We are Scotland’s nature agency. We work to improve our natural environment in Scotland and inspire everyone to care more about it. So that all nature in Scotland – our biodiversity, geodiversity and the natural elements of our landscapes and seascapes – is maintained, enhanced and brings us benefits. It is the job of all of us to achieve a balance in the sensitive management of our natural world in order to maintain and enhance nature. Scotland’s nature is among our greatest assets. Nature gives us food and drinking water, energy and timber. It contributes to a clean and healthy environment. And it improves our well-being and quality of life. Yet the overuse of natural resources since the 1950s – especially for certain types of farming, forestry and fisheries – has resulted in less space for nature and its associated benefits. NatureScot is the lead public body responsible for advising Scottish Ministers on all matters relating to the natural heritage.
Our purpose is to:
promote, care for and improve our natural heritage
help people to enjoy nature responsibly
enable greater understanding and awareness of nature
promote the sustainable use of Scotland’s natural heritage
We also advise local authorities and work with the Scottish Parliament and public, private and voluntary organisations towards shared aims.
Why Nature Scotland is supporting Boardroom Apprentice
As Scotland’s nature agency, we want to ensure we are representative of the people of Scotland. Biodiversity loss impacts everyone, and it is important all voices are considered as we to tackle the climate crisis. We want to provide this opportunity for an apprentice to shadow our Board, giving them insight into how a public sector board operates and giving us access to different perspectives.
Location of Board and Committee Meetings
Meetings are a mix of in person and virtual, details listed below.
Frequency and timing of board/committee meetings
Meetings take place during the day from 0930 – 1530
Date of Board Meetings (January – December 2025)
• 12 Feb – Edinburgh
• 12 March – likely Galloway area
• 15 May – location TBC
• 25 June – virtual
• 27 August – location TBC
• 8 October – virtual
• 26 Nov – virtual
Committee of the Boards and meeting dates (January - December 2025)
Security checks
Apprentice would be subject to baseline civil service security checks.
Payment of travel expenses
Yes
