KEY to ACRONYMS

MBs	Member Bodies (of LINK)	ATF	Agriculture Task Force
Reps	The main Representatives appointed to LINK by the member organizations	(CATF – in hibernation)	Climate Adaptation Task Force – into hibernation summer 2014
TFCs	Task Force (and Forum, or Group) Convenors	DTF	Deer Task Force
CO	Chief Officer (Jen Anderson)	FWTF	Freshwater TF
DO	Development Officer (Alice Walsh)	ETF	Economics Task Force
AM	Advocacy Manager (Andy Myles)	EGG	Environmental Governance Group includes Legal Governance subgroup
FITO	Finance & IT Officer (Hugh Green)	LG	Land Group established Feb 2013, for task-and-finish by 2014
AO	Advocacy Officer (Rea Cris)	LTF	Landscape Task Force
MOs	Marine Officers (Nick Underdown – Marine Policy and Engagement Officer, and Esther Brooker - Marine Policy Officer)	MTF	Marine Task Force
SEO	Sustainable Economics Officer (Phoebe Cochrane)	NPTF	National Parks Task Force
PF	Parliamentary Forum
SEW/ SG	Scottish Environment Week Steering Group	PTF	Planning Task Force
AAR	After Action Reviews	SEFF	Scottish Environmental Fundraisers Forum
PSR	Political Strategy Report	WCTF	Wildlife Crime Task Force
OS	Organisational Supporters	WiF	Wildlife Forum
BS	Business Supporters	WoF	Woodland Forum

Key Performance Indicators – For which data will be collected twice yearly from TFs and Forums and Groups, from Staff and Board, in September and March.

Strategic Objective 1: Advocating for a sustainable Scotland

Outcome KPIs:

Scottish Parliament increases its scrutiny of our delivery of environmental commitments.

Eg: Parliament scrutinises delivery against appropriate targets in Scotland’s National Performance Framework; National Planning Framework 3 reflects Government’s environmental commitments; Marine Act implementation is robust about environmental principles; marine renewables strategy is developed in response to agreed monitoring policy; and other ‘asks’ for example the proposals set out in LINK’s ‘Governance Matters’ publication, are met.

Government expects to deliver cross-compliance consistently across departments in ways that respect the needs and importance of the environment.

Eg: principles of the land use strategy guide decisions being made by Government and Ministers on NPF3, in the reform of CAP, and in other related policy areas

Output KPIs:

LINK manifesto asks are increasingly picked up by parties’ manifesto-writers and are reflected in the manifestos of the main political parties.

External stakeholder groups in which LINK is involved contribute to policy development for Scotland which is respects the needs and importance of a healthy environment

LINK events attract desired audiences (from among decision-makers, opinion formers and wider civic Scotland) and contribute to development of policy which respects environment.

Strategic Objective 2: Being a strong voice for the environment

Outcome KPIs:

Environmental input is sought via LINK to contribute to a wider range of high-level stakeholder groups/discussions.

LINK positions are understood and influence national policy with environmental governance in Scotland improving as a result.

Eg., we pick up citations in official record of Parliament, we get affirmative feedback at meetings with decision maker and when we seek critiques of our work. (base line at 2010-2012 is ‘not so good’, evidenced in LINK’s ‘Environment & Law’ and ‘Governance Matters’ reports)

LINK continues to have good, regular access to decision-makers including Ministers who want (or know they need) to know LINK’s views.

Eg. regular meetings with Environment Minister continue, LINK is involved in all relevant forums, issues raised by LINK at meetings with decision-makers and opinion-formers are taken forward by policy makers

Government strategy on some issues key to LINK reflects understanding of the diversity of views across society and addresses these ‘in the round’.

Media coverage of some issues key to LINK reflects maturity of treatment about what is good for Scotland and its environment.

Output KPIs:

Collective position statements (including briefings, publications) are published by LINK to decision-makers and civic society on key priorities reflecting the range and diversity of interests across the LINK network. (At least 15 per year, with at least 5 signatories each, draw from at least 8 task forces in which at least 3 members are actively involved and which meet at least 4 times a year)

Face-to-face exchanges between representatives of LINK and decision-makers and opinion-formers (MSPs/MPs/MEPs, Ministers, senior government officials and business leaders) on agreed key policy priorities indicate that LINK positions are respected and of influence. At least 25 exchanges per year reflecting breadth of LINK agenda.

Internal seminars/workshops/trainings on current issues or skills needs are arranged by LINK for members, are well attended and give positive feedback about the value in terms of knowledge exchange and capacity building. At least three per annum.

Strategic Objective 3: Efficient effective accountable network:

Outcome KPIs:

The network is live to the diversity of member interests and views, robust about dealing with consensus, confident in expressing positions

Eg., internal discussion (TF meetings, Network meetings, Board meetings) regularly identifies where consensus matters and where consensus is not a goal. Members are encouraged to be clear about differences and impact of these, and to see that diversity as a strength and ensure their advocacy capitalises on the diversity. TF planning more explicit on strengths within them via Operating Plan. Reporting strategic decision on priorities clearly internally, using network meetings, board report, meeting notes, trustee contact with members etc.

Citizen led national level NGOs with objectives in common with LINK’s want to be members of LINK (base line is 34 members at 2012 – it should be unthinkable for solvent eligible orgs to not join up).

Annual Network Plan reflects considered discussion and priorities and engages at least 75% of members in its delivery.

Eg., annual strategic planning meeting gives members a platform to present on their directions, allows the network to collectively sign off on 4-5 priorities for joint work ahead with up-to-date intelligence about goals and working contexts, ensures areas for cross-working are clearly sign-posted with the leads (responsible for integration) identified

Turnover on Board reflects proactive nomination of people from the network who bring important relevant experience to governance

Business support for LINK (as Business Supporters or event/initiative sponsors) represents 10% of income by 2015/16

Membership funding underpins 55% of essential services by 2015/16

Government/public sector funding anticipated for 2015/15 represents no less than 25% of total income sought

Output KPIs:

G.	An annual operating plan of the network’s intended work is prepared with Member, Taskforce and Board input, and is subject to twice yearly review and evaluation.

H.	The percentage of funding sourced from members holds steady at 50%-60% of the cost (annually reappraised) of ‘essential services’ with no over-reliance on any other single source of funding but a basket of complementary funding which allows LINK to pursue objectives and retain its independence.

I.	There is proactive engagement by all members across at least 3 areas of LINK policy & governance activity annually (75% base line at 2012)

Work area	Work planned towards objectives of: sustainable Scotland; strong voice for environment; and effective, efficient, accountable network.	Specific tasks, targets, timings and indicators of progress where provided	KPIs most relevant	Leader-ship and support	Staff roles/ Funding	Integration within LINK	Wider allies and liaison	Progress
Agriculture TF Vision: Working for sustainable agricultural systems that produce supplies of safe healthy food, protect natural resources & enhance wildlife, habitats and cultural heritage, & provide jobs in rural areas, contributing to a diverse rural economy.	ATF continue to focus on implementing CAP/SRDP 2014-2020. Key Consultations starting SRDP & CAP Nov & Dec respectively leading to final SG & ministerial decisions in April 2014 on next programme starting Jan 2015. Key asks remain •Ensure move to regionalised payments improves level of basic payment support to HNV farming & extensive livestock production which is economically vulnerable but env’ly important. •Ensure effective implementation & enforcement of xcompliance which sets the regulatory baseline for all CAP support. •Ensure effective implementation of the green payment in Scot & that it secures real env’l improvements in agric sector. •Make use of modulation mechanism - transferring max amount of £s (15%) from Pillar I to Pillar II to boost funding for next SRDP. •Increase amount of SDRP funds spent on agri-environment, organic & some forestry measures to 50% to deliver against Govt’s own targets & obligations on biodiversity, water quality & GHG emissions,& also on landscape & heritage objectives •Improve prioritisation, targeting & effectiveness of SRDP as a whole & allocate increased funding for advice. In terms of Sus Dev more widely, ATF will work with SLUS /others to promote a vision of agric where food production is tied more generally to long term protection & enhancement of rural land, where biodiversity, food & soil quality, landscape & heritage are all seen as integrated & where this holistic public benefit underlies any government funding.	Engagement with SGov /agencies: The ATF expect to continue to be involved with the CAP Stakeholder Group and other more specialist SG Working Groups in designing Measures to support and implement the SRDP 2014-2020. This will involve specialist discussions with key policy makers in SNH, FCS and other divisions within SG as appropriate. Building case with others with overlapping agendas: The development of a LINK Vision (summer 2014) for ecosystem services based on Natural Capital will develop thinking on environmental sustainability by demonstrating long-term awareness among land managers and policy makers. This can only be part of a wider campaign to promote public benefit from SG and European spending on agriculture.	KPIs 1 – 8, & B, C, D, E	TFC Diarmid Hearns NTS Depute Jim Densham (RSPB) Arch Scot, ARC, APRS/SCNP, Buglife, NTS, P’life, Soil Assoc, SWT, WTS	Developing advocacy of LINK asks to politicians and SG officials. Capacity remains a key issue related to the few members actively involved in this policy area, though considerable & successful work is also done by MBs outside of the network. Promoting LINK Vision statement. Networking with Joint Links, EEB, ?IUCN & CIVILSCAPE	The ATF works closely with SLUS, Landscape TFs & with WiForum & WoForum due to common membership. Some engagement with Marine & Planning TFs when common issues arise.	ATF has worked closely with WCL colleagues in contacting Scottish MEPs over CAP Reform & signing up to Joint Link initiatives as Defra is the UK lead on CAP negotiations. We expect these links to continue. EEB/IUCN work is primarily carried out through MBs notably RSPB & SWT.
Climate Adaptation TF Vision: that Scotland's biodiversity is enabled to able to adapt to the impacts of climate change.	The CATF influenced the development of the Scottish Adaptation Programme, awaiting publication. When it is launched aim to review it and inform MBs/TFs of the policies & actions within they Programme that they can take forward/monitor/push for development of.	Task complete, July 2014 following pub. of Scotland’s Climate Change Adaptation Programme by Scottish Government http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2014/05/4669. CATF produced a ParliBriefing in readiness for Minister’s announcement of the Programme in Parliament http://www.scotlink.org/wp/files/documents/LINK-Adaptation-Programme-briefing-May-2014.pdf . In response to publication CATF issued press release ‘Nature needs our help to adapt to a changing climate’ http://www.scotlink.org/wp/files/documents/LINK-SAP-press-release-May-2014-2.pdf . CATF has been able to shape the structure and content of the Programme, although members still concerned that long-term planning and implementation of adaptation policy will be a low priority within Government. In order to support other LINK Task Forces CATF produced a suite of TF-specific briefings which highlight the specific measures in the Programme relevant to the following TFs/Groups: Agriculture, Deer, Marine, Planning, Water, Wildlife, Woodlands. These have been passed onto conveners and are available for reference on the LINK Members pages of the website http://www.scotlink.org/member-docs/internal-reports/	KPIs 1 – 8, & B, C, D, E	Jim Densham will continue as main contact on CA issues for LINK.	To support other LINK TFs we produced a suite of TF specific briefings which highlight the specific measures in the Programme relevant to these TFs/Groups: Agriculture, Deer, Marine, Planning, Water, Wildlife, Woodlands. Sent to TFCs & are on Members part of website.	The work of the Climate Adaptation Task Force has come to an end following the publication of Scotland’s Climate Change Adaptation Programme by the Scottish Government http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2014/05/4669 CATF produced a Parliamentary Briefing in readiness for the Minister’s announcement of the Programme in Parliament http://www.scotlink.org/wp/files/documents/LINK-Adaptation-Programme-briefing-May-2014.pdf . In response to the publication itself, LINK issued the press release ‘Nature needs our help to adapt to a changing climate’ http://www.scotlink.org/wp/files/documents/LINK-SAP-press-release-May-2014-2.pdf . The TF has been able to shape the structure and the content of the Programme, although we remain concerned that long-term planning and implementation of adaptation policy will be a low priority within Government.
Deer TF Vision: Ensure sustainable populations of native deer species which play positive roles in Scottish ecosystems & contribute to rural economy	Work focussed around the recent RACCE Committee inquiry into deer impacts on the natural heritage 13/11/13. And pulling on a ‘Deer TF Plus’ discussion held in autumn 2013; concerns about deer impacts are shared across several TFs. TF met ADMG to discuss deer issues. As a result some LINK MBs will be signing up to ADMG principles of collaborative working. The detailed operation of these principles will be piloted in the Speyside DMG where Pete Mayhew of RSPB Scotland is the chair. On 28 January 2014, will be meeting Paul Wheelhouse, Minster for Environment and Climate Change to discuss deer management. Further joint meeting with other TFs in autumn 2014 is proposed to be coordinated by staff.	KPIs 1 – 7, & B, C, D, E	TFC Duncan Orr-Ewing, RSPB, Deputy Mike Daniels JMT SWT, WTS, NTS, Ramblers
Economics TF Vision: influence the current debate on economics in Scotland.	Pursuing opportunities where these arise to promote alternative measures to use alongside GDP including indicators of social and environmental wellbeing. Phoebe Cochrane (Sustainable Economics Policy Officer) from Jan 2014 to help LINK pursue these goals, assist TFs to make stronger arguments. National Performance Framework is a key focus – under ministerial review at 2014, LINK & other allies would like to see an improved NPF applied robustly & consistently to inform & improve strategic decisions. TF informs LINK engagement in debate over Natural Capital and Ecosystem Services. TF is overseeing commissioned work on the Carbon Bubble at spring 2014.	Led by FoES. Active are RSPB WTS Plife JMT, SWT, SCNP, WWF, HWDT	Project funded for 3 years by FPF Overseen by delivery group – a subset of ETF - incl CO ETF also supported by the AM - core staff	Will have a role with TFs generally to develop / sharpen economic case across range of LINK issues (and TFs)	Oxfam, Carnegie (on NPF review group). Developing alliances is part of project.
Environmental Governance Group and its Legal Governance Sub-Group	EGG is focussing on the acute issues raised by the 2014 referendum – but its key tasks remain •removing barriers to sustainable development within the processes and methods of all branches of government. •improving the efficacy of LINK involvement in Scottish civic society. •pursuing the Governance Matters project as a slow burn matter	Influencing the debate on environment as necessary ahead of and beyond the referendum (work on LINK’s Referendum Challenge is now complete) This will include: Monitor implementation Reg Reform Act, challenging as appropriate Workshop and output on future Government (and governance) structures Discussion day for members on IndyRef outcome and work of charities Pursue issues in LINK’s Governance Matters report Eye on Lobbying legislation (implementation of Westminster Act and influencing any Scottish Bill) Explore rules and application of these around voting & public office Explore charity sector ‘boundaries’ Civic Forum promotion	KPIs 1 – 8, & A, B, C, D, E	LWA, RSPB, JMT, Plantlife	AM, CO, AO support	GG and LGSG cover all areas of LINK work and opportunities can arise almost anywhere.
LGSG is focussing on the campaign for the implementation of the Aarhus Convention in Scotland; & its key tasks are: •monitoring Scottish legal structure legislation and reforms, intervening as required •monitoring and supporting casework with regards to access to and standing before the Scottish courts •pursuing possibility of a specialist Scottish environmental court	Current legislation: Current cases: Environmental Court: Pursue in correspondence and discussion with Environment & other Ministers	FOES led, RSPB.	AM support
Freshwater TF Vision: sust use of water resources, restoration, pollution reduction, sust land use, investment in natural flood mgt to support a healthy FW env’t that can facilitate adaptation to climate change	FWTF operating at very low capacity till early 2014 - effectively RSPB & SWT. On Lisa Webb’s departure from RSPB (April) the TF will be inactive at least for some months. Staff replacement at RSPB may not work solely on FW, so may not have capacity to lead.	KPIs 1 – 8, & B, C, D, E	TFC Lisa Webb, RSPB, SWT, good support from contributing members when sign up required.	AM support over RR Bill
Land Group Vision: Land management which meets SD goals whatever the ownership	KPI 3/4 – Environmental input is sought/LINK positions understood and influence: we plan to meet LRRG to discuss our submission to the land reform review.	KPI 8 – there is a range of views within LINK re land reform but we have managed to gain support for our submission to LRRG. Also submitted evidence to Westminster’s Scottish Affairs Committee. No support there for our pressure to open this up as a land use issue, though SNH are supportive of our views on access angles. Land Reform Review Group, expected to report in May, may delay till after the IndyRef. A LINK group meeting with Ministerial leads planned.	KPIs 3, 4, 8, & B, C, D, E	TFC Helen Todd RS AS, APRS, SB, JMT, NTS, RSPB, SAGS, Sustrans, SWLG	AM support for meetings submissions & planning - continuing to April 2014 when LRRG reports	Land Reform Review Group is indep’tof SG. Set up by Ministers, we anticipate meeting them.
Landscape TF Vision: to promote EU Landscape Convention, and make landscape a priority concern for Scottish Government with protection, restoration, enhancement of landscapes as integral part of sustainable Scotland	The TF’s ongoing objective is to secure greater attention & priority for landscape considerations in policy-making & decision-taking in Scotland. In doing so it is trying to ensure that the country lives up to the commitments UK Gov made when it ratified the European Landscape Convention & that it abides by the spirit & principles of that Convention, with its emphasis on the value of all landscapes & on giving citizens the opportunity to have a say in shaping their future surroundings. This objective fully accords with LINK’s own first two Strategic Objectives. The responsibility for landscape care extends very widely & embraces bodies concerned with the built as well as the natural environment, and with the cultural as well as the natural heritage. This diffusion of responsibility is one of the key challenges facing the advocates of l’scape interests. It is perhaps reflected in the dearth of other orgs dedicated to championing the landscape cause, which is one reason why the task of generating the necessary commitment across society is a tough one. At the current time it is particularly important that landscape is recognised as one of the key components of “cultural services” within the ecosystem services model & of “natural capital” in discourses that embrace that concept. Most of the contacts with other organisations are at present likely to come through individual voluntary bodies who are members of the TF, esp larger ones – NTS, JMT. The re-establishment of the Scottish Landscape Forum would provide an ideal opportunity to engage with a wider audience & to thrash out together the practical implications of this aspect of greater environmental sustainability.	Topics on which the TF is anxious to see progress over the next 18 months include: (1) the finalisation of a statement on landscape & energy, with as broad a basis of support as can be achieved across the LINK membership; (2) a ScotGov commitment to remove Permitted Development Rights from “agricultural” and forestry tracks in the hills & uplands, bringing them within the scope of the planning system; (3) implementation of effective measures to identify & protect Scotland’s “wild land”, including those incorporated in the draft NPF3 & SPP; (4) inclusion in SRDP 2014-2020 of appropriate measures to conserve & enhance Scotland’s farmed landscapes & in the CAP generally of safeguards to protect their character and quality; (5) greater weight for landscape & seascape interests in planning for the future use of Scot coastal & marine environments; (6) re-establishment of the Scot Landscape Forum as a mechanism for identifying & promoting actions needed to give effect to the precepts of the ELC; (7) wider adoption by public, private & voluntary bodies of “Scotland’s Landscape Charter”; (8) ScotGov commitment to developing a National Parks Strategy for Scotland & to expanding the family of NPs across the country. TF members will work together to consider how most effectively to pursue all these goals and to take the necessary action. The TF handles LINK’s membership of Civilscape – an international association of civil society organizations (NGO) working on landscape protection, management and planning, according to the European Landscape Convention.	KPIs 1 – 8, & B, C, D, E	TFC: John Thomson APRS/SCNP,Depute Jonathan Wordsworth Arch Scot. JMT, NTS, Ramblers, SWLG	1.Assistance/mediation to finalise & achieve as wide a buy-in as poss to a meaningful statement on Landscape & Energy (day or so’s work -near future) 2.Advice on how best to build support & lobby politic’ly for these spec objectives (ongoing but not unduly onerous).	Landscape in the CAP/SRDP: liaison with ATF & SLU TFs is important (assisted by both TFC & Depute’s membership of all 3TFs). Hill tracks & Wild Land: liaison with Planning TF desirable, as on many other issues that may figure on the Landscape TF’s agenda. Coastal & marine planning: liaison with Marine & Planning TFs likely needed. National Parks: this is primarily an issue for the National Parks TF but Landscape TF would wish to be kept in picture as things progress (overlap in membership should help here).	exchanges with SNH over past year by revealed shared desire to maintain close contact, both over policy matters and more technical, professional ones, inc SNH landscape research programme. Currently no SG liaison (tho’ desirable) Depute TFC in contact with Civilscape & it is poss an initiative there could result in a more formal landscape “observatory” network. NTS to act as lead in exploring this. other, relatively informal networks operate in the landscape arena,may well be worth investigating if they would provide useful sources of info & influence for TF.
Marine TF Vision: healthy, well-managed seas, where wildlife is flourishing, ecosystems are protected, connected and thriving, and coastal communities are sustained.	To - push for new MPAs to augment the developing network (starting with the 4 MPA search locations which include basking shark, minke whale & rissos dolphins but also continuing to push for seabird MPAs) -push for Ecologically Coherent Network of MPAs (including with Joint Links colleagues) & for MPAs to be well-managed -seek RACCE scrutiny of developing marine management arrangements & MPAs -push for ecosystem-based national & regional marine plan development -push for marine ecosystem enhancement where appropriate (both through recovery by removing pressures & active restoration of damaged habitats) -continue to advocate for Natura sites to be well managed -continue to jointly advocate where appropriate for strategic & sustainable deployment of marine renewable devices -continue to jointly advocate where appropriate for sustainable inshore fishing (including scallop review) -continue to jointly advocate where appropriate for sustainable aquaculture	KPIs 1 – 8, & B, C, D, E Also own IOPs (see column to left)	TFC: Calum Duncan MCS, Depute TFC Sarah Dolman WDC, HWDT, MCS, NTS, SOC, RSPB, SWT, WWFS, WDCT (all required to sign off work)	Supported by 2 x 4-day week Marine Officer posts on policy dev’t & on comms & engagement	Possible engagement with Landscape & Planning TFs (Marine Planning)	Regular liaison with Marine Scotland & SNH Marine Planning, Renewables, MPAs & Fisheries staff. Working with Joint Links on advocacy for a UK Ecologically coherent network of MPAs and EU MSFD.
National Parks TF Vision: examine policies & test Scottish model of NPs re:conservation & SD, encouraging informed debate on the potential of Scottish NPs to serve these purposes.	KPIs 1 – 8, & B, C, D, E	Convenor changing at spring 2014
Parliamentary Forum for advocacy officers in the network	Share knowledge/plans on political strategy. Coordinate network-wide election work. Coordinate party conference strategy. Ensure parties know Network asks for manifestos year on year. Profile environment in lead-up to elections and invite candidates to debate key issues. Assist members to be the ‘strong voice’ for the environment.	Annual advocacy training delivered by experts within the network, geared to member’s needs. European Election 2014 Prep for Westminster Elections 2015 Party conference strategy / contact with political parties	KPIs 1-8 & A, C, D, E, F	AM led, with MBs’ advocacy & policy officers’ input, and TF input to manifesto work. Potentially for MOs and FSO engagement
Planning TF Vision: that the Scottish land use planning system contributes to a more environ-mentally sustainable society	Priorities are: Respond to the supplementary SPP Sust Dev/Sust Economic Growth consultation in December 2013 National Planning Framework 3 & SPP, especially during parliamentary scrutiny period in January 2014. Equal rights in planning (alias third party right of appeal) Possibly as part of a push for environmental courts. Restoration bonds in relation to development (coal, wind energy, etc) is on the TF’s radar also. National ecological network – promotion of Planning for peatland conservation issues Hilltracks Project under auspices of PTF and LTF (includes other MBs also, NEMT, CC, plus support from MCofS) convened by Helen Todd & Beryl Leatherland ), continues until Minister makes decision, liaising with other interests & continuing advocacy on the back of Track Changes report.	KPIs 1 – 8, & B, C, D, E	Aedan Smith, TFC RSPB, Depute Bruce Wilson, SWT, PD, BSCG, AS,APRS, Buglife, FoES, Froglife, JMT, NTS, PD, RS, SB, SCNP, SWLG, WTS.
Scottish Env Fundraisers Forum Vision: facilitate partnership between fundraisers in LINK to share info, experience & under-standing of sources of funding for Scotland’s env’	Influencing the climate around funding / giving to the environment	SEFF meets quarterly & usually has external speakers per meeting - e.g. reps from statutory, lottery, charitable trust, & corporate sources, as well as some who can offer fundraising advice, information & support. SEFF shares information and news about environmental fundraising in Scotland, to celebrate success & to discuss opportunities to influence & effect positive change. We provide funders with the chance to engage with the whole sector rather than individual charities via attendance at SEFF meetings, reaching therefore a wider-x-section of general funding streams & increasing advocacy opportunities for the environment & env’tal funding.	KPIs 1-8 & B, C, D, E	TFC Steven Gardner SWT, Alison Connolly RSPB, Wide membership varying attendance at meetings.
Sustainable Land Use TF Vision: to see a Sustainable Land Use strategy as a parent of all strategies with implications for, or guiding, land use.	ScotGov is continuing to implement the Land Use Strategy, pursuing various actions e.g. CAP reform, & has established 2 regional Land Use pilots in Aberdeenshire & Scottish Borders. Ensuring progress on the Strategy & its effective implementation will deliver a number of LINK strategic objectives and KPIs.	TF activity limited due to capacity; many MBs with an interest in the LUS are also those working on other areas, especially CAP & agric policy, woodland, landscape & deer policy. There remains a desire to continue oversight of LUS implementation generally. TFC (Vicki Swales) represents LINK on a steering group for the Aberdeenshire LUS & is in contact with the Borders pilot. Proposed activity includes: •Continuing to represent and promote MB’sviews on the Aberdeenshire LUS (now to summer 2014) •Attending the annual SG progress meeting in 2014 (usually June) •Undertaking a review of LUS implementation & progress in spring/summer 2014 ahead of a SG review likely to take place in 2015. The LUS is a 5 year Strategy which must be revised by March 2016. The TF has not met officially for some time, updates are covered in A TF meetings since membership is broadly the same:	KPIs 1 – 8, & B, C, D, E	TFC V Swales RSPB,NTS, Arch Scot, WTS, P’life, But’y Cons, WTS.	Depending on plans for a review, may seek DPF to commission work & publish. May request for Parl staff time to help promote to MSPs etc.	Will be part of joint TFs’ workshop in autumn to review Scotland’s approach to SLU
Wildlife Crime Task force	The TF research on current state of enforcement of wildlife crime in Scotland to be completed May, and published summer 2014 . Subsequent work will depend on the findings of the research but likely to include promotion and discussion with Government, Minister and other authorities involved. Likely to respond to consultation on SSPCA during 2014	TFC Eddie Palmer, SBadgers Depute– Ian Thomson RSPB. SWLG, NTS, SRSG, SWT, SCRA, F’life B’life, WDC.	Occasional, to aid organisation of meetings	To be identified once results of current research are available	May be scope SSPCA liaison over the report
Wildlife Forum Vision: Scotland’s natural heritage (land & sea) is complete in its diversity, with fully functioning ecosystems and resilient to accelerated environmental change.	Continue to develop the Species Champions initiative , seeking funding for a dedicated advocacy officer, to extend the initiative to business and youth sectors Prepare materials on Biodiversity Duty reporting Continue to influence new SRDP (with Agri TF) Potentially take forward outcomes of LINK&IUCN Peat workshop with further research.	KPIs 1 – 8, & B, C, D, E	TFC Deborah Long Pl’life, Depute Craig Macadam, Buglife, Bfly Cons, RSPB, Bat Cons, RZSS, SWT, Froglife. Others are involved with the Species Champions initiative.	Ongoing support of AO with Species Champions initiative Support of other LINK staff with funding bid.	joint working with ATF Force over SRDP revision. Collaborate with other TFs over maintaining biodiversity commitment	Species champ expansion will work with Youth Scot (subj to funds) Potential liaison with SG Biodiversity team over Biodiversity Reporting Liaison with SG Agri team over SRDP revision (lead ATF).
Woodland Task Force	TF anticipate a number of issues arising over 2014-15 working with other TFs: 1. (Agric TF) influencing the development and implementation of new SRDP over 2014 working in tandem. Focussing especially on the potential changes to the Forestry Challenge Fund elements of SRDP & the greening measures of Pillar I 2. With Env Gov Group, setting out a vision for the strategic future of the FCS, in line with principles of LINK’s “Governance Matters” & depending on the UK Gov’s actions. 3.Along with all of LINK to continue to fight the ScotGov’s drive to embed “Sustainable Economic Growth” into the heart of their work, & promote true sustainable development instead. TF may meet with Committee for Scotland. TF &and Envir Governance Group) will meet with Scot Govt (Bob Mac) in August to consider future structures for environmental governance	KPIs 1 – 8, & B, C, D, E	TFC Charles Dundas, WTS, RSPB, Arch Scot,NTS, Plantlife,SWT, JMT.	None needed	Work will overlap with the Governance, Planning & Agriculture TFs.	awareness of views of CONFOR on key topics will be useful. FC & SNH are key Gov agencies tho no specific direct working planned.
Other policy areas to be covered ad hoc during the year	Environmental Narrative	Board led –production of short hymn sheet on Sus Development.	KPIs 1 – 8, & B, C, D, E

Other work / initiatives / events involving Member Bodies and Task Forces Forums/Groups, Trustees, Staff
Work area	Work planned towards objectives of: sustainable Scotland; strong voice for environment; and effective, efficient, accountable network.	Specific tasks, targets, timings and indicators of progress where provided	KPIs relevant	Leader-ship and support	Staff roles/ Funding	Integration within LINK	Wider allies and liaison	Progress
Networking meetings	Quarterly: Updates between members, task force reports, review of priorities, political strategy review, integrating work areas, allocation of staff and £s resources. An EGM to amend LINK’s Memo and Articles will be arranged and held electronically	April August November (the annual strategic planning discussion) Jan 2015 June 2014	Esp 8, 10, D, G, I Others also relate	CO	Various in the preparation	Across the range of work	Occ invited audience, eg SNH board members for August
AGM	Election of trustees, appointment of President and Hon Fells, presentation of annual report and accounts, ratification of subscriptions for coming financial year.	28 November 2014	11, 13	CO	Various in the preparation	Part of annual gathering	Open to members
Scottish Environment Week 2015	The week aims to demonstrate to MSPs/Parliamentarians integration of environment and SD with social and economic wellbeing, and provide networking and soft lobbying opportunities for members to follow up during the year	Steering group agree theme June 2014 Staff Invite MB engagement June 2014 Staff seek sponsorship around theme & outline programme Summer 2014 Programme for 2015 organised by September 2014. Planning & invitations completed by December 2014 - members, MSPs, externals know what’s needed of them. After action review, compile report for members and funders (by April).	C, I	AM & AO with input from CO, DO, and steering group.	Delivered by staff. Extent of programme depends on sponsorship.	All members consulted & invited to input at various times over the year.	Historic Scotland, the National Parks, SNH, SEPA, Paarl Events Team.
Congress 2014	Annual event to build community among member bodies, with half-day conference on theme of overarching interest to members and invited audience, followed by social event	Theme of Landscape scale initiatives including re-wilding agreed April Board/Networking and steering group established. Speakers invited, programme prepared, circulated internally and to relevant externals. Followed by strategic planning meeting on day 2. Sponsorship to be sought for elements.	8 C, F, I	DO with input from steering group of trustees	Delivered by staff.	All members consulted and invited at early stage.	Externals invited as relevant to theme.
Workshops on topics prioritised by members and/or Board	Scope views on whether LINK collective work could address gaps identified by Strategic Planning meeting in 2013. Watching brief for other topics requiring workshop-treatment.	Amongst those already mooted are: Appropriate appraisal workshop – August 2014 Valuing nature workshop – Autumn 2014 Governance structures workshop – Oct/Nov 2014 Joint Links Conference, Glasgow – 22-23 October 2014 IndyRef Outcomes: LINK Discussion Day – 22 January 2015 Other possibles: Poss - Land use and management – Autumn 2014 Energy positions review	D, F, I	Staff organise workshops and support follow-up as resources allow.	Delivered by staff initially. Leads on outcomes agreed at workshops..	Open to all members	Topic specific, and for organisers to determine
Festive Reception 2014	With audiences across the sectors to celebrate work in which we are all involved	Organise for December 2014 with relevant players. Sponsorship to be sought.	C, I	AO & DO	Sponsored	Open to all members	Relationship building is the intent
Forums with Business	Build on call for shared space with business (Nov 2012) holding themed forums	A first forum on climate risk and investment is proposed; could be led through the Economics TF in wake of publication by LINK of carbon bubble report in autumn	4, 12	CO, FSO, AM & Board	Business sponsored / or LINK core	Open to members (c. 6 per forum)	Relationship building is the intent
Strategic Liaison at Board level	Build alliance across the wider policy community	In some cases, simply opening a door and looking to establish a relationship at strategic level (above the technical one at which TFs may know these stakeholders). Exploring areas where LINK and others may hold views in common as well as noting areas of differing views and reasons for. Potentially expanding ‘voice’.	B, C, E, 3, 4	President, Hon Fells, Trustees,	Coordinated by senior staff	Overarching effort to support network aims	This is the essence of the work	Board reviewed ‘mapping’ April – Ross will approach NFUS