About Us
Governance
The Company
The UKWAS standard is owned and managed by a specially established independent company called “United Kingdom Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS)”. The company is limited by guarantee and managed by its Members on a not-for-profit basis according to the rules set down in its Memorandum and Articles of Association. The company registration number is SC199337.
Control of the company rests with its Members – they are responsible for electing a chair, admitting new members and appointing a broadly based Steering Group which manages the affairs of the company.
Further information:
UKWAS Memorandum of Association
The Steering Group
The Steering Group works on the basis of consensus so that the interests of all stakeholders carry equal weight. It is responsible for protecting the UKWAS name, maintaining and interpreting the standard and ensuring its periodic revision. It appoints a Board of Directors to manage the company’s affairs on a day-to-day basis, an Interpretation Panel as a permanent standing committee and Task Groups as required on a task and finish basis.
The Directors of the Company are currently Peter Wilson (Chair), Gordon Pfetscher, Richard Howe and Chris Inglis.
Further information:
UKWAS Standard Setting Procedures
The Steering Group has drawn up the process and timetable for the UKWAS revision being undertaken between 2009 and 2011.
UKWAS Revision Process 2009-2011 & Standard Setting Process document
The UKWAS Steering Group works closely with the Forest Stewardship Council and PEFC in the UK to ensure continued alignment of the UKWAS standard with their scheme requirements. In 2007 the working arrangements were formalised by the means of Concordats between the UKWAS Steering Group and FSC UK and PEFC UK setting out each party's respective role.
The Support Unit
The Steering Group’s work is facilitated by a Support Unit funded by contributions from the members of the Company:
An Executive Chairman, Peter Wilson, chairs the Board of Directors and the Steering Group and the Company Secretary, Fiona Angier, is responsible for administration.