The government has started recruitment for two new leaders to join the Board at the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

A new chair is being sought to head the AHDB when Sir Peter Kendall reaches the end of his term of office at the end of March next year.

An independent board member, with the additional responsibility of serving as Chair of the AHDB Audit and Risk Assurance Committee, is also needed to replace Will Lifford at the end of his term of office on 31st March 2020. The roles are being advertised on the Cabinet Office website and AHDB Board Members are appointed by ministers in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Devolved Administrations.

Influential and inspirational leadership and a proven ability to drive organisational change are among the key criteria for applicants for the role of chair as the industry looks to increase productivity and sustainability to ensure it’s in the best shape for the future.

With similar inspirational leadership qualities, the new independent board member and Chair of the AHDB Audit and Risk Assurance Committee will ensure the values of good governance are upheld, particularly with regard to levy-funded activities.

Both appointments will initially be for up to three years from 1st April 2020. A further appointment of up to three years may be made subject to satisfactory performance assessment and will be at the discretion of Ministers.

The Chair will receive a non-pensionable remuneration of £55,000 per annum, based on a minimum time commitment of 104 days per year. The independent board member will receive a non-pensionable remuneration of £11,100 per annum, based on a minimum time commitment of 36 days per year.

These appointments are regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments, to ensure that they are made on merit after fair and open competition.

For an informal discussion about the role contact Jackie Kay (AHDB HR Director) on 024 7647 8710 or at Jackie.Kay@ahdb.org.uk. Completed applications should be emailed to publicappts@defra.gov.uk quoting reference APPT08-19 for the role of Chair or reference APPT09-19 for the role of independent board member.

The closing date for applications for these roles is 12 noon on 22nd October 2019.

Panel interviews are expected to take place in the week commencing 2nd December 2019.