SCOPS on the hunt for Steering Group Deputy Chair

The Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) group is welcoming applications from sheep farmers in the UK to be the next SCOPS Steering Group Deputy Chair.

The role of the Deputy Chair is to support the Chair, deputising where requested, and to develop sufficient understanding and involvement in SCOPS to allow a seamless transition from Deputy to Chair when the time comes.

The current SCOPS Chair is Kevin Harrison, a sheep farmer from the Gloucestershire/Somerset border. He says: “The SCOPS Steering Group is fully representative of the UK sheep sector, with members from various agricultural organisations and research bodies, industry experts, vets, consultants and advisers. We always have farmers as the Chair and Deputy Chair of the group, to ensure work is applicable and appealing to grassroots producers. 

" I love being part of this varied group, as the expertise contained within it is second to none. I learn a great deal as Chair and also enjoy finding ways to turn complex science into accessible information for farmers like me. We’re a very friendly bunch with mutual respect for each other and what we do. I look forward to working with a new Deputy Chair to continue to deliver vital work for the sheep sector.”

The position of Deputy Chair has become vacant due to a change in circumstances of the individual who held the role.

Application process

Role and responsibilities. The role of the SCOPS Steering Group Deputy Chair is as set out in the SCOPS Terms of Reference. The purpose is to ensure consistency when the Chair retires, and so the responsibility of the Deputy Chair is to familiarise themselves with the workings of SCOPS and the people and organisations involved. They should work closely with the Chair to establish a constructive relationship and share responsibilities where appropriate. They should highlight any conflict of interest should this occur.

Knowledge and experience. The SCOPS Steering Group is looking for some who can:-

• Demonstrate a good understanding of the SCOPS principles.
• Keep abreast of new developments affecting SCOPS principles and priorities, and contribute to meetings/events in a way that is in-line with and supportive of those principles and priorities.
• Demonstrate commitment to the SCOPS principles in their day-to-day work.
• Dedicate time to SCOPS, attending two Steering Group meetings a year, attending other occasional meetings / workshops where requested, leading areas of activity where delegated by the Chair, and joining sub-group discussions where possible.

Length of service and renumeration. The SCOPS Terms of Reference state the Deputy Chair is elected in two-year terms. The Terms of Reference also state that a £750 annual honorarium and reasonable expenses can be claimed.

Application process. Please submit a short CV and covering letter to Joanne Briggs, SCOPS Secretariat, to [email protected] by 9am on Monday 10^th March 2025. The covering letter must cover the following points:-

• Why you would like to join SCOPS.
• What you would bring to the group.
• Previous relevant experience, if any.

Selection process. Applications will be reviewed and scored 0-5 for the following areas, giving a total score out of 30. (0=does not meet criteria; 5=fully meets criteria)

• Current understanding of SCOPS role, purpose, principles and activities.
• Ability and appetite to keep abreast of new developments and future challenges.
• Ability and appetite to ensure SCOPS principles and activities are shared within the industry.
• Application of SCOPS principles on own farm and/or role(s) within the sheep industry.
• Ability and appetite to attend and contribute to meetings.
• Ability to represent SCOPS within the industry / relate to sheep farmers at a practical level.