board and quarterly updates for the Steering Group.
Foster an inclusive and high-performing organisational culture, empowering employees, contractors and volunteers to prioritise safety and continuous improvement.
Essential Requirements
- A deep understanding of the forestry industry's unique challenges and regulatory landscape.
- A relevant industry recognised health and safety qualification, backed up by membership of a professional body (ie NEBOSH at Post graduate level).
- Proven experience as a senior manager or in a similar leadership role.
- Extensive experience in building and managing partnerships with both public and private sector organisations.
- Strong track record of strategic planning and innovative problem-solving.
- Proven ability to build strong, credible relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Experience in finance and performance management principles.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.
What We Offer
The Board is looking to appoint a full time Accord Manager, with a salary of £55k plus with 28 days holiday allowance (inc bank holidays) and will consider a part time appointment for the right candidate on a pro rata basis. Remote working with travel to meetings, events and sites as required, travel recompense provided.
How to Apply
In the first instance, feel free to contact FISA chair Andy Newbold on 07753 612294 or email andy@newmac.org.uk for an informal chat.
Formal applications to be made in writing with a covering motivational letter and CV to the Chair andy@newmac.org.uk
Deadline for applications: Friday 23rd January 2026.
Following the application deadline, shortlisting will promptly occur with a view to conducting face to face interviews in Edinburgh on Tuesday 10th February 2026.
FISA is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.