NATURAL ENGLAND WAS set up to conserve and enhance the nation's land, flora and fauna, and marine and freshwater habitats. Employees say it is staking its claim as an "environmental leader" and that it protects the environment (72% positive, a score bettered by just two other mid-size organisations). The organisation managed to cut its overall carbon emissions by more than 25% by November 2009 through energy efficiency measures and staff changing their work travel habits. Managers want to reduce emissions by half by the end of 2010. Staff say Natural England makes a positive difference to the world (75%, and the fifth best rating) and profit and budget concerns are not the only considerations driving it (61%). In the past year, it has launched an in-house awards scheme — the Graftas (Green awards for terrific achievers). One of the categories, Green kings and queens, recognises a person or team that has influenced other people to be sustainable, bringing in changes or new ideas, or going above and beyond the call of duty to create environment benefits. Staff say managers talk openly and honestly (74%, and the ninth best score), care about how satisfied they are in their job (66%, and again ninth) and listen rather than doing all the telling (70%, and eighth). The overall score for Fair Deal questions was the 21st highest. A land management adviser earns about £28,000, while 65% have annual salaries of £25,000 or more. Staff award the best results in the Giving Something Back category, where Natural England ranks 15th. www.naturalengland.org.uk
