UK-wide industry group, Ruminant Health & Welfare (RH&W), is accepting applications for a new chair.

The new chair will replace the group’s inaugural chair, Nigel Miller, who retired from the role earlier this summer.

Applications for the position close on August 31, 2023, and more information on the role can be found on the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board’s (AHDB) website.

The successful applicant will be tasked with providing strong strategic leadership for RH&W’s small officer team, the group said, and ensuring the group is the “go to place” for governments across the four nations of the UK, industry, and the media when looking for advice and input on ruminant health and welfare.

RH&W said the new chair must be a “passionate advocate” for the UK farmed ruminant sector, who will provide leadership for the group and bring the four nations together.

“They must have a proven ability to drive industry change, alongside a strong background in ruminant health and welfare.

“The new chairperson will be joining the group at an exciting time – RH&W launched the UK Dairy Cattle Welfare Strategy for 2023-2028 in June, and a welfare strategy for the sheep sector will launch later this year.”

The chair role is advertised by AHDB, which will fund the role as well as providing a secretary for support of the chosen candidate.

It is offered initially as a position with a two-year term from November 1, 2023, with the option for two re-appointments of up to two years.

A non-pensionable remuneration of £328 a day is offered with a minimum time commitment of 24 days/year, or two days/month.

However, during the first six months it is envisaged that up to four days/month may be required, RH&W said.

RH&W, formed in April 2020, aims to co-ordinate and focus the UK farming industry’s efforts to eradicate and control damaging cattle, sheep and goat diseases.