We are seeking an external consultant (or organisation) to carry out independent due diligence on the UK Nature Impact Fund (UKNIF), a new £90m fund being launched by Finance Earth to support nature recovery projects in England.
Read the full invitation to tender <<will add link to full tender once confirmed>>
We’re looking for someone with a strong track record in impact investment due diligence, knowledge of land and nature recovery in the UK, and the ability to communicate complex financial and impact insights clearly and simply.
The work is expected to take place over 6-8 weeks, with a budget of £10,000.
Background
The UK Nature Impact Fund aims to deliver both financial returns and positive impacts for nature, climate and people. It includes £30m cornerstone funding from Defra and seeks to mobilise further investment into high-integrity nature recovery projects.
The consortium commissioning this review - including Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, the Church of England, and partners - want to commission independent due diligence on the fund, which will complement their own internal investment processes. The review will provide investors with independent analysis to inform their investment decisions.
What the due diligence will involve
The consultant will undertake a full due diligence review (without recommendation) of UKNIF. This will include, but is not limited to:
- Assessing the investment thesis and strategy in the wider market context (informed by a concurrent market review of voluntary carbon markets)
- Conducting financial model analysis, including sensitivity testing and benchmarking
- Reviewing the fund manager’s track record and experience
- Analysing the pipeline, delivery partners, and alignment with impact goals
- Reviewing the fund’s social and environmental impact framework and capacity to measure/report outcomes
- Examining legal structure and key terms, particularly relating to Defra’s cornerstone funding
- Identifying key risks (impact, commercial, and operational)
The consultant will work closely with the consortium throughout, with three key meetings:
- Kick-off - agreeing the plan and areas of focus
- Initial analysis - sharing early findings and hypotheses
- Key findings - presenting the draft report for discussion and feedback
Final deliverable: approximately a 20-page report (including executive summary), summarising findings for consortium members.
Experience we’re looking for
We’re looking for someone with:
- Extensive experience conducting due diligence on impact investment funds
- Strong skills in financial analysis and modelling
- Knowledge of UK land, biodiversity, and carbon markets
- Understanding of impact investing
- Excellent communication, interpretation, and interpersonal skills
- Flexibility and responsiveness
Read the full invitation to tender <<will add link to full tender once confirmed>>
Registering your interest
If you are interested in this project, please email your proposal to sarah.hedley@esmeefairbairn.org.uk by Monday 6th October 2025 (tbc).
Your proposal (max 3 pages) should include:
- Background information on your experience
- How you would approach the work, including budget, days, and timescale
- A CV and/or track record
- A reference contact
You may append your CV and examples of work outside of the 3-page limit.
