KEY to ACRONYMS

MBs	Member Bodies (of LINK)	ATF	Agriculture Task Force
Reps	The main Representatives appointed to LINK by the member organizations	DTF	Deer Task Force
TFCs	Task Force (and Forum, or Group) Convenors	FWTF	Freshwater Task Force
CO	Chief Officer (Jen Anderson)	ETF	Economics Task Force
DO	Development Officer (Alice Walsh)	GG	Governance Group - including Legal Governance subgroup Parliamentary subgroup
AO	Advocacy Officer (Andy Myles – Daphne Vlastari from Jan 16)	LG	Land Group
FOM	Finance & Office Manager (Karen Paterson)	LTF	Landscape Task Force
AOA	Advocacy Office Administrator (Lisa Webb)	MTF	Marine Task Force
MOs	Marine Officers (Nick Underdown – Marine Policy and Engagement Officer, and Esther Brooker - Marine Policy Officer)	NPTF	National Parks Task Force (email group)
SEPO	Sustainable Economics Policy Officer (Phoebe Cochrane)	PTF	Planning Task Force
SEFF	Scottish Environmental Fundraisers Forum
SEW SG	Scottish Environment Week Steering Group	SLU TF	Sustainable Land Use TF
AAR	After Action Reviews	WiCTF	Wildlife Crime Task Force
PSR	Political Strategy Report	WiF	Wildlife Forum
OS	Organisational Supporters	WoF	Woodland Forum (email group)
BS	Business Supporters

Key Performance Indicators -

Strategic Outcome 1: National policy and its implementation are improved by evidence from, and the expertise of, environmental NGOs (formerly Advocating for a Sustainable Scotland)

Outcome KPIs

1.1 Extent to which LINK ‘asks’, messages and language are (known to be) used in parliamentary debate, FMQs and policy papers, and are reflected in the manifestos of the main political parties.

1.2 Level of M(S)P support for LINK network messages e.g. numbers of MSPs attending LINK events; Numbers expressing commitment to environmental issues; Number of LINK citations in official record of Parliament; Issues raised by LINK at meetings with decision-makers and opinion-formers are taken forward by policy makers.

1.3 Level of Scottish Parliament scrutiny of our delivery of environmental commitments e.g. Parliament scrutinises delivery against appropriate targets in Scotland’s National Performance Framework which includes Sustainable Development as outcome; 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; Other ‘asks’ for example the proposals set out in LINK’s ‘Governance Matters’ publication, are met.

1.4 Extent of Government cross-compliance across departments e.g. 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. Baseline: environmental measures in CAP/SRDP at 2015 are ‘not so good’

1.5 Extent to which participants and Task Forces in the network actively contribute to development of effective environmental policy.

1.6 Number and nature of new links with the ‘wider policy arena’ across civic Scotland.

Output KPIs:

1.7 Size and mix of audiences at LINK events (from among decision-makers, opinion formers and wider civic Scotland)
1.8 Level and frequency of LINK access to decision-makers including MSPs/MPs/MEPs, Ministers, senior government officials and business leaders E.g. regular meetings with Environment Minister continue; LINK is involved in relevant forums.
1.9 Number of collective position statements (including briefings, publications) that are published by LINK to decision-makers and civic society on key priorities reflecting the range and diversity of interests across the LINK network.
SNH6: Provide a gateway for Government and SEARS partners among others to enable them to engage with the voluntary environment sector efficiently through LINK as the Intermediary
SNH7: Provide evidence based feedback about how Scotland’s environmental objectives and obligations are faring through the various delivery mechanisms, via Ministerial and other meetings with officials, briefings and other LINK publications

Strategic Outcome 2: Environmental NGOs have increased capacity to contribute to effective, evidence-based policy (formerly Being a strong voice for Scotland’s citizen-led environment community).

Outcome KPIs:

2.1 Number of requests for LINK to contribute to relevant stakeholder groups/discussions confirming LINK profile/credibility.

2.2 Level of participation at and feedback from task force meetings, internal workshops and trainings arranged by LINK for members (on current issues, or skills needs).

2.3 Extent to which Task Force members are willing to be robust critics.

2.4 Level of improvement in negotiating skills, based on Task Forces identify their needs and these being addressed.

2.5 LINK’s ability to add value as a collective voice

2.6 LINK Elected Trustee positions are all filled from within the network, annually.

Also: 1.5 and 1.6 above.

Output KPIs:

2.7 Number of networking events/opportunities and members participating in them (e.g. information exchange, policy workshops and training, negotiating skills).

2.8 Number of opportunities afforded to meet and learn from other members.

2.9 Identifying clear and resource-able network priorities with members from among the identified collective concerns.

2.10 Number of collective position statements (including briefings, publications) that are published by LINK to decision-makers and civic society on key priorities reflecting the range and diversity of interests across the LINK network.

SNH1: Maintain a range of active task forces to be a forum for discussion and a platform for joint action, in which management of nature/environment forms a key element.

SNH2: Provide advocacy advice and coordinating support to task forces; horizon scanning of the broader socio-economic-environmental-political contexts at national and international levels; twice yearly political strategy reports for the Board and Network meetings; advice on advocacy strategy as task forces request it; ensuring regular reporting of progress on all topic areas; annual evaluation of task force activity to share learning across the network.

SNH3: Organise at least one training event (e.g. advocacy, media skills) for members annually, to improve members’ effectiveness in these areas

SNH4: Organise liaison meetings at strategic level with SNH and other SEARS/ENFOR partners (e.g. SEPA, FCS, National Parks, divisions within SG) a yearly basis; and with other key stakeholders in the policy community (e.g. land managers, faith groups, business interests, civic groups, academics, professions, trade unions, political parties, media, funding bodies) to establish relationships and build common cause for sustainability goals.

SNH8: Provide information to members through LINK’s membership and engagement with UK, EU and global networks to assist member bodies prepare for and react to changes in policy affecting Scotland’s environment.

Strategic Outcome 3: A more sustainable, efficient and effective network of environmental NGOS (formerly Operating as an effective, efficient and accountable network).

Outcome KPIs:

3.1 Number of citizen led national level eNGOs that are LINK members (i.e. leaving/joining/sustaining membership annually)

3.2 Extent to which members are aware of LINK priorities and opportunities to engage with these. Target: members are offered 1:1 meeting with a trustee annually.

3.3 Extent to which the network is live to the diversity of member interests and views, robust about dealing with consensus, confident in expressing positions e.g. internal discussion (Task Force meetings, Network meetings, Board meetings) regularly identifies where consensus matters and where consensus is not a goal.

3.4 Extent to which Task Force Work Plans are explicit about strengths and diversity in these groups

3.5 Extent to which LINK Task Forces/Forums/Groups/Projects plans and messages are harmonised, avoiding contradiction or duplication, collaborating when needed. Target: Active TF/Groups are consistently represented at quarterly Network meetings.

3.6 Extent to which Task Force Convenors are aware of the spread of members and are content that all relevant members are participating.

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

3.8 Breadth and blend of financial support for LINK from a range of sources (reduced reliance on any one source of income).

Also:2.6 above

Output KPIs:

3.9 An annual Network plan of the network’s intended work is prepared with Member, Taskforce and Board input, and is subject to twice yearly review and evaluation. Review should include the extent to which the plans are resourced and members’ have made commitment to implementing them.

3.10 There is proactive engagement by 90% of members in some area of LINK policy or governance annually. Baseline: 75% at 2012

3.11 Annual strategic planning meeting gives members a platform to present on their directions, allows the network to collectively sign off on 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

SNH5: Organising 4 network meetings per year at which stewardship of Scotland’s environment is discussed in the round by LINK members and task forces, plans are adjusted as events develop, further workshops are organised as needed, lessons are shared and new opportunities explored.

Work area	Work planned towards objectives of: improvement of national policy and implementation; improved capacity of network to contribute; & effective 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 – incl. potentially Food policy Vision: Working for sustainable agricultural systems that produce supplies of safe healthy food, protect natural resources & enhance wildlife, habitats & cultural heritage, & provide jobs in rural areas, contributing to a diverse rural economy.	4 main strands of work over year: 1. Scottish Food Coalition 2. Scottish Governments Vision for Agriculture 3. Future CAP 4. SRDP	1. Scottish Food Coalition: help establish & grow a SFC that brings together a broad spectrum of interested parties & civil society bodies from across the food system. We will use this coalition & its membership to call for a transformation of the Scottish food system from one that works for the few but not the many, to one that works for all of us. LINK will bring an aligned environmental perspective to this coalition on the production end of our food system. Activities for this coalition over the coming year (not all needing done by LINK – could just be supported by LINK) could include: Fringe events at party conferences Production of a Sustainable Food Atlas that serves as a manifesto Good Food demonstration march in Feb 16 to coincide with Berlin march Local hustings with a food focus. The 3 key themes that emerged from an initial meeting that the coalition might focus on were: 1. Human rights (peoples’ right to food as well as the rights of workers within the food industry) 2. Public goods (it’s not just about food as a commodity) 3. Short supply chains (shorter supply chains go further – environmentally and socially) 2. Scottish Govt Vision for Agriculture: SG in process of producing a VfA to 2025. We will proactively engage in its production with a view to ensuring it adequately represents the views of LINK & connects wi other relevant policy areas of interest to LINK, eg the Land Use Strategy). Process for production of the Vision & level of consultation unknown - announcement & publn of a ‘discussion’ doc expected at RHS (June). Dependant on content & level of consultation sought we will either use the channels offered by SG to bring the general public as well as the usual stakeholders into conversation & try to improve Vision or we will be openly critical of it & move on. 3. Future CAP: important LINK starts to think & talk about next CAP reform round now. 1st to ensure we have ducks in a row early, giving us max chance for max impact, & 2ndly it is important, as with the VfA, that conversation on next CAP extends beyond usual suspects. As such we will make this part of our ongoing meeting discussions & actively contribute to & potentially run or co-host events/discussion processes that focus on next CAP. We will do this with WCL & EU level partners where appropriate. 4. SRDP : Will continue to engage with SRDP & actively seek improvements where these are necessary & feasible: via ongoing membership & attendance of SG’s monitoring & oversight groups, attendance of groups est’d wi explicit purpose of revisiting key areas where these occur (i.e. targeting maps within AECS) & ongoing informal meetings wi relevant civil servants. We will consider more proactive activities if nec for securing important changes. In partic will keep watchg brief on: • Agri-Environment-Climate scheme • Environmental Cooperative Action Fund • Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund • Food Processing, Marketing and Cooperation Fund • Advisory Service We will consider direct use of these funds to further LINKS objectives & monitor how they are being implemented and to what end. We think there may be opportunities for member bodies to use the LINK network more effectively to deliver meaningful partnerships that could contribute positively to the Advisory Services & to deliver something quite exciting via the Knowledge Transfer & Innovation Fund i.e. a professional development qualification for land managers along the lines of ‘agro-ecology leadership programme’.	Convenor – Pete Ritchie, Nourish Scotland Depute – Amy Corrigan, RSPB Scotland Actively involved: RSPB, SWT, Nourish Arch Scotland, NTS APRS / SCNP Soil Assoc, PlantLife, SAGS, Butterfly Cons. We wish to proactively expand the ‘actively involved’ list above over the coming months, seeking expressions of interest from the whole LINK network.	funding from DPF for capacity to help with the Food Coalition work. Likely we will need admin assistance at a range of points over year to help with organising events/meetings & their promoting beyond the ATF. As yet unknown when this will be required.	Food Coalition work area needs x-comms between ATF & Marine TF. Started from Nov discs. Plan to keep MPAOs & Marine TFC informed of Food Coalition discussions. Monitoring & evaluation side of the SRDP work is of interest to Wi Forum, as is the biodiversity target mapping elements of Agri-Environment-Climate Scheme. Poss joint ATF & WF necessary again when the targeting group re-establishes. Deborah Long, WF TFC is on ATF correspondence list & input sought at relevant junctures.	All issues need spokes people beyond envt sector to secure real change. Via Food Coalition hope to generate good rels wi range of parties interested in wider food agenda not necly for env’l reasons. By lining up diff interests will better make case for change. Early conversations around FC show interest from churches, unions, social justice & animal welfare orgs. Anticipate working wi UK & EU colleagues (Arc 2020) on future CAP work & Food Coalition, both issues needing consideration from EU level down. Hope to work with WCL & Arc 2020 on CAP issues, & on food we will engage with & potentially draw members from (where UK orgs w’out Scot counterpart) existing informal ‘square meal’ coalition as well as Arc 2020.	March 2016 Update: Scottish Food Coalition: LINK funding allowed us to employ a coalition coordinator for 2 ½ days a week. With this dedicated resource the coalition has achieved a lot in a small amount of time & gained significant momentum. Specifically: A website has been developed: www.foodcoalition.scot A set of core principles agreed & signed up to A vision doc produced, published & distributed widely – Plenty: Food, Farming and Health in a New Scotland A launch event run for Plenty, which was designed to expand and strengthen the coalition (which it seemed to do effectively with a large number of attendees from across a range of interests including health and consumer watchdog) Main ask of a Food, Farming and Health Act been agreed, content started to be developed and generating political support Coalition ‘membership’ expanded – this is an ongoing process as is establishing our own structures and processes so that we can tell people easily what they are signing up to and how we work Attendance at party conferences via member organisations Fringe event at SNP conference Parliamentary debate on food Food, Farming and Health Act in Green party manifesto. Nourish secured funding through Tudor Trust to maintain secretariat support for the food coalition 2 days/week for next 2 years. SRDP: Ongoing input to stakeholder meetings around various elements of the SRDP and proactive work in some areas when needed i.e. briefing on the scoring system for AECs. Attendance of these ongoing meetings (SRDP Monitoring and Evaluation Steering Group, SRDP Monitoring & Evaluation agri-environment sub-group, ScotGov quarterly LINK SRDP catch ups, RDOC, JPMC, NPAC) is now our main contact with and link into SRDP and what’s happening with it. Attending these meetings is now our main opportunity for finding out what is happening with regards SRDP & having any influence over it – this includes what is happening with funding & how distributed between schemes, how schemes are being monitored & what SG plans are for i.e. rolling out the organic action plan. It is difficult to assess what real progress is being made by attending these meetings however, probably best summed up as it sometimes allows us to head of the worst before it happens & gives us some opportunity to make improvements but admittedly this is probably quite limited. CAP etc: No LINK response to SGs future of agriculture document. Individual member orgs submitted their own. Meeting 7 April to discuss forward plans.
Climate Adaptation	Work on this is completed. Email group is being retained for information purposes. Jim Densham happy to be contacted as lead for any moments where a LINK action is required.
Deer TF Vision: Ensure sustainable populations of native deer species which play positive roles in Scottish ecosystems & contribute to rural economy	Contribute to revision of Wild Deer Strategy Test new system of Deer Management Planning by contributing to DMG consultations. If Deer Code standards are not working, we will increase public advocacy. RACCE has supported voluntary approach to DMP at least until 2016. Thereafter we will review progress and position. Work with ADMG on some common ground initiatives including DMP and deer densities. In the process of agreeing a statement with ADMG. Work with SNH on their facilitated process to improving DMP Use our 6 Key Attributes of a Better DM System as our key policy document.	TFC Duncan Orr-Ewing, RSPB, NTS, SWT, WTS, RAS and C’gorms Campaign	None	Forestry Policy Group on shared agenda, Private estates with conservation agenda. Deer Management Round Table SNH Wildlife Mgt Team	Main area has been input to wider Land Reform Bill through to stage 3. Priorities ahead are: SNH review of Deer Management Planning progress. RACCE and Ministerial engagement Authorisations responses. Made by individual organisations rather than LINK Deer TF. Removal of lead ammunition from deer management.
Economics TF Vision: influence the current debate on economics in Scotland.	Seeking to influence the debate around economics in the direction of sustainability.	Flourishing Scotland project – improvement of National Performance Framework better use of it, promotion of SD not SEG Valuation of natural capital – assist LINK members come to a view of these; e.g. Ecosystems Services and Natural Capital Economic Policy and LINK TF plans – mapping of one against the other; improved use of economic arguments by LINK members and TFs; economic support for said Budget scrutiny – develop LINK’s capacity for this Carbon Bubble – publish and promote report; advocacy based on that Circular Economy – scope value of a LINK input to promote this	Convenor: Matthew Crighton, FoES Depute Convenor: Bruce Wilson, SWT FoES, RSPB Plantlife WWF SWT WTS SCNP	Project funded for 3 years by FPF Mgt of Flourishing Scotland project Support with Advocacy Strategy	Yes on issues about use of Nat Capital concept & tools; similarly Valuation of Ecosystems Services –differing views in network. Feb 15 workshop discussed, & how to articulate S.D in practice – joint meeting with Planning TF an option & x-fertilisation with other TFs	Oxfam, STUC & Carnegie are partners in the work on NPF Round Table. A large number of orgs supported our NPF Briefing. NPF Round Table main interface wi’ S Gov & SNH. Meeting wi SEPA planned. Liaison with FoE EWNI over envl indics	March 2016 Update: National Performance Framework: input to discussions on indicators. SG published revised Framework, March16, with 5 new indicators. LINK PR welcomed new environmental indicators. Prepared paper for MBs ‘How to use the National Performance Framework’. Circular Economy: Commissioned review of SG approach to the CE and its strengths and weaknesses with regard to the environment. Responded to SG consultation (Oct 2015), welcomed increased environmental emphasis in the SG CE Strategy published Feb 2016. Published our commissioned review (by Andrew Llanwarne) March 2016. Investment Gap: Workshop Dec 2015 outlined work done on investment needed in various sectors to bring them in line with ‘low carbon’ objectives, & some ways investment might be raised. Write-up and paper on our website. Wrote discussion paper on Biodiversity Offsetting on members’ website and flagged to members. Other: input to Marine Group Valuation workshop and offer of similar workshop to Land Group, input to UFF Sub-group stakeholder meeting, input on Social Justic. Manifesto work: input on text and then in meetings with political parties
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 had paused in early 2014. Recognising importance of some imminent consultations, incl. 2nd cycle River Basin Management Plans for Scotland, reps of 6 organisations support a new limited outline plan. Capacity is stretched so the group will network by email to sign up to responses. These are likely to be based on material produced by their own organisations, tailored and edited to provide more generic reasoning. If this approach works and is considered successful & to add value to NGO responses a further forward plan produced. Subject to agreement, responses produced will be circulated to other LINK members to see if they would be interested in signing up to them & perhaps then also participating in further work of the group.	This approach will be tried for WFD relevant consultations: The draft 2nd cycle RBMPs. These 2 docs, one for the 'Scotland' river basin, the other for the 'Borders' river basin are due end November 2014 with a 4 month consultation period. May outline 3 scenarios representing different paces of investment and progress towards the 2027 targets. If two of these scenarios would result in the 2027 targets, which already seek to achieve less than full compliance with the Directive's aims, being missed, then consistently strong pressure will be needed to encourage at least retention of the current limited objectives. Legislation & Study sites – Due end November 2014 for 12wks. SEPA will be looking for more legal powers & a broader legislative framework to aid the delivery of WFD objectives. The consultation will also cover the process for selecting water body studies – sites currently in poor or bad condition, where SEPA can investigate in detail pressures and solutions. Results will not be available in time for the RBMP but will influence future planning cycles. Water Scarcity Plan – Due end November 2014 for 12 weeks. Consideration of water quantity in relation to both supply availability and flooding issues is integral with WFD aims. Standards for designated Natura and relevant SSSI sites. – Due end of November for 12 weeks. By default, in absence of information about the specific requirements of notifiable species, normal WFD standards are presently applied to all designated sites. This consultation will consider potential at mismatches between these standards and those actually required by relevant notifiable species at designated sites within catchments, and what should be done to correct them. These will be substantial documents likely to influence national policy for more than the next decade, so well-reasoned responses backed by LINK will be essential to achieve the best practicable outcomes which will be supportive of the LINK KPI.	TFC Tom Leatherland SWLG, Depute Sheila George RSPB, WWT, Froglife, Buglife, NTS	Close comms with MTF to ensure respective outputs on RBMPs are consistent. Comms with ATF members (not represented on FWTF) over draft responses.	No further action. The FWTF membership has been amalgamated with the Wildlife Subgroup by agreement.
Governance Group, which includes: Parliamentary Subgroup & Legal Governance Subgroup	Focus is on broad issues flagged in Governance Matters (2010), steadily (often on slow burn basis) pursuing issues.	Work will focus on opportunities for LINK members including: - Constitutional debate: future powers & processes affecting Scotland environment - Westminster elections 2015 to secure gains for Scotland’s environment - Holyrood elections 2016 to secure gains for Scotland’s environment - Exploring and challenging situation around quasi charities - Exploring and challenging situation individuals operating in the public domain and their membership of NGOs / and how the role of FoI in relation - Environmental courts, access to justice	LWA of RSPB convenes. MChurch FoES convenors Legal sub-group. WWFS, RS, PD, Plantlife, FOES, WTS, Sustrans, others sign up to various outputs	Advocacy staff support	Focusses relate to all areas of LINK work and opportunities can arise almost anywhere.	Steered LINK work for Holyrood elections, including drafting and publication of manifesto based around 6 asks for sustainability. Held manifesto discussions with all Holyrood political parties. Planned the Hustings to be held on 13/4/16 chaired by Joyce McMillan. Pursuing improved legal strategy through discussion with practitioners about change needed and avenues for that, including possible Environment Law Centre Scotland, and through SG’s consultation at spring 2016. Prepared referendum challenge in relation to the UK’s EU referendum, explored scope for joint work with other Links. This work is continuing at spring 2016. Tracked development & ramifications of the Westminster Lobbying Act & the Lobbying (Scotland) Act making inputs where important and keeping members informed. Continuing to pursue where opportunity arises our interest in more robust scrutiny as part of Scotland’s environmental governance, and also greater meaningful scope for public participation in decision making.
Hilltracks (subgroup of PTF and LTF)	As a result of our campaign we have achieved our objective of bringing Hilltracks into the planning system to some extent - Minister decided on the Prior Notification [PN] option. While this falls well short of our aim to make all Hilltracks require full planning application and consideration, and thereby to achieve better environmental regulation and a more equitable democratic procedure, we appreciate that this is a significant step and that at the very least it indicates recognition that the current situation is unsatisfactory and requires change. We do not intend to leave matters at this outcome however, and will continue to pursue our aims. The following activities have been identified and will be addressed over the next 18 months.	A. We have actively engaged and expect [though await confirmation] that we shall have a place (have requested 3 places) in the government stakeholder group to consider proposals and devise guidance to assist and inform relevant parties to deliver on the requirements of the PN process. We are finalising our own proposed guidance before the first meeting - robust and thorough “top line” demands on which to base negotiations & give us a headstart. May release ahead of 1st meeting of group. B. Maintaining archive of cases via Calum Brown who will add to the reference evidence as more photos & reports become available. C. Continuing to highlight the problem on our websites [& those of MCofS, & online groups such as Walkhighlands and UKHillwalking] & to invite evidence for the campaign. To maintain impact this will be refreshed at times, eg in spring when the snow melts from uplands we’ll ask hillwalkers & others who take recreation in the hills to be vigilant for new tracks being dug or existing ones being maintained or improved & to send us details including location & photographic evidence. D. Will seek opportunities for further publicity and lobbying & keep our MSP supporters [a few] posted. E. The proposed change to PN has yet to go through the legislative process. This will need to be scrutinised, & the planning specialists especially on PTF & LTF will be involved in this hopefully. F. Once the above has taken place then there will need to be scrutiny over implementation & monitoring of delivery. It is anticipated that this will be fairly onerous & close vigilance undoubtedly required. This work will involve observing progress, success, good practice & identifying problem areas across several Scottish local authorities. G. Will put in place a monitoring process. May involve, eg, enlisting support from memberships of LTF and PTF who could scrutinise local authority planning application websites, observe trackworks on the ground, then collate and record etc. H. Will evaluate how effective our advocacy strategy was during our campaign & whether we could improve on it in future activity.	Co-convenors Helen RS & Beryl for SWLG with APRS, CC NEMT RSPB SCNP NTS	Advice & support on advocacy strategies and parli/gov’ce procedures on ongoing basis (but not major input) May seek support for point G though not necessarily from LINK	TF/campaign members of one mind on fundamentals so consensus is good to date. Several members of PTF LTF work together, and there is good overlap in membership of the TFs, and the National Parks TF. No dedicated meetings in foreseeable future but communicate via e-mail and by occasional update at each of the 2 TF meeting as required.	MCofS, not a LINK member, was a driver on the issue. Their role to be reviewed as campaign invigorates. Other groups include FC, SLE, NFUS, gamekeeper groups, NPs. Have tried and failed to meet with SLE to date. In frequent comms and liaison with officials, keep SNH informed informally ?scope to compare notes with joint Links despite different planning systems	March update: 1. Monitoring – we continue to monitor the planning websites of 14 planning authorities, using a group of volunteer trackers & our own sub-group members. Beryl keeps a data record of this monitoring & between Beryl, George, Helen we look into any track prior notifications or planning applications which may be of concern. We have made comments on several tracks to planning authorities both as LINK and as our own member bodies. 2. Review of legislation – we took part in a stakeholder meeting hosted by Scot Gov to look into the review of the legislation being carried out by consultants. This included submitting a response to the survey, & a response to an update of SNH guidance on hill track construction. This review is due to be published in the spring.
Land Group Vision: Land management which meets SD goals whatever the ownership	Land management workshop in Dec 14 agreed need for a TF (and Bill Team for input to the Land Reform legislation) taking input from relevant TFs.	Land group draws on people from various TFs. Group will be drafting a response on all sections of the Land Reform Bill for submission by 14 August 2015. A Bill Team will be drawn from active members for Stages 2 and 3 in Autumn 2015. Preliminary discussions held on Advocacy strategy at June 2015 meeting as Bill proceeds. Helen Todd (RS) was Convener, with Andy Myles providing support from LINK. New Land Group (post November Strategic Planning meeting) met Jan 2016 to agree ways forward, which has led to some merging of Subgroups.	TFC Helen Todd RS, NTS, RSPB, SWT, Nourish, LTF convenor, DTF convenor, WTS. Others on email list for info & input where poss.	AM support	Land Group covers a wide range of interests within LINK, links to other TFs - SLUTF, DTF, ETF, Wi Forum, Wi Crime.	•3 key priority action groups have been formed with lead members for each one; The future of Agriculture, led by Pete Ritchie; Land Use, Reform and Landscape, led by John Thomson; and Biodiversity Mainstreaming, led by Deborah Long. • A response has been submitted to the Scottish Government’s consultation on the Land Use Strategy. Now, over the Summer and Autumn the group will look for a regional land use framework project to promote. • The Landscape subgroup is using the Scottish election due in May 2016 as an opportunity to lobby for the formation of a Scottish landscape forum and a landscape charter. • A number of amendments to the Land Reform Bill were secured thanks to LINK’s advocacy, including amendments to the deer management section of the Bill which were promoted by some individual members of the LINK Deer Task Force rather than officially through LINK. The next step is to start influencing the drafting of the Land Rights and Responsibilities statement and the setting up of the Scottish Land Commission. • The October 2015 Agriculture TF briefing on LINK’s vision for the socio-economic & environmental aspects of agriculture is being refreshed ahead of a new approach to stakeholders & decision makers in 2016. One approach will be to discuss the context of EU Membership on agriculture (in a non-partisan way, of course). • A Cross Party Group on Agro-Ecology should be established. • Individual responses to the Scottish Government’s restructure of the Biodiversity and Land Use committee structures have been submitted • Post-election the Species Champions scheme will be relaunched and funding sought to maintain the Species Champion co-ordinator post. • The issue of meaningful delivery on the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy needs to be kept to the fore with a biodiversity delivery report card.
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 and 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 that the UK Gov made when it ratified the European Landscape Convention & that it abides by the spirit and 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. TF members will work together to consider how most effectively to pursue all these goals and to take the necessary action. Estab of a landscape forum would provide an ideal opportunity to engage with wider audience and to thrash out practical implications of this aspect of greater environmental sustainability.	Topics on which TF anxious to see progress over next 18 months include: an affirmation by all political parties of the value and importance of Scotland’s landscapes in the run-up to the 2016 Scottish Parliament elections, together with a commitment to their better care in accordance with the precepts of the ELC; re-establishment of some form of inclusive forum (embracing the public, voluntary and private sectors) as a mechanism for identifying and promoting actions needed to achieve this goal; wider adoption by public, private and voluntary bodies of “Scotland’s Landscape Charter”, either in its present or an updated form; finalisation, with as broad a basis of support as can be achieved across the LINK membership, of a statement on landscape and energy designed to ensure that Scotland’s economy is not de-carbonised at the expense of its wealth of fine landscapes; realisation in practice of the degree of protection for Scotland’s “wild land” apparently offered by the latest SPP and in NPF3; implementation of the Scottish Government’s commitment to introduce a prior notification regime for “agricultural” and forestry tracks in the hills and uplands and its effective implementation by local authorities; translation of the aspirations of Scotland’s Land Use Strategy into effective action on the ground, with adequate regard to landscape interests; adoption in the implementation of the latest round of CAP reforms of as many measures as feasible to conserve and enhance Scotland’s farmed landscapes and to safeguard their character and quality; greater weight for landscape and seascape interests in planning for the future use of Scotland’s coastal and marine environments; inclusion in party manifestoes for the 2016 Holyrood elections of a commitment to developing a National Parks Strategy for Scotland and to expanding the family of national parks across the country. TF has useful links with the Landscape Institute Scotland - helpful re any new forum. Other contacts likely to come through individual TF members, UK and intl networks are less well-developed in the landscape field than in the biodiversity one. Jon Wordsworth is in contact with Civilscape, he & other MBs keep eye on activities elsewhere in the UK & Europe that could be relevant to TF work. Our developing relationship with LIS could well provide an entree to other networks and initiatives that would help to inform our work and further our objectives.	TFC: John Thomson APRS/SCNP,Depute Beryl Leatherland SWLG. Archaeology Scotland NTS, RS, SCRA	Advice on how best to build support & lobby politically for these specified objectives (ongoing but not unduly onerous). Some assistance may be required in finalising & securing as broad a basis of support as possible for the proposed Landscape and Energy Statement (hopefully only a limited task following discussion of latest revised text at TF meeting on 13 November).	Landscape & Energy Statement. Landscape in the LUS & CAP: liaison with the Agric & Land Use TFs is important (assisted by TFC’s & others membership of all 3 TFs). Hill tracks & Wild Land: liaison with Planning TF desirable, as on many issues. Coastal & marine planning: liaison with MTF & PTF likely needed. National Parks: primarily an issue for NPTF but LTF wish to be kept in the picture as things progress (overlap in membership should help here).	Resp for landscape care extends widely incl to bodies concerned with built and nat envt & cultural & nat heritage. This is a key challenge for ldscape work. Dearth of other orgs dedicated to championing means task of generating nec comtmt across society is tough. Esp imp. Now that landscape is recognised as 1 key component of “cultural services” in ecosystem services model & “natural capital” .	We are on the point of signing off our Landscape and Wind Energy Statement, as amended to reflect the context set by the LINK Consensus on Climate Change and Energy. We have secured widespread support for the creation of more national parks in Scotland amongst the political parties, though we have yet to see how many beyond the Conservatives, who are already pledged to do so, will include a commitment to this in their election manifestos (relevant also to the work of the now disbanded National Parks Task Force). As yet no obvious progress on other fronts, although Ministerial and appeals decisions on wind farm cases during this period suggest that rather more weight is being given to landscape (including wild land) considerations.
Marine TF Vision: healthy, well-managed seas, where wildlife is flourishing, ecosystems are protected, connected and thriving, and coastal communities are sustained.	MPAs: SG consultation Nov 14 for 3 months presenting revised mgt options for MPAs & SACs – concern that many of these options will not go far enough to adequately protect, or recover, the sea life in MPAs. TF members launched a new public campaign to highlight the long-term benefits of stronger protection within MPAs. Public support for more ambitious mgt of MPAs & SACs in Scot waters will be vital to make our new MPAs effective. Over next 18 months, will be several similar opps for TF to engage on and push for more ambition for marine conservation through MPAs – see across: National Marine Plan The RACCE committee will scrutinise the NMP around December 2014 and we anticipate engagement in a similar way to the committee’s scrutiny on MPAs in August 2014:	Marine Protected Areas: February/March 2015 – 2nd batch stakeholder forums on management for remaining inshore MPAs July 2015 – public cons on 2nd batch mgt April/May? 2015 – cons on 4 proposed MPAs (3 for mobile species) & 14 SPAs for seabirds February/March 2016 – cons on mgt of remaining inshore MPAs TF initiated plans to engage more with Scotland’s marine tourism industry in Scotland, particularly yachters, to help raise public profile of MPAs amongst these marine users and seasonal visitors to Scotland. Anticipate this will involve the development of an information product which will be an on-going process over the next 12-18 months. MTF members putting forward Masters (MSc) project proposals in Nov 2014 on various areas of research relating to MPAs to help support & contribute to the growing scientific evidence base for MPA features & how to manage them. MTF have on-going engagement with other stakeholders, particularly around fisheries mgt (e.g. SIFT and Clyde 2020). Also been working on building better relations with members of the commercial fishing industry. National Marine Plan Written briefing for MSPs 1:1 meetings with committee members prior to the scrutiny process to provide a more detailed brief of our concerns and expectations of the NMP Participation in a stakeholder evidence session The NMP due early 2015, when we will provide a press release and a campaign update for memberships TF is planning an event around the NMP in early Feb 2015- a workshop/discussion forum & will provide opp to engage with a wider planning stakeholder base throughout Scotland & take forward some workshop outputs that will provide information on planning perspectives &suggested actions for resolving marine planning challenges and delivery of regional planning.	TFC: Calum Duncan MCS, Depute TFC Sarah Dolman WDC, HWDT, MCS, NTS, SOC, RSPB, SWT, WWFS, WDCT (all required to sign off work) Ad hoc Support also from Buglife & SCAPE Trust.	Supported by 1 FT & 1 4 day week Marine Officer posts on policy dev’t & on comms & engagement	TF developing int collective position on aspects of fisheries mgt (deep sea fishing regs), as recent nat & EU devs could impact MPA mgt. Ideally requires dev of consensus, but some MBs are active in other nat & internat coalitions. MPOs are facilitating collective action to take forward as TF.	TF works with JLinks at UK level eg on ecological coherence of MPA networks & MSFD. June 2014 doc tb updated to incl Scottish MPAs & new MCZs (Jan 15). TF has good indivl & collective links w academic insts & researchers. go to events & building science-based advocacy. MBs liaise with SNH on scientific work that supports their evidence base for MPAs. Works with local & nat NGOs (COAST, SIFT, Client Earth), - info exchange, supporting ind initiatives & advocacy actions & developing joint advocacy on mar issues. regular bilaterals w Marine Scot & SNH on MPAs & NMP	1. Clear guidance for the development of RMPPs so that they can deliver ecosystem-based Regional Marine Planning that contributes to the protection &, where appropriate, enhancement of the health of Scotland’s seas Progress: Living with the Seas report – publication imminent – expected April 5th. Engagement plan for Regional MPPs developing with ongoing refresh to advocacy strategy. 2. Better integration between marine & terrestrial planning &of sectoral plans, particularly for inshore fishing, within marine plans. Progress: still work in progress, & digesting recent publication of Pentland Firth & Orkney waters Plan, National Marine Plan – lessons learnt documents Currently re-developing workplan to include a fisheries vision to enable more proactive advocacy & engagement with fisheries within context of RMPs, This is supported by seafloor integrity report which has been put out to successful tender & for which a MPA Fighting Funding has been approved to help with promotion/dissemination. 3. The Scottish MPA network to meet OSPAR-level criteria of Ecological Coherence. Progress: on-balance satisfactory fisheries management for a subset of inshore ncMPAs secured in past 6 months, a delayed – but large – SAC now proposed for harbour porpoise, & a proposed Demonstration and Research MPA around the Fair Isle put to consultation - but significant work on MPA network still required: • Second batch of management measures for inshore sites (for less sensitive features, such as sandy seabed types, & bottlenose dolphins and seals) • Establishing management for 13 offshore MPAs • Consultation on the designation of a further 4 MPAs, 3 of which are for iconic mobile & migratory species such as the minke whale, basking shark & Risso’s dolphin. • Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) for vulnerable harbour porpoise populations • Progressing the designation of 14 Special Protected Areas for seabirds in Scotland Alongside - ad hoc scrutiny of precedent-setting licensing applications for other activites - advocacy on enforcement/resourcing of fisheries management - advocacy on marine monitoring programme 4. Sea Scotland Conference in June 2016 Progress: progressing very well. High profile speakers secured. Venue in place. Conference app in development.
Planning TF Vision: that the Scottish land use planning system contributes to a more environ-mentally sustainable society	Now that NPF and SPP have been published the PTF intends to focus on progressing towards the introduction of a more equal right of appeal in the planning system, along with wider improvements to access to justice.	Work plans to be developed around: Equal rights of appeal Access to justice	Aedan Smith, RSPB, convenor, Clare Symons PD, Depute, BSCG, APRS, RS Buglife FoES, NTS Froglife WTS SCNP, SWT SWLG, SBT	None specifically anticipated. Occasional advice from parli staff	Will develop a strategy for engagement with others over equal rights of appeal issue Anticipate ongoing contact with SG Planning Div and relevant planning staff in agencies, eg SNH	Independent Planning Review has been main focus. Briefing prepared in October for the Panel. Met December to discuss response to planning. Submitted written and oral evidence to Independent Planning Panel. Attended RTPI planning forum to discuss modernisation agenda. Submitted response to consultation on planning for housing infrastructure. Also Responded to a consultation from Bidwells on research to permitted development rights and planning guidance for electronic communications infrastructure. Meeting next on 6 May.
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’t	Does not see itself as needing a plan, as a mechanism for information exchange and organising talks by funders. As such SEFF cannot be asked to pursue policy objectives by the rest of the network.	TFC Steven Gardner SWT, Alison Connolly RSPB, Wide members vary attendance at meetings.	Meetings held in December and March. Considered a LINK response to SCVO’s consultation on fundraising regulation. Likely members will respond individually.
Social Justice	November Strategic Planning meeting agreed we needed to consider in practical terms how LINK’s agenda chimes or otherwise with the social justice agenda.	Held discussions in December and March to consider scope for Social Justice work within LINK, Group’s potential area of engagement and future outputs. Will bring rec to May networking. Discussed and then submitted response to Fairer Scotland consultation in Jan 2016.
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.	Met 16/12/14 to clarify plans and capacity. TF met in Feb 2015 to agree a forward work programme to influence SGov’s review of the LUS.	1.Organise a workshop/seminar (1/6/15) bringing together land use pilots and other projects and initiatives to draw out lessons and best practice to inform revised LUS. 2. Meet with Scottish Government officials leading LUS review process April/May 3. Attend Scottish Government LUS meeting in June 4. Respond to Scottish Government consultation on draft LUS for 2016-2020 5. Secure Parliamentary scrutiny of draft LUS in Autumn 2016 Meet with key MSPs to advocate key asks for revised LUS	TFC V Swales RSPB, NTS, Arch Scot, WTS, P’life, But’y Cons, WTS. AS input was via JW who left end Sept.	Funding from DPF to contribute to workshop, co-financed by RSPB and other TF members. Will require Parl staff time to help promote to MSPs etc.	Will engage with other relevant TF’s e.g. Planning, Agriculture, Deer and Landscape when preparing response to consultation and identifying our recommendations for new LUS.	Workshop in June will engage SNH, NPAs & others. Will also liaise with SLE, NFUS & others to gauge other stakeholder positions and interest.	Please see under Land Group above. On SLU specifically the seminar was held in December, to connect the land use and land reform agendas better. LINK response to the consultation submitted Jan 2016.
Unconventional Fossil Fuels Subgroup	Pursuing LINK’s Planning TF’s briefing of 2013 in support of a moratorium on fracking in Scotland, which was then established.	Be included as a stakeholder in the moratorium process. The intention is to bring in expertise from the relevant groups and offer opportunities to participate in relevant parts of the unconventional gas consultation and public review process that will take place throughout this year and into 2017.	Co-led by M Church FoES and A Morrison RSPB, with input from Buglife, SWLG, Economics Group and others	AO cc’d and would be involved in relation to advocacy plans	Draws on other relevant work areas within LINK in order to provide expertise as needed in the moratorium process	Established the subgroup February 2016. The group is very recently formed. To date has: Written to the ScotGov to ensure that LINK is treated as a stakeholder in the consultation process, & received positive response. Engaged in initial consultation workshops with consultants commissioned to undertake independent studies on 3 aspects of the UG review (seismicity, economic impacts & decommissioning) Begun drafting LINK positions on the above aspects which will be further developed
Wildlife Crime Task force	TF is concerned with wildlife crime by badger baiters, or by farmers, foresters and developers and the under-reported nature of wildlife crime. For some years, perceptions have been of declining police interest & presence – calls from the public are not taken seriously or recorded and crimes perpetrated go un-investigated and un-recorded. We hope to attempt to rectify the situation around wildlife and environmental crime.	This TF published its reports in Feb 15 on the state of enforcement in Scotland in 2014. Advocacy plan agreed in April, focussing round promoting findings and recommendations of these reports with Government, Police and law enforcers.	TFC Eddie Palmer, SBadgers Depute– Ian Thomson RSPB. SWLG, NTS, SRSG, SWT, SCRA, F’life B’life, WDC	Advice on advocacy strategy	Difficult to say until the results of the current research are known	SSPCA liaison	March Update: no action in past 6 months. Merged with Wildlife Subgroup since January Land Group discussions. CO wrote to RACCE in Jan 2016, picking up on evidence from Police Scotland and COPFS at its hearing the previous week to consider the SG’s Wildlife Crime Report for 2014. We are concerned at public criticising the LINK reports with no right of reply, have put down a marker for RACCE to consider our comments in its report. Will pursue this, after the May 2016 elections.
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 Species Champions initiative to look at business and youth engagement. Prepare funding bid for a dedicated advocacy officer Contribute to Scottish Biodiversity Strategy groups (principally the Habitats and Species Group) and report back to Link Work with RSPB Scotland on the State of Nature response project Develop advocacy on Peat with others Co-ordinate Scottish LINK input to Joint Links collaboration over the EC Review of the Birds and Habs directives from winter 2014	TFC Deborah Long Pl’life, Depute Craig Macadam, Buglife, Bats, Bfly Cons, RSPB, Bat Cons, RZSS, SWT, Froglife WTS 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 over SRDP revision. With Joint Links on Directives	LINK represented on Scottish Biodiversity Committee, SBS delivery groups & INNS group	In October we got LINK funding (DPF) to employ an intern for the Species Champions initiative. This enabled us to undertake a number of activities. Advocacy plans for Species Champions and Wildlife Proclamation developed as her workplan. We reviewed the Species Champions Initiative & made recommendations for its continuation after the 2016 Holyrood elections. We organised & delivered a ‘thank you’ reception for Species Champions during Scottish Environment Festival. We developed & re-established the Wildlife Proclamation campaign which asks Holyrood candidates to stand up for wildlife if they are elected. The existing separate Wildlife Proclamation website was integrated in to the LINK website & materials for ‘Nature Café’ events developed. We are planning for the relaunch of the Species Champions initiative following the elections. Subgroup contributed to discussions on priorities within the Land Group. Wildlife Subgroup will lead on Biodiversity issues in connection with Land Group priorities. Met SG on pollinator strategy & submitted a response. Met SNH on Protected Areas strategy & submitted a response. Scottish Biodiversity Strategy governance is under review and whilst the new structures have been communicated the membership of these groups has not been finalised. We do know that LINK (Deborah Long) will continue to chair the Habitats and Species Group & that the Non-native species group will continue as before.
Woodland Forum	Ongoing engagement with FCS through STHAG on tree health and CRG on SRDP & the Minister through LINK regular meetings. Also active engagement with the delivery of the NWSS response programme of actions through FCS and the SBS. The ideas on “The Future of Forestry” in Scotland as set out in the discussion paper which LINK promoted in 2013-14 were advanced to promote discussion. As these were not intended to be a consensus view of members in the Woodland Forum, it would be useful to try and establish a position paper during 2015 which achieves consensus support on the future for forestry in Scotland post splitting up of the FC at GB level.	TFC Charles Dundas - tbc next meeting. WTS, RSPB, Arch Scot, NTS, SWT Plantlife	None anticipated at this point	No plans at this point	Primarily FCS, poss LU team at SG. No work with EEB, IUCN at the moment. Possibility has been explored.	No action over the period.

Other work / initiatives / events involving Member Bodies and Task Forces Forums/Groups, Trustees, Staff
Work area	Work planned towards objectives of: improvement of national policy and implementation; improved capacity of network to contribute; & effective 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.	23 April 2015 27 August 17 November Annual strategic planning discussion. Tbc Jan 2016	CO	Various in the preparation	Across the range of work	Occ. invited audience, eg SNH board members	Very good attendance for Strategic Planning November meeting which agreed structural changes to TFs. January Network meeting well attended, progressed discussions on priorities and structures, important comms.
AGM	Elect trustees, appoint President & Hon Fells, present annual report & accounts, ratify subscriptions for coming financial year.	17 November 2015	CO	Various in the preparation	Part of annual gathering	Open to members	Good attendance by members. Joyce McMillan elected President; new Hon Fellows appointed. Lucy Graham (SWT) elected a trustee. Subs ratified.
Scottish Environment Festival 2016	This Week-long programme 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 May 2015, Staff Invite MB engagement June 2015. Staff seek sponsorship around theme & outline programme July 2015. Programme for 2016 organised by September 2015. Planning & invitations completed by December 2015 - members, MSPs, externals know what’s needed of them. After action review, compile report for members and funders (by April).	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 NPs, SNH, Parli Events Team.	SEF included 2 seminars and Reception doubled as a thank you to MSP Species Champions. Good attendance. RS & PfA organised seminar on 3 March on active health. RPPB/NTS/SCAPE steered Landscapes seminar on 25 Feb. Funding for elements from HES, Calor, PfA Report on website.
Congress 2015	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 to be agreed by April 2015 Board/Networking. Speakers invited, programme prepared, circulated internally and to relevant externals. Followed by strategic planning meeting on day 2. Sponsorship to be sought for elements.	DO with steering group of trustees	Delivered by staff.	All members consulted and invited at early stage.	Externals invited as relevant to theme.	Congress held November, well attended by members & guests. Good discussions, report circulated to all comers, on website. November 2016 Congress likely to have social justice theme. Steering Group/location all tbc.
Joint Links – better federal working	Increased liaison, designed to help each Link improve services, and to support all the Links in their relationship building and advocacy at country-level, and with UK and EU audiences	More contact between Secretariats, Chairs, policy & advocacy leads. Joint effort to scope EU funding for a joint Links EU officer/project. Joint effort to scope UK trust funding for Links roles to their members. Federal work on EC review of Habs & Birds Directives (via Wildlife Forum in Scotland) and any further areas subsequently identified by the Links. Develop dialogue with Irish Environmental Network.	CO, AO, TFCs and Trustees	Delivered by staff, some TF players, trustees	Network kept informed of joint initiatives, and progress at strategic level	WCL, NIEL, WEL are the main allies. Irish Environmental N/W perhaps?	Regular contact between Links directors continues. An MOU to inform collaboration as a federation of 4 countries is being signed off spring 2016. Links Seminar planned for September 2016. Links have combined successfully over REFIT, marine strategy (UK and EU). Are exploring scope to fundraise jointly at the UK level.
Local Links project	Trialling by LINK of a matchmaking service between local/community groups, and national NGOs, which focus on environmental issues. Aim to gauge value of, and interest in, such a service in future, and then take stock.	Develop trial late 2014 Launch Spring 2015 Host or co-host workshops on selected topics (peat, marine, woodland, FUG) 2015-16 Review Spring 2016	Intern recruited March 2016 for 3 months to populate database & promote to local groups. LINK Local is launching during April 2016. Any associated workshops would be opportunistic. Review now postponed to summer 2017.
Workshops on topics prioritised by members and/or Board	Scope views on whether collective work can address gaps identified by strategic planning in Nov 2014. Keep watching brief for topics needing ‘work-shopped’, and add these to plan as agreed.	Amongst those already mooted are: FoI & the environment Reviewing LINK energy positioning (2 workshops)	Staff organise & pursue as resources allow	Delivered by staff in conj with TF leads.	Open to all members	Topic specific, and for organisers to determine	These happened autumn 2015 and early 2016. Energy and climate positioning review also produced a high-level consensus statement which has the support of 27 of LINK’s 35 members at March 2016.
Festive Reception 2015	With audiences across the sectors to celebrate work in which we are all involved	Organise for 14 December 2015 with relevant players. Sponsorship to be sought.	AO & DO	Sponsorship to be sought.	Open to all members	Relationship building is the intent	Reception held, convivial event with good turnout of members and guests. No sponsorship.
LINK review of strategy for 2016 forward	Time to review LINK’s 2012-2015 strategy	Board to determine type of review in April / August 2015	Strategy discussed at Strategic Planning, largely agreed. Circulated for sign-up over the winter. New Operational Plan developed to monitor progress.
Staffing functions review (LINK)	Review during 2015, assessing key functions, gaps in remit, succession planning needs	Involving staff and Board during first half of 2015	Concluded late 2015, adjustments to remits of core staff to ensure key roles – greater emphasis on comms and networking, project admin, fundraising. Board’s employment subgroup and CO will keep a watching brief.
Strategic liaison	Board & President level development of relationships with others across the wider policy community	LINK’s ‘policy mapping’ refers	LINK’s new strategy places greater emphasis on value of making common cause with others.