As an Employee-Owned Trust, all the shares of LUC are held in trust on behalf of all employees, ensuring the company operates in the long-term interests of its present and future staff.

The Board of Trustees oversees LUC’s strategy and performance, and safeguards LUC’s values, which are set out in its Charter. The Board of Trustees includes an independent chair and three employee trustees.

Rob Booth, Managing Director at LUC, said: “I’m delighted Robert West is joining the Board of Trustees. His expertise and diversity of perspective will help guide LUC’s future as an employee-owned business.

“Robert’s passion for sustainability and nature recovery also aligns really well with our mission.”

Robert shared his enthusiasm for the new role: “I’m honoured to join the Board of Trustees and represent my colleagues in shaping LUC’s future. As an ecologist, I’m deeply committed to advancing sustainable land use and nature recovery.

“I look forward to contributing to LUC’s mission and ensuring our employee-owned structure continues to thrive.”

Robert West will join the following members of the Board of Trustees:

• Yaver Abidi (Independent Chair): Yaver leads formal Trustee meetings and acts as a coach to the Trustees, ensuring the Trust fulfils its duties effectively.
• Jessica Pearce (Trustee): A Principal Environmental Planner based in LUC’s Bristol office, Jessica brings a wealth of experience in environmental planning and community engagement.
• Jon Pearson (Trustee): A Director of Environmental Planning in LUC’s London office, Jon contributes strategic insights from his extensive work in planning and development.
• Rob Booth (Company Trustee): As LUC’s Managing Director, Rob ensures the company’s operations align with the Trustees’ strategic guidance.
• Andrew Clarke (Company Trustee): LUC’s Finance & Operations Director, Andrew oversees financial performance and operational efficiency.

Robert brings over a decade of experience in ecology, policy design, and leading large-scale nature recovery projects and programmes.

Before joining LUC in 2024, he led on implementing Biodiversity Net Gain and Biodiversity Strategy preparation and delivery at a Local Council.

His recent work includes advising on habitat restoration, Local Plan consultations, and green finance projects.

Robert holds a Master’s degree in Conservation Ecology (Distinction) and is a Full Member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM).

As a Trustee, Robert will help ensure LUC’s leadership upholds employee owner interests and the company’s environmental values.

Robert’s appointment reinforces LUC’s commitment to embedding employee voices at the heart of decision-making.