The FSC UK Working Group The FSC UK Working Group is a registered charity that exists to promote the FSC system in the UK. The organisation has four objectives: 1) Raise awareness of the value of responsibly managed forests FSC UK works with a wide range of opinion formers to raise the awareness of the value of responsibly managed forests to the widest possible audience. We work with the paper, construction and retail sectors to ensure that accurate messages are passed on through advertising, promotions and by word of mouth at public events. At the strategic level, FSC UK engages with government, local authorities and large projects, such as the 2012 Olympics. 2) Support certificate holders and retailers to maximize the market for FSC products and, thus, increase the demand for certified forests The FSC system is technical and consists of many regulations, guidelines and standards. There are many policy documents and systems that can seem difficult to understand and can even act as a barrier to those seeking to become certified, or wishing to find and purchase certified timber. FSC UK provides a free Advisory Service that provides basic information and assistance to anyone in the UK and helps develop the FSC market by linking supply and demand. 3) Encourage maximum participation from the UK in FSC’s Global Objectives FSC-UK also acts as the UK gatekeeper in the ongoing development of the FSC system, FSC UK provides a vital link between FSC International Centre and all UK stakeholders, ensuring all stakeholders can participate in policy and standard development. 4) Protect the integrity of the FSC logo FSC UK acts to ensure that all UK certificate holders, retailers and end-users correctly use the FSC system and trademarks. The integrity of the FSC system is a key component of our endorsement by environmental and social NGOs. Our Criteria for Success We aim to see a measurable increase year on year in the number of FSC certificates and the quantity of certified products being used in the UK. Every time a new company gains an FSC certificate or a consumer purchases an FSC-certified product then another step towards the responsible management of the world’s forests has been taken. We are also monitoring public awareness of the FSC logo. In March 2007, a survey showed that 19% of people had seen the FSC logo. This survey will be repeated early in 2008.