FSC AC / Geoff Howe
FSC’s unique governance structure ensures that all voices are heard and that decisions are made through consensus. FSC members contribute directly to our standards and to the future of responsible forestry. FSC brings together, among others, private enterprises, NGOs, international organisations, indigenous groups, and educational institutions. It is a diverse set of stakeholders but they all share a common desire to improve the state of the world’s forests. Members apply to join one of three chambers – environmental, social, or economic – that are further divided into northern and southern sub-chambers.
Each chamber holds 33.3% of the weight in votes, and within each chamber the votes are weighted so that the North and South hold an equal portion of authority, to ensure influence is shared equitably between interest groups and countries with different levels of economic development. The votes of all individual members in each sub-chamber represent 10% of the total vote of the sub-chamber, while the votes of organisational members make up the other 90%.
Benefits of membership
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Assume a leadership role in the growing market for independently certified forest products.
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Join a forum building relationships with business, environmental, Indigenous and community leaders.
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Take up a position of influence to support healthy forests, strong communities and thriving businesses.
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Share in the decision-making authority to bring integrity and resilience to the FSC system.
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Have your voice heard on matters pertaining to the forests of the world.
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Attend the FSC General Assembly
Who can be a member?
Anyone, whether an individual or representative of an organisation (whether for-profit or non-profit) can apply to be an FSC member. Members have decision making power, and are fundamental to the organisation and its vision. FSC relies on the diverse economic, social and environmental interests of our members to share the decision-making authority to bringing integrity and resilience to the FSC system.
When you apply to become a member, you must agree not to become involved in any activities which are unacceptable to FSC. As an FSC member, you are also obliged to take active part in board elections, pay your annual fees within the given time frame, inform the FSC Secretariat if your contact details change, or in case of organisational changes.
UK members
All FSC members in the UK are international members. UK-based members are invited to attend the FSC UK Annual Members' Meeting and are consulted on FSC UK's strategy.
Economic chamber |
Environmental chamber |
Social chamber |
Mike Bekin (individual) Stephanie Bishop (individual) Blueline Office Furniture Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI) Hubertus van Hensbergen (individual) HSBC Holdings plc Kingfisher plc Soil Association Certification Ltd |
Born Free Foundation Owen Davies (individual) Fauna and Flora International Steve Jennings (individual) Jon Kirkpatrick (individual) Soil Association Matthew Wenban-Smith (individual) |
Dr Marcus Colchester (individual) National Trust Ben Vickers (individual) |
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