Appointment details

UK Genetics for Livestock and Equines Committee Member

Summary
About the appointment
Person specification
Application and selection process
Additional information for candidates
Attachments

Summary

Organisation: UK Genetics for Livestock and Equines (UKGLE) Committee.
Sponsor department: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
Location: Various
Sectors: Environment, Agriculture & Fishing
Skills: Business, Commercial
Number of vacancies: 2
Time commitment: 2 day(s) per month
Remuneration: £180 per meeting
Length of term: 4 years
Application deadline: Midday on 9 May 2023

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Timeline for this appointment

Opening date

6 April 2023
Application deadline

Midday on 9 May 2023
Sifting date

19 May 2023
Interviews expected to end on

1 June 2023

Timeline dates are only an estimate and can change

About the appointment

Introduction

The UK Genetics for Livestock and Equines (UKGLE) Committee is an expert scientific advisory committee providing advice to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Devolved Administrations in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Their remit includes identifying opportunities to capture value from taking account of the genetic variation in livestock species more effectively, with a focus on applications to enhance production efficiency and minimise environmental footprint, whilst maintaining high levels of animal health and welfare. UKGLE also advise on native breed conservation and their sustainable use, and on compliance with retained UK zootechnical legislation.

Dear Candidate,

Thank you for your interest in becoming a member of the UK Genetics for Livestock and Equines (UKGLE) Committee.

The Committee provides advice to Defra and Devolved Administrations on all issues relating to livestock genetic resources, particularly their efficient production, conservation, and sustainable use. For this purpose, UKGLE covers cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry and equines.

UKGLE needs excellent people to help it deliver its vital work in assisting Defra to raise awareness of livestock genetic resources, responding to new technological advances, advising on ways of improving the productivity of livestock, and on zootechnical controls.

We are currently looking for candidates with a proven track record and expertise in the following areas:

Livestock veterinary medicine;
Equines genetics
General expertise in the livestock industry

If you have the background and skills we are currently seeking, then we very much encourage you to apply.

Tessa Jones and Charlotte Baker

Agri-Food Chain Directors, DEFRA

Appointment description

The UKGLE Committee was established in 2011 following a review of public bodies under the banner of the Farm Animal Genetic Resources (FAnGR) Committee. Following a review and widening of the remit of the Committee in 2022 the revised Committee was re-launched as the UK Genetics for Livestock and Equines (UKGLE) Committee.

Membership of the Committee includes geneticists, industry leaders and key personnel from livestock breeding companies and conservation groups. We are now seeking to attract candidates with skills or experience in livestock veterinary medicine and equine genetics.

Separately we will also be creating a reserve list as further opportunities will be available next year. We would like to take this opportunity to encourage those with skills and experience in wider livestock genetics, new genomic and digital technologies, livestock breeding or conservation to also apply.

The aims and responsibilities of the Committee are:

To provide independent evidence-based advice to the UK Government on the status of UK livestock genetic resources, whilst also identifying possible research needs in the field and informing of new genetic research findings.

To work collaboratively with government officials and delivery partners, the Devolved Administrations, and international technical and expert groups. Members also engage and collaborate with UK industry organisations and academics on livestock genetic resources.

To provide advice to inform UK Government in policy development, including regulatory issues. The Committee also builds links to bring together Government, business and civil society on issues relating to livestock genetic resources.

As a member, you will contribute efficiently and effectively to all aspects of the Committee's work, taking proper account of evidence in reaching decisions, delivering high standards of propriety, and conduct UKGLE business in an open and transparent manner.

The Committee follows best practice according to the Government’s Principles for Scientific Advice and the Code of Practice for Scientific Advisory Committees (CoPSAC). The successful candidate must abide by the Nolan principles of public service (attached at Annex A of the Candidate Pack).The UKGLE Committee meets up to three times each year. Some preparation time for the meetings will be required.

Members may be required to work on average 1-2 days per month. Sub-group meetings are generally held by teleconference. Meetings are held in the UK, with hybrid options available.

Appointments will be for four years initially. Members may be considered for reappointment subject to satisfactory performance and at the discretion of the Chair and the Senior Responsible Officers (SROs) in Defra and the Devolved Administrations.

Person specification

Essential criteria

We are looking to recruit two members to the UKGLE Committee. Candidates must demonstrate the essential criteria outlined below, and ideally one of the specific areas of expertise. Your expertise will be applied to inform the formulation of UKGLE Committee advice.

Essential criteria:

Ability to think analytically and creatively and to contribute effectively to the formulation of sound scientific based advice and decisions.

Ability to understand and value different perspectives and to build productive relationships both within and outside the Committee.

Ability to express views cogently and clearly, to represent views to the Committee and the Committee’s views to Government and other stakeholders.

Understanding and/or experience of the livestock breeding industry.

Good understanding or experience of at least one of the following: 1. Livestock veterinary medicine; 2. Equine genetics; 3. General expertise in the livestock industry linked to livestock genetics, new genomic and digital technologies, livestock breeding or conservation.

Desirable criteria

Skills in dealing with regulatory matters are desirable.

Application and selection process

How to apply

To apply, please send:

1. a CV of no more than two sides of A4;

2. a supporting statement of up to 1,000 words (not more than two sides of A4), setting out how you meet the essential criteria – make sure you refer to the contents of this document and provide specific examples;

3. completed conflicts of interest, conduct and advertising monitoring form.

4. completed diversity monitoring form below.

If you have any questions about the appointments process, please contact the UKGLE Secretariat at ukglesecretariat@defra.gov.uk.

Advisory Assessment Panel (AAP)

Dr Lucy Foster - Head of Agri Food Science – Panel Chair - Departmental Official

Tim Brigstocke - UKGLE Chair, Agricultural Consultant - Representative of Organisation

Libby Henson  - Co-director and Co-founder of Grassroots Farming - Independent Member

Eligibility criteria

In general, you should have the right to work in the UK to be eligible to apply for a public appointment.

If you need further advice, please contact the UKGLE Secretariat at ukglesecretariat@defra.gov.uk.

Security clearance

The successful candidate will be required to undertake Baseline Personnel Security Standard checks in line with the Civil Service guidelines. Additional Security Clearance may also be required for certain roles. However, where this applies, candidates will be notified during the appointment process. Further information on National Security Vetting can be found on the Gov.uk website here.

Additional information for candidates

Equality and diversity

We encourage applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds and across the whole of the United Kingdom. Boards of public bodies are most effective when they reflect the diversity of views of the society they serve and this is an important part of the Government’s levelling up agenda.

We collect data about applicants’ characteristics and backgrounds, including information about people’s educational and professional backgrounds, so that we can make sure we are attracting a broad range of people to these roles and that our selection processes are fair for everyone. Without this information, it makes it difficult to see if our outreach is working, if the application process is having an unfair impact on certain groups and whether changes are making a positive difference.

When you submit your application, your responses are collected by the Cabinet Office and the government department(s) managing your application. The data is used to produce management information about the diversity of applicants. You can select “prefer not to say” to any question you do not wish to answer. The information you provide will not be seen by the Advisory Assessment Panel who review applications against the advertised criteria and conduct interviews.

Disability confident

We are a member of the Government’s Disability Confident scheme. We use the Disability Confident scheme symbol, along with other like-minded employers, to show our commitment to good practice in employing people with a disability. When you apply you will have the opportunity to select if you would like your application considered under this scheme.

Reasonable adjustments

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to make sure applicants with disabilities, physical or mental health conditions, or other needs are not substantially disadvantaged when applying for public appointments. When you apply you will have the opportunity to request reasonable adjustments to the application process.

Principles of public life

Holders of public office are expected to adhere to and uphold the Seven Principles of Public Life. These are:

Selflessness - Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest.
Integrity - Holders of public office must avoid placing themselves under any obligation to people or organisations that might try inappropriately to influence them in their work. They should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends. They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships.
Objectivity - Holders of public office must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias.
Accountability - Holders of public office are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions and must submit themselves to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this.
Openness - Holders of public office should act and take decisions in an open and transparent manner. Information should not be withheld from the public unless there are clear and lawful reasons for so doing.
Honesty - Holders of public office should be truthful.
Leadership - Holders of public office should exhibit these principles in their own behaviour and treat others with respect. They should actively promote and robustly support the principles and challenge poor behaviour wherever it occurs.

Code of conduct for board members

The Government expects all holders of public office to work to the highest personal and professional standards. In support of this, all non-executive board members of UK public bodies must abide by the principles set out in the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies. The Code sets out the standards expected from those who serve on the boards of UK public bodies and will form part of your terms and conditions of appointment.

Management of outside interests and consideration of reputational issues

Holders of public office are expected to adhere and uphold the Seven Principles of Public Life and the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies. Before you apply you should consider carefully:

any outside interests that you may have, such as shares you may hold in a company providing services to government;
any possible reputational issues arising from your past actions or public statements that you have made;
and/or - any political roles you hold or political campaigns you have supported;

which may call into question your ability to do the role you are applying for.

You will need to answer relevant questions in relation to these points when making an application. Many conflicts of interest can be satisfactorily resolved and declaring a potential conflict does not prevent you from being interviewed. If you are shortlisted for an interview, the panel will discuss any potential conflicts with you during that interview, including any proposals you may have to mitigate them and record that in their advice to ministers. Alongside your own declaration, we will conduct appropriate checks, as part of which we will consider anything in the public domain related to your conduct or professional capacity. This may include searches of previous public statements and social media, blogs or any other publicly available information. The successful candidate(s) may be required to give up any conflicting interests and their other business and financial interests may be published in line with organisational policies.

Details of declared political activity will be published when the appointment is announced, as required by the Governance Code (political activity is not a bar to appointment, but must be declared).

Status of appointment

As this is an office holder appointment, you will not become a member of the Civil Service. You will not be subject to the provisions of employment law.

Appointment and tenure of office

Appointments are for the term set out in this advert, with the possibility of re-appointment for a further term. Any re-appointment is subject to satisfactory annual appraisals of performance during the first term in the post. There is no automatic presumption of reappointment; each case should be considered on its own merits, taking into account a number of factors including, but not restricted to, the diversity of the current board and its balance of skills and experience. In most cases, the total time served in post will not exceed more than two terms or serve in any one post for more than ten years

Remuneration, allowances and abatement

Committee members receive an attendance fee of £180 per meeting plus fees for preparation of £45 for 3 hours or £90 for 6 hours or more. Reasonable travel and subsistence expenses will also be reimbursed.

Committee members are entitled to claim £15 per hour for UKGLE-related activities outside meeting preparation and/or attendance, with prior approval.

Pension and redundancy

This is an office holder appointment and does not attract any benefits under any Civil Service Pension Scheme. You will not be eligible for redundancy pay as you are not an employee. No other arrangements have been made for compensation upon the end of your term of appointment because an office holder who is appointed for a limited duration would have no expectation of serving beyond that period.

Application feedback

We will notify you of the status of your application. We regret that we are only able to offer detailed feedback to candidates who have been unsuccessful at the interview stage.

How to complain

We aim to process all applications as quickly as possible and to treat all applicants with courtesy.

Please contact the UKGLE Secretariat at ukglesecretariat@defra.gov.uk if you would like to make a complaint regarding your application. They will acknowledge your complaint upon receipt and respond within 15 working days.

Data protection

The Cabinet Office will use your data in line with our privacy policy.

Contact details