Announcements (Archive)

Independent Member - Agricultural Advisory Panel (Welsh Essential)

Body
Welsh Government
Appointing Department
Welsh Government
Sector
Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
Location
Typically meetings are held in Mid Wales
Number of Vacancies
1
Remuneration
£250 per day plus reasonable expenses
Time Requirements
Minimum 12 days a year

Campaign Timeline

  1. Competition Launched

    09/11/2020

  2. Closed for Applications

    04/12/2020 at 16:00

  3. Panel Sift

    07/12/2020

  4. Final Interview Date

    29/01/2021

  5. Announcement

    24/03/2021

Announcement

An announcement has been made on the outcome of this appointment.

The Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs has agreed the appointment of Stephen Hughson as an Independent Member of the Agricultural Advisory Panel.

Date: 24/03/2021

Assessment Panel

Panel Member
Mark Alexander
Panel Role
Panel Chair
Positions
Head of Agriculture, Sustainable Development Division, Environment and Rural Affairs for the Welsh Government Departmental Official
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Political Activity-
Notes-
Panel Member
Gareth Wynn Davies
Positions
Chief Executive, Wynnstay Group Independent Member
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Political Activity-
Notes-
Panel Member
Nicole Tranter
Positions
Coleg Gwent
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Political Activity-
Notes-

Vacancy Description

The Agricultural Advisory Panel for Wales is an independent body that advises Welsh Ministers on fair rates of pay and other terms and conditions of employment for agricultural, horticultural and forestry workers in Wales. It also promotes careers in agriculture, the development of an appropriately skilled workforce and provides additional advice to Ministers as required.

Annually, the Panel review the Agricultural Minimum Wage (AMW) policy, propose all changes necessary and consult on their proposals before submitting a draft Agricultural Wales Order (AWO) to Welsh Ministers for consideration. Once passed by the Senedd, the Order has legal authority in Wales.

In arriving at their decisions, the Panel draw on their expertise and consideration of the economic conditions in the industry at the time, as well as all legal requirements (such as the National Minimum Wage). This ensures agricultural workers receive fair, regularly reviewed, wages and allowances, further contributing to the Welsh Government’s tackling poverty agenda by safeguarding household incomes, especially within rural communities.

The Panel is supported by a mandatory sub-committee that advices on matters related to skills development, training opportunities and career progression. The Panel may establish other sub-committees on specific issues as required.

The Welsh Government sponsorship division provides the secretariat function for the Panel, and an external law firm advise the Panel on any arising legal issues including drafting Orders.

The Panel may also commission studies and research on any specific areas they wish to inform their decision-making process. The approval of the Welsh Ministers is required for obtaining any advice that may incur costs.

Person Specification

The independent members will be appointed on the basis of their impartiality and expertise, knowledge and/or experience in agriculture or educational fields. The Members will take part in all Panel discussions, including reviewing AMW policy and wage negotiations, in which they will provide independent expert views and advice on the opportunities and challenges facing the industry. The members will also work in conjuncture with the permanent sub-committee on skills development and training and provide advice to the Panel concerning its remit to improve up-skilling and knowledge transfer within the industry.

Essential Criteria

Candidates should demonstrate the following:

  • Evidence of analysing complex issues to reach balanced and independent judgements;
  • Experience and knowledge within the field of education, training and skills development or related area and/or agriculture;
  • An ability to constructively challenge the opinion of others whilst working towards a common goal;
  • Have the ability to make difficult decisions under pressure, whilst maintaining independence of mind;
  • A clear understanding and commitment to equality issues and challenging discriminatory practices when appropriate;

Desirable Criteria

  • An ability to work constructively and collaboratively with fellow Panel Members and wider stakeholders;
  • Evidence of excellent communication skills;
  • An interest in and/or knowledge of the agricultural industry and matters relating to employment within the sector.

Welsh Language

Reading Can read some routine work-related material with support e.g. dictionary
Written Can prepare routine work-related material with checking
Understanding Can understand routine work-related conversations
Spoken Can hold some work-related conversations

Additional Information

For further information regarding the selection process, please contact:

Public Appointments Team

Public Bodies Unit

Email: publicappointments@gov.wales

For further information regarding the role of the Agricultural Advisory Panel and the roles Members please contact Ryan Davies, Agriculture – Sustainable Development Division

Tel: 07743 046673

Email: Ryan.Davies@gov.wales

If you need any further assistance in applying for this role, please contact publicappointments@gov.wales.

For further information about Public Appointments in Wales, please visit www.gov.wales/publicappointments

How to Apply

For more information or to apply go to www.gov.wales./publicappointments or for queries contact the Shared Service Helpdesk at the Welsh Government by e-mail: sharedservicehelpdesk@wales.gsi.gov.uk