Its primary role is to provide strategic advice and guidance, helping to ensure that decisions are robust, well-informed, and aligned with the organisation’s objectives.
Other Scottish Forestry staff or Scottish Government officials may be invited to assist with discussions on specific topics. The Group is supported by the Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications.
The Strategic Advisory Group has, as a sub-committee, an Audit and Assurance Committee (AAC) which also exists to support the Chief Executive as Accountable Officer in relation to issues of risk, control and governance and associated assurances.
SAG terms of reference
Scottish Forestry Members
| Group members | Title |
|---|
| Paul Lowe (Chair) | Chief Executive Officer (CEO) |
| Helen McKay | Chief Forester for Scotland |
| Adam Dearnley | Director of Finance |
| Brendan Callaghan | Director of Operational Delivery |
| Samantha Malpass | Director of Policy and Practice |
| Zahid Deen | Director of Transformation and Corporate Services |
| Jonathan Taylor | Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications |
Non-executive members
| Non-executives | Organisation |
|---|
| Eleanor Ryan | Glen Shuraig Consulting Ltd |
| Richard Morris | Greenspace Scotland |
| Phil Taylor | YPeople |
A SAG code of conduct has been developed to ensure non-executives carry out their duties to the highest standards expected of them.
SAG code of conduct
Meetings
The SAG meet up to 6 times a year.
Minutes
You can view SAG minutes for the last 6 years.
SAG minutes (2019-2025)
