Applications Invited For New GB Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) Stakeholder Body
21/12/05

Defra has announced that it is seeking representatives for a new Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) for Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB).

A sustainable improvement in animal health and welfare can only be achieved if all interested parties work together. This is a key message of the Government’s Animal Health and Welfare Strategy for Great Britain and is relevant to all those with an interest in the health and well-being of kept animals. A major component of the strategy is the control of bTB. Ben Bradshaw, Minister for Animal Health and Welfare, is seeking to make appointments to a new stakeholder advisory body to help Defra develop effective bTB control policies.

Because TB is a subject which is devolved to the administrations in Wales and Scotland, the body’s primary focus will be on matters in England. However, it will forge close links with officials and other stakeholders across GB and will consider GB-wide issues from time to time.

More details (including how to apply) are available from Defra. The closing date for applications is 31 January 2006.

A Chairperson is sought to guide the body in its considerations of the complex issues and in the formulation of recommendations and advice for government.

The Chair will need to be recognised by the animal health and welfare community as an individual of distinction with the ability to think strategically, build consensus and make a personal impact. They will also need to be able to demonstrate:

• strong leadership skills, with experience of chairing committees, harnessing ideas and opportunities, and getting the best from people;
• the ability to understand and value different perspectives and work collaboratively to deliver focused, objective advice; and
• the ability to create buy-in from stakeholders and other interested parties and to represent the views of those parties.

Members of the body will need an in-depth knowledge of at least one of the following areas:

• farmed animal production;
• consumer or public health issues;
• agricultural finance or economics;
• wildlife issues (particularly badgers and/or deer); animal welfare;
• TB epidemiology and veterinary issues (large animals and/or wildlife).

A “lay member” is equally sought for the body. Members will also need to be able to demonstrate:

• excellent team and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work constructively as part of a group towards a shared aim;
• the ability to understand and value different perspectives and work collaboratively to achieve compromise in order to deliver focused, objective advice;
• the ability to create buy-in to the Animal Health and Welfare Strategy’s vision from stakeholders and other interested parties; and
• the ability to move matters forward despite potentially not having a complete evidence base.

The Chairperson and members will need to attend around six meetings of the body per year at a variety of locations, with about a day’s preparation expected for each. They will receive a standard daily rate for their time and all reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Appointments will be in accordance with the principles of public appointments based on merit and equal opportunities, with independent assessment, openness and transparency of process. Applications from suitably qualified people, regardless of race, religion, gender or disability are welcomed.

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