The Corporate Planning framework encompasses the broad overview and infrastructure of our organisation. It refers to the different long term and annual plans we've in place to set our future direction and map out our objectives which will steer all of our work. It describes how our plans link to SG outcomes and different strategies. We need to ensure all our work complies with legal requirements. We also need to anticipate and mitigate risks.

Our Corporate Plan 2020 to 2023 is our overarching strategic document. It sets out our purpose and strategic objectives alongside high level priorities and actions which will shape our activities over the next 3 years. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) have been identified which will help us monitor our progress.

Our 3 strategic objectives are to:

1. ensure that sustainable forest management is an integral part of public policy, particularly through leading and co-ordinating the delivery of Scotland's Forestry Strategy
2. develop our people and culture to improve performance and resilience, building a dynamic, flexible and modern workforce which serves the forestry sector and wider Scotland well
3. become a more innovative, efficient and accessible organisation by delivering process improvements, and harnessing digital and technological solutions

Our Corporate Plan was originally prepared before the Scottish Government declared a national health emergency due to COVID-19. Much of the information provides a baseline to support our staff and the forest sector to recover from the impacts of COVID-19. The plan will be kept under review and if appropriate, updated to reflect the Scottish Government’s position on COVID-19.

The annual Business Plan supports our Corporate Plan. It lays out how we intend to make progress towards our corporate strategic objectives across 2022-23 and what our priorities are for this year.

The plan has been designed so it is easy to use on a day-to-day basis for our staff. The Business Plan:

• provides key information on how our organisation functions and draws together information from our Conservancy and National Team Plans.
• summarises priority activities across the whole organisation, including information about headline projects taking place this year, including:
  • implementing the new operating model for conservancies
  • expanding our digital and design tools
  • delivering Forestry Grant Scheme enhancements
  • procuring a new finance system

A key focus throughout the plan are our people and areas of improvement. For example, our Learning and Development programme. This will enable staff to expand their skills, meaning we are better able to meet our customers’ needs.

Scottish Forestry recognises Gaelic as an integral part of Scotland’s national identity, heritage and culture. We’re committed to ensuring that Gaelic has a sustainable future in Scotland and the role we can play in:

• enhancing the status of the language
• supporting the usage of and development of Gaelic language skills
• furthering the aims of Bòrd na Gàidhlig and assisting in the delivery of the National Gaelic Plan

This new Gaelic plan focusses on creating communication resources across the core areas addressed in the Gaelic Language Act including:

• ensuring Gaelic is clearly present and valued
• ensuring staff have access to Gaelic awareness and language training throughout the period of the plan
• promoting our Gaelic offer to the businesses, communities and individuals we work with

You can read the new Gaelic Language Plan below:

• Gaelic Language Plan: 2023 - 2028
• Plana Gàidhlig: 2023 - 2028

​The Improvement Programme 2019 to 2024 aims to transform the effectiveness and efficiency of our forestry approval and support processes.

The programme is split into 4 priority areas:

1. the customer experience
2. our processes
3. our people
4. how we use technology

Read our Improvement Programme booklet.