Board members provide non-executive leadership challenge and support to the executive through regular board meetings, committees and groups. Individual board members, based on their particular skills and experience, undertake a range of engagements focussing on outreach and partnership building on behalf of Natural England.

All appointments are made, on merit, by the Secretary of State in accordance with the Code of Practice for Ministerial Appointments to Public Bodies issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

There is a requirement for appointees political activity (if any) to be declared. Dr Horwood has confirmed that he has not undertaken any political activity during the past 5 years.