Roger Clarke starts his role as Chair of the Board at Friends of the Earth this week, the oday [Monday 27 February 2012].

Roger has a lifetime’s interest in the relationship between people and the environment, a passion reflected in his working career. Starting out as a community worker in the west of Scotland, Roger became a Director at the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations from 1976 to 1984. He then became Director at the Countryside Agency until 2000 when he moved to become CEO at the Youth Hostels Association for the next eight years.

He has been a respected and influential Board member for several other environmental charities including the Peak District National Park Authority, the Woodland Trust, BTCV, The National Forest Company, as well as being Chair for the Civil Society Advisory Board at the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Think Global.

Roger takes over from departing Chair, Simon Counsell, who has held the post since 2006. He joins Friends of the Earth as the charity ramps up the pressure on the Big Six energy companies and their role in soaring consumer bills as part of the Final Demand campaign.

Roger has a BA in geography from Oxford University and a PhD from McGill University, Montreal. He is married with two sons and lives in Derbyshire.

Roger Clarke, Chair of the Board of Friends of the Earth said:

"I’m delighted to be joining Friends of the Earth. Nothing could be more important than protecting our planet and making it a fairer and safer place to live.

“One of the top priorities is to wean the nation off expensive fossil fuels by investing in Britain’s huge clean energy potential – creating thousands of jobs and an energy system we can all afford.

“I am looking forward very much to working with the Board, staff, supporters and local groups."

Andy Atkins, Executive Director at Friends of the Earth said:

“Roger brings a combination of relevant and high level organisational experience having been a CEO of a national organisation with a strong local presence, as well as many years of board experience.

“I am very much looking forward to working with Roger and the Board in the coming years.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1.        Find out more about Friends of the Earth’s Final Demand campaign at www.foe.co.uk/finaldemand.

2.        Friends of the Earth believes the environment is for everyone. We want a healthy planet and a good quality of life for all those who live on it. We inspire people to act together for a thriving environment. More than 90 per cent of our income comes from individuals so we rely on donations to continue our vital work. For further information visit www.foe.co.uk.