Could you help fellow farmers sustainably control parasites in their sheep?

The Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) group is on the hunt for a Chair Elect, a position for an active sheep farmer to help drive activities to support responsible management choices on farms throughout the UK.

Speaking on behalf of SCOPS, Lesley Stubbings says: “SCOPS is fortunate to have a very able Chairman, with Devon sheep farmer Peter Baber leading the group since its inception. The purpose of a Chair Elect is to ensure consistency when Peter retires, so we are looking for someone to get involved now and familiarise themselves with the workings of SCOPS and the people and organisations involved. They will work closely with Peter to understand the role, share responsibilities and occasionally act as a substitute.”

SCOPS develops sustainable strategies for parasite control in sheep, and prides itself on ensuring the facilitation and delivery of this is done in a practical way that is applicable to grassroots farmers as well as vets, SQPs and all others involved in parasite control. It strives to ensure advice and information is relevant and accessible, hence the importance of a cross-range of organisations and individuals forming its Steering Group, with active sheep farmers elected as Chairman and, now, Chair Elect.

Ms Stubbings continues: “This is a really exciting opportunity for someone with an interest in what SCOPS does, as they will be at the cutting edge of developments in this field and will help direct SCOPS activity going forward. The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate a good understanding of the SCOPS principles and be committed to them in their own day-to-day work.

“We are looking for someone who will be able to attend two Steering Group meetings a year and, in time, be able to chair these in a professional manner. There will be other events and meetings from time to time, and the person in this position will be able to contribute to these in a way that is in-line with and supportive of the SCOPS principles and priorities.”

Once a Chair Elect has been appointed, that person will be able to claim a day-rate and travel expenses for meetings and events they are asked to attend for SCOPS. A full job description, and Terms of Reference for the SCOPS Steering Group, can be found at www.scops.org.uk. The closing date for applications is Monday 4^th March 2019.

Notes to editors: -

• This press release is issued by National Sheep Association (NSA) on behalf of SCOPS. For more information contact Joanne Briggs, NSA Operations Director, on 07908 604744 or [email protected].
• SCOPS is funded by AgriSearch, AHDB Beef & Lamb, Animal Health Distributors Association (AHDA), Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority (AMTRA), Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC), National Farmers Union (NFU), National Office of Animal Health (NOAH), National Sheep Association (NSA) and Quality Meat Scotland (QMS). These bodies are joined by a number of experts in parasitology and sheep health to form the SCOPS Steering Group. A full list is available at www.scops.org.uk.