Non Executive Directorships

Vacancy Description

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:

(i) Livestock veterinary medicine;

(ii) Equines genetics

(iii) 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

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).

Person Specification

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.

Additional Information

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

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 diversity and political activity monitoring form;

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

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