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New era for deer management
21/04/2008
The Scottish Government today confirmed that it intends to merge the functions of the Deer Commission for Scotland (DCS) into Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).
The announcement follows January's proposal to abolish or merge 52 bodies to reduce the number of public organisations in Scotland.
Minister for Environment Michael Russell said:
"This Government is committed to simplifying the public service landscape in Scotland.
"Bringing the responsibilities of the Deer Commission for Scotland into Scottish Natural Heritage makes absolute sense.
"We have listened to the views of those who the proposals will affect most and the merger will cause minimal disruption to services.
"In addition, far from having a detrimental effect on its future, I believe that such an integration can build on the success of the partnership working approach to deer management in Scotland.
"The importance of a smooth transition has been impressed on us throughout that consultation process. I have asked both Chairs to prepare a transition plan to ensure that the focus of the DCS is not lost.
"I would like to extend my thanks to all those connected with the DCS and its predecessor the Red Deer Commission over the years. They have laid the foundations for a new era for deer management in Scotland and their contribution will not be forgotten."
A consultation took place between January 30 and March 14, with responses submitted by email or letter. Scottish Government officials also conducted a series of interviews with key stakeholders to discuss the proposals.
DCS currently has an establishment of 27 staff including two vacancies. As per all of the Scottish Government proposals, there will be no compulsory job losses.
The main DCS office is already co-located in Great Glen House with SNH. There is a subsidiary office in Stirling, and the likelihood is that jobs based in that office will remain in that area. DCS is already looking at the option of co-locating their office with SNH's Stirling staff, who are based in an adjacent building.
DCS is an NDPB, constituted by the Deer (Scotland) Act 1996, as the successor to the Red Deer Commission (which had been in existence since 1959). It is the Non Departmental Public Body charged with furthering the conservation, control and sustainable management of all species of wild deer in Scotland, and keeping under review all matters, including welfare, relating to wild deer. DCS is unusual in being a direct vote body (rather than Grant-in-Aid) and that its staff are civil servants.
DCS undertakes a wide range of activities throughout Scotland. As well as exercising a range of regulatory functions (e.g. Authorisations, Statutory Returns), it publishes Best Practice Guidelines, consults and advises widely on Deer Management issues, promotes and actively participates in the operation of Deer Management Groups, undertakes and commissions research projects, conducts deer counts, disseminates best practice, assists in training, works with other agencies on wider policy issues, and advises Scottish Ministers on all deer matters in Scotland. In all its activities the Commission seeks a co-operative and consultative approach.
The Chair (since 2005) is John Milne, the Chief Executive is Nick Halfhide. The Board is made up of 8 Commissioners plus the Chair.
The role of Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) is to look after the natural heritage of Scotland, help people to enjoy and value it, and encourage people to use it sustainably. SNH was established in 1992 through the Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act 1991. SNH is an NDPB responsible to Scottish Government Ministers and through them to the Scottish Parliament.
The merger is expected to release savings through streamlining of administrative functions, and will reduce duplication in contact with stakeholders.