Natural England is the government’s adviser for the natural environment in England. We ensure that the natural environment is conserved, enhanced and managed for the benefit of present and future generations, thereby contributing to sustainable development.
Natural England is responsible for:
- promoting nature conservation and protecting biodiversity,
- conserving and enhancing the landscape,
- helping the public to understand and enjoy nature
- promoting access to the countryside and open spaces and encouraging open-air recreation,
- and contributing in other ways to social and economic wellbeing through management of the natural environment.
Our broad remit is reflected in the huge range of customers and partners we work with, including farmers and landowners, businesses and local authorities, charities and local communities. Some highlights of our work include:
- Increasing opportunities for everyone to enjoy the wonders of England’s natural environment;
- Assisting with the recovery of biodiversity, including by helping to protect England’s most vulnerable species and habitats;
- Using our local expertise to provide technical advice and suggestions to help farmers and landowners manage their land sustainably for nature.
- Designating National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and supporting Government in the creation of Marine Protected Areas;
- Managing National Nature Reserves, notifying Sites of Special Scientific Interest and ensuring they are effectively looked after;
- Working with business, planning authorities, other government departments and NDPBs and a wide range of stakeholders to ensure that we have a resilient natural environment that contributes positively to the well-being of England’s people and to the development of the wider economy;
- Managing wildlife licensing to protect species whilst helping planners, developers and the general public get a fair deal.
- Ensuring that any decisions affecting the natural environment are based on the best possible evidence and advice. We are committed to capitalising on the local knowledge and expertise of our staff, for the benefit of decision-makers and ultimately the natural world around us.
Natural England is a national organisation with offices across England and we have around 3000 people working for us. We are a Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) accountable to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Tony Juniper Chair
Marian Spain Chief Executive
Why Natural England is supporting Boardroom Apprentice
Hosting a Boardroom Apprentice at Natural England will benefit both Natural England and the Apprentice themselves.
The Natural England Board and Executive are committed to having an inclusive culture and creating a working environment where everyone feels valued and respected and see this as a good place to work. We would welcome a Boardroom Apprentice to provide a fresh perspective on Natural England’s business.
Our Apprentice will get valuable insight into the working of this vibrant organisation. At the heart of Natural England’s mission is the recovery of nature. Thriving nature is fundamental to the future of everyone, from all walks of life and for our planet. At Natural England, we have statutory responsibility for ensuring that the natural environment is conserved, enhanced and managed for the benefit of present and future generations. Nature Recovery is our mission with four core programmes around: Greener Farming and Fisheries; Sustainable Development; Connecting People with Nature; and Resilient Landscapes and Seas. It is an especially exciting time to be joining Natural England as we are a leading player in delivering the 25-Year Environment Plan, 2030 Nature targets and Net Zero ambitions.
If you are motivated by our mission, and are enthused by our work, we would love to hear from you.
Location of Board and Committee Meetings
Meetings are normally face to face. The meetings are held in various locations across the length and breadth England. Sub-committee meetings are held either face to face (in various locations) or online.
Frequency and timing of board/committee meetings
There are currently four scheduled Board meetings for 2025, with one additional meeting expected to be scheduled during the year.
In addition to the Board meeting itself, there is often a Board stakeholder event and overnight stay the night before the meeting.
Board sub-committee meetings are usually quarterly, formed by a subset of Board Members.
Date of Board Meetings (January – December 2025)
- 19 February
- 28 May
- 30 July
- 26 November
- One additional meeting TBC
Security checks
We do not require any internal specific security checks to be completed.
There will be a requirement to ensure that the Board Apprentice is aware of the document classifications which will be used on emails and papers which will be shared with the apprentice.
The Board Apprentice will be required to sign a Memorandum of Understanding which will include security requirements in regards to emails, papers and other information shared with them.
Payment of travel expenses
