Chair – Agricultural Advisory Panel for Wales

Chair – Agricultural Advisory Panel for Wales
Name of body: The Agricultural Advisory Panel for Wales
Function of body

The Agricultural Advisory Panel for Wales is the body that provides independent advice to Welsh Ministers on fair minimum rates of pay and other terms and conditions of employment for agricultural, horticultural and forestry workers in Wales. It also promotes careers in agriculture, supports skills and career progression in the sector and provides additional advice to Ministers as required.

Annually, the Panel review the Agricultural Minimum Wage (AMW) policy, propose any changes necessary and consult on their proposals before submitting a draft Agricultural Wages (Wales) Order (“the order”) to Welsh Ministers for consideration. Once passed by the Senedd, the Order has legal authority in Wales.

The Panel draw on their expertise and consideration of the economic conditions in the industry at the time, as well as all legal requirements (such as the National Minimum Wage) and Welsh Government policy priorities (such as fair work). This ensures agricultural workers receive fair, regularly reviewed, wages and allowances, contributing to the Welsh Government’s Tackling Poverty agenda by safeguarding household incomes, especially within rural communities. The work of the Panel also contributes to the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act 2015, as well as the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Land Management objectives.

The Panel is supported by a mandatory sub-committee that advises on matters related to skills development, training opportunities and career progression. The Panel may establish other sub-committees on specific issues as required.

The Welsh Government Sponsorship Division provides the secretariat function for the Panel, with an external law firm advising the Panel on any legal issues, including drafting Orders.

With the approval of Welsh Ministers, the Panel may also commission studies and research to inform their decision-making process.

Role Description
The Panel Chair will provide strategic direction and oversight for the Agricultural Advisory Panel for Wales. This role involves developing and maintaining a close relationship with Welsh Government and key members of the Welsh agricultural sector, while being accountable to the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs.

The Panel Chair need not be an expert in the field of agriculture; however, they must have senior level experience in the private, public or voluntary sector.

The Panel Chair will have the following strategic leadership responsibilities:

• Lead the Panel’s work and provide effective leadership during deliberations, ensuring high standards of discussion and decision-making are maintained
• Monitor in-year performance and delivery of the Panel’s key remit, while examining change proposals with rigour to maintain delivery
• Ensure issues are brought forward in a timely manner for effective resolution
• Ensure that the Panel’s decisions are informed and fair, taking proper account of guidance provided by the Welsh Ministers and Welsh Government officials
• Maintain a considered oversight to other developing policies within the agricultural, horticultural and forestry sectors both in Wales and other UK regions, ensuring any decisions being made by the Panel harmonise with the overarching strategic direction of government policy
• Consult on draft proposals and ensure the Panel give due consideration to responses
• Submit draft Orders to Welsh Ministers accompanied by the Panel’s policy rationale, including consideration of available evidence, consultation responses and recommendations from stakeholder groups
• Remain accountable for the decisions made by the Panel, including monitoring the effectiveness of the annual Order to ensure it remains fit for purpose as the agricultural industry adapts to change
• Inform Welsh Ministers of any changes which are likely to impact on the strategic direction of the Panel or on the deliverability of its remit, and determine the steps needed to deal with such changes
• Negotiate and manage the Panel’s relationship with stakeholders where needed
• Represent the views of the Panel to agricultural employers, other appropriate bodies and the general public where appropriate
• Assess the performance of Panel members on an annual basis, including when they are being considered for re-appointment to the Panel, or for appointment to another public body
• Deliver high standards of regularity and propriety and
• Ensure that the Panel meets at regular intervals throughout the year in compliance to the minimum number stipulated within the regulations.

Person Specification
Essential Criteria
Candidates should demonstrate the following:

• The ability to operate at a strategic level demonstrating vision, innovation and effective leadership skills to deliver positive outcomes
• Evidence of analysing complex issues, including financial and economic information, to reach balanced and independent judgements
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build consensus with Panel Members and establish and maintain strategic working relationships with all stakeholders, including Ministers and Government, employers, employees and the press and media
• An understanding of or the ability to grasp issues surrounding employment policy, including wage rates, the labour market and the impact on businesses and competitiveness
• A commitment to equality issues and challenging discriminatory practices when appropriate and
• Understanding of financial and corporate governance issues at a Panel level.

Desirable Criteria

• The ability to communicate through the medium of Welsh is desirable but not essential. However, all candidates are expected to display an empathy towards the language and support decision making to strengthen bilingual service provision within the Agricultural Advisory Panel for Wales
• An interest and/or knowledge of the agricultural industry and
• An understanding of economics, particularly in relation to the labour market, would be an advantage.

Location
The meetings of the Agricultural Advisory Panel for Wales are undertaken both face to face and virtually. Typically, face to face meetings are held at locations in Mid Wales, however, there may be occasions when Panel meetings are required elsewhere.

Remuneration
£300 per day – there is an expectation that the day payment will cover the attendance of a meeting, and the work required to prepare for and deliver any actions from that meeting associated with the role. Claims should be made promptly and will be taxed at source by Welsh Government Payroll in line with HMRC requirements.

Minimum days required
On average the Panel meet six times per year, although the statutory requirement is for a minimum of 3.

Welsh Language

The Welsh Government acknowledges the importance of developing and growing bilingual capabilities in public appointments in Wales and welcomes applications from candidates who demonstrate their capability to work in both English in Welsh.

For further details and to apply, please click the ‘Apply’ button now.
The closing date for receipt of applications is 30 April 2025. Application forms received after this date will not be considered. It is expected to hold interviews during May/June 2025.