A new programme has launched to support forestry professionals across England to achieve a recognised qualification through an innovative experienced worker route.
A trial of the programme, funded by the Forestry Commission and supported by the Institute of Chartered Foresters and the Forest Industry Safety Accord (FISA), will enable a group of experienced individuals to demonstrate their competence and gain formal recognition of their skills.
Participants will:
- Compile evidence of their competence
- Submit their evidence through the Silvestor digital platform
- Have their submissions assessed independently by Open Awards
- On successful completion, have access to a streamlined application for ICF Technical membership (TechICFor)
In return for providing feedback on this new route to gaining the FWM qualification, ten eligible applicants will be selected at random following a short application window to have their assessment fully funded by the Forestry Commission. Micro businesses (those with less than ten employees) will be prioritised.
All other eligible applicants will still be able to proceed through the process and submit evidence for assessment but will be required to cover the associated fees.
The application window will close on Friday 7 August 2026 – full details can be found here.
For more information on the qualification, please click here.
Shaping the future of forestry skills
“This is an important milestone for the sector. Many people are already doing the Forest Works Manager role, but this qualification will enable them to be recognised professionally. For people aspiring to the role, it means there is a new flexible pathway via a technical qualification or an apprenticeship” said David Bole FICFor, Head of Green Economy & Skills at the Forestry Commission.
Louise Simpson, Executive Director of the Institute of Chartered Foresters, added “this represents an important step in modernising how skills and competence are recognised within the forestry sector, helping to build a safer, more skilled workforce across England.”
Further information
Silvestor: https://silvestor.org.uk/fwm/fwm
Open Awards: https://openawards.org.uk/qualifications/open-awards-level-4-experienced-worker-assessment-for-forestry-works-manager/
Institute of Chartered Foresters: https://charteredforesters.org/
Forestry Commission: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/forestry-commission
FISA: https://ukfisa.com/
