New national secretary for PEFC UK

The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) schemes has appointed Alun Watkins as the new national secretary for PEFC UK. He will take up the post in January, succeeding William Walker who is retiring.

Mr Watkins has worked in the timber and furniture industries for the past 25 years, and during the last 15 he has strengthened his involvement with environmental issues.

Before joining PEFC UK Mr Watkins worked for the Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA) as health, safety and environmental consultant where he provided services including advice and guidance on all aspects of environmental compliance, including chain of custody, and managed the industry specific initiative – Club Green. He was also instrumental in the development and promotion of the Furniture Industry Sustainability Programme and chaired the Furniture Industry Environment Committee.

Commenting on the appointment, PEFC UK chairman Peter Latham thanked Mr Walker for his work.

“When he took on this role in 2005, there were only 70 companies with PEFC chain of custody certification and the figure currently stands at over 1,300," said Mr Latham. "The board recognises the immense contribution he has made to the organisation and we now look forward to his successor building on the firm foundations that William has laid down. We are confident that Alun’s previous experience in the timber and furniture industry and knowledge of certification will be invaluable in helping PEFC to strengthen its position in the UK market.”