Chair of the Derbyshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy

Lead one of the most ambitious nature recovery partnerships in the country!

Nature in Derbyshire is under pressure – but the opportunity to reverse that decline has never been greater.

Derbyshire County Council is seeking an independent Chair to lead the next phase of delivery of the Derbyshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS). This is a high-profile, system leadership role at the heart of one of the county’s most important long-term programmes.

The LNRS brings together partners across government, land management, conservation, business and communities to drive coordinated action for nature recovery. With strong foundations now in place, we are looking for a Chair who can help turn ambition into tangible, at-scale delivery.

The role

As Chair, you will provide visible, inclusive leadership across a complex and influential partnership. You will:

• Lead the LNRS Partnership and Steering Group, bringing together diverse interests and perspectives.
• Champion a shared vision for nature recovery, helping partners align priorities and investment.
• Create the conditions for collaboration, unlocking collective action across sectors.
• Provide constructive challenge and support, ensuring a clear focus on delivery, outcomes and impact.
• Act as a trusted, independent voice, helping to navigate complexity and maintain momentum.

This role sits at the centre of a broad governance structure, chaired independently and working closely with the LNRS Officer and core team to support delivery.

About you

We are looking for a credible and inspiring leader with the ability to operate confidently across organisational boundaries. You will bring:

• Strong strategic leadership and influencing skills.
• Experience of working across multi-agency or partnership environments.
• The ability to engage, challenge and unite stakeholders with different priorities.
• A passion for nature recovery, sustainability or place-based delivery.
• The judgement and independence to act as an effective Chair.

You do not need to be a technical specialist but you be able to confidently steer complex discussions and support evidence-led decision-making.

Why this role matters

This is a unique opportunity to shape how nature recovery is delivered across an entire county – influencing investment, land use, policy alignment and partnership working over the coming years.

Success in this role will help deliver:

• More, bigger, better and connected habitats.
• Greater resilience to climate change.
• Tangible benefits for communities, health and the local economy.

Governance and support

The Chair will:

• Be accountable to the Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment.
• Chair the LNRS Partnership and Steering Group and contribute to wider governance forums.
• Be supported by the Council’s LNRS Officer and core team.

Further information

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact: Adam Lathbury, Head of Conservation, Heritage & Design [email protected]

Closing Date: Midnight Sunday 21st June 2026
Provisional Interview Date: Week Commencing 29th June 2026

Important: Derbyshire County Council holds a sponsorship licence, but this role does not offer visa sponsorship. Please apply only if you already have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship, as applications that do not meet this requirement will be rejected.

We welcome applications from individuals who share our values — being Collaborative, Innovative, Empowered and Accountable. These values describe who we are and what we stand for as a council. They help shape our culture, encourage consistent behaviour and guide how we work together to make a positive difference for both our employees and the residents we serve.