*Closes 28th April*

Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is seeking to appoint two Non-Executive Directors for the Animal Health & Welfare Board for England (AHWBE).

Non-Executive Directors on the AHWBE will:

  • Provide strategic direction and advice from the AHWBE to Defra Ministers on the health & welfare of kept animals (including companion and aquatic animals).
  • Provide support to the Chair and other Non-Executive Board members and ensure Defra priorities are properly understood by industry stakeholders.
  • Assist and provide constructive challenge to Defra officials in the development of animal health & welfare policy.
  • Be able to take a strategic view in their decision-making, whilst acting with impartiality in providing evidence-based advice and guidance.
  • Support the development and ongoing delivery of the Animal Health & Welfare Pathway by working closely with policy and delivery officials.
  • Champion the potential for co-design in developing existing and new policy and communication e.g. through specific task and finish groups.
  • Have strong existing industry networks and to be able to expand these as needed.
  • Maintain and build links with industry, sector council groups and Defra Policy Teams.

Non-Executive Directors (NED) Members of the Animal Health & Welfare Board

Number of vacancies x 2

Time commitment – 30 day(s) per annum

Remuneration – £300 per day

Length of term – 3 Years

Essential criteria

  • Extensive working knowledge of animal health and welfare in the farming industry and/or companion animal sector, ideally of more than five years.
  •  Ability to maintain a positive attitude and pro-active contribution to discussions and ongoing work to ensure the Board provides Defra with collectively agreed, soundly based, actionable advice in a timely manner.
  • Ability to maintain a positive attitude and pro-active contribution to discussions and ongoing work to ensure the Board provides Defra with collectively agreed, soundly based, actionable advice in a timely manner.
  • Ability to lead specific work areas within the Board work plan
  • Ability to understand and value a different perspective and to build productive working relationships both within the Board, Defra and external experts and representatives.
  •  Ability to examine issues in an impartial way and to be able to work collaboratively on a wide range of animal health & welfare related issues, drawing on, but not limited to their expertise.
  •  Ability and willingness to work flexibly with Defra Policy Officials and where necessary Defra Ministers.

Desirable criteria

  • Appreciation of the impact of animals on the environment.
  • Experience of working with others to build consensus on policy preferably in relation to farming and companion animal sectors.
  • Specific knowledge and experience of the sheep and/or intensive pig and poultry industry.

Application and selection process

To apply you will need to create an account or sign in to “Apply for Public Appointment Service” gov.uk by the deadline of midday on 28 April 2025 quoting reference AHWBE25  . Once logged onto your account, click on ‘apply for this role’ and follow the on-screen instructions.

To apply, all candidates are required to submit:

  • A CV of no more than two sides of A4 with education, professional qualifications and employment history and the names and contact details for two referees.
  • A statement of suitability should give evidence of the strength and depth of your ability to meet the essential criteria for this role. Please provide specific examples to demonstrate how you meet each of the criteria (max two pages please).
  • equality information
  • information relating to any outside interests or reputational issues

For further information please email: Martin Jenkins (martin.jenkins@defra.gov.uk)