The Sheep Breeders Round Table (SBRT) is looking to appoint new committee members.

Background

SBRT is a biennial conference that provides a platform for UK sheep farmers, geneticists, researchers, breed societies, breeding companies, industry bodies and other interested parties to expand and share their knowledge and debate relevant topics around sheep genetic awareness and improvement. It covers specific sheep breeding topics but also the wider role of genetics in the national and international sheep farming picture, including the sustainability, profitability, reputation and culture of the sector. The next conference will be held in November 2024.

Committee
The conference is organised by the SBRT Committee whose role is to organise all elements of the conference and make it relevant to its wide audience. The first priority for individuals on the committee must be to act in the interest of SBRT, above any individual interests or company loyalties.
The committee meets approximately 6 times a year but as often as deemed necessary to plan the biennial event. Currently all meetings are held online and last about an hour. Correspondence relating to the organisation of the event requiring the attention of committee members is sent via email.
Committee members are expected to contribute their ideas and experience to assist with all elements of the event programme and organisation. They are expected to attend all meetings or send updates/contributions by email if unable to attend. Committee members may be asked to assist during the weekend of the event such as chairing a session or helping with the registration desk and support roles such as assisting with a roving mic during Q&A’s etc.
The committee consists of a Chair, Secretary and Treasurer plus representatives of the relevant supporting industry bodies, currently AgriSearch (Northern Ireland) AHDB (England), HCC (Wales), NSA (UK) and QMS (Scotland) plus a number of independent individuals which represent practical elements of the UK sheep industry. A Vice Chair may be appointed from within the committee.

New Committee Members
SBRT is currently looking to bolster the independent individuals on the committee and is looking for volunteers with an interest and/or experience in sheep genetics and knowledge of SBRT. This is a voluntary role with no remuneration for any committee member or provision to pay expenses.

Application process
Applicants are asked to send a letter of introduction explaining why they want to become an SBRT independent committee member, what they would bring to the group and previous relevant experience. Applicants will be reviewed by the committee on the basis of the following criteria:

1.Relevant involvement/interest in sheep genetics, within a flock or business
2.Knowledge of and enthusiasm for SBRT and the role it performs for the sheep sector
3. Ability to keep abreast of new genetic developments and future opportunities and challenges
4. Ability to contribute ideas towards designing and delivering an appealing conference
5. Ability to attend online meetings

Applicants are asked to send their letter of introduction including contact details to [email protected] by Friday 6th October 2023. The committee will then review all applications and invite successful applicants to be a part of the organising committee for the 2024 conference with meetings beginning in November 2023.