Full Name:… Jon Cree

Organisation/Freelance   Freelance Trainer

(If you are involved with any organisation – please state the name of the organisation and position held).

Sector Experience/Skills (please rate, with X, each from 0 to 3: 0 = no experience, 1 = general background/experience, 2 = Strong relevant experience, 3 = direct relevant experience):

Please indicate which role you would like to apply – job descriptions for the Treasurer and Company Secretary are attached.

Please tell us a bit about yourself (max 500 words), including;

• Why you are standing for FSA directorship?

I have been involved with Forest School at a national level since the establishment of the Forest School Special Interest group within IOL in 2008 and one of the founding directors of the FSA.  I was elected chair of the FSA when it was established in 2012 and stepped down in 2016. I still have a passion for FS as a transformative educational pedagogy and wish to help support practitioners in their important work connecting people of all ages with the natural world.

The FSA has an essential role to play at a national advocacy level to influence an ever changing education system in all the countries of the UK.  I feel with all the contacts I have built up over the years in a number of sectors I still have much to offer the FSA board of directors.

• Your Forest School experience (and this is not necessarily a pre requisite but you will need to have some basic working knowledge of Forest School)

I have been involved with FS since 2000, when Worcestershire CC starting developing FS in the county.  Initially this meant supporting the start of FS provision with early years and primary groups at the centre I worked – Bishops Wood, and supporting the work of the FS co-ordinator who facilitated the establishment and support for the training at Evesham College and supporting FS in settings throughout the county.  Then in 2005 I started delivering my own FS programme to secondary and special schools visiting the centre, and in 2007 started up the FS training provision at Bishops Wood.

• How you personally can benefit the FSA.

Through the national contacts I have built up over the years both within the FS sector and the outdoor/environmental learning sector I can represent the FSA and provide an advocacy role.

I can also write on behalf of the FSA and support the public education through this either in social or national magazine/news media.

• Please declare any special interests or affiliations with other organisations in the Forest School sector including commercial, public sector or voluntary.

I deliver CPD training for a number of other organisations in the UK and overseas that is related to FS

Your information will form the basis for the members to vote in advance of the AGM – and your personal commitment to your role as a Director and Trustee of the Forest School Association.