Job Description

Board Members (two vacancies) – voluntary positions

The National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (England & Wales) [NFYFC] is one of the largest rural youth organisations in the UK. The organisation provides opportunities for personal development of its members through training programmes, competitions, skills certificates and overseas travel. This is a democratic
membership organisation of over 23,000 members in more than 615 Young Farmers’ Clubs in England and Wales which are grouped in 46 County Federations.

The National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs supports the Clubs and County Federations to achieve the charity objectives through a range of programmes and training underpinned by youth work principles. NFYFC organises a full programme of events designed to offer opportunities for participation, learning, fun and personal
development to YFC members aged 10 to 26 years.

The NFYFC is currently seeking to recruit two experienced and dynamic individuals to joinits Board of Management (BoM) for a two year term of office (a further term of two years is available thereafter) with the following specialisms:-

1. An Independent Board member - expertise and experience of Board or Director level in the governance of a membership organisation. (Vacant now)
1.1. To bring external and independent management experience to the NFYFC Board – applications from those with experience of governance of a membership organisation are particularly welcome
2. An Independent Board member with youthwork and or training of young people expertise and experience at Board or Director level. (Vacant autumn 2018)
2.1. To bring external and independent management experience to the NFYFC Board - applications from those with experience of youthwork and training of young people are particularly welcome

General – all members of the NFYFC Board of Management are expected to:-

• To scrutinise and question the information that is presented to the BoM

• To make decisions based on studied evidence and the specialist skills and experience of the BOM

• To ascertain that outcomes of all decisions are influenced always for the benefit of the NFYFC and its members

• To bring new ideas and experiences to the NFYFC

• To have a sound understanding of organisational management and financial management

• As part of the Board, assist in preparing a Development Plan for the Federation

Candidates will need personal authority and integrity, good communication skills and the ability to provide sound independent advice. Knowledge of guiding the strategic direction of an organisation of this type will be invaluable as well as the ability to champion, influence and support the organisation as it develops its strategy.

Applications will be welcomed from individuals with:-

Essential

• A record of proven and significant achievement in their own field.

• Confident and effective communication skills with a range of audiences and the ability to challenge in a constructive way.

• Demonstrable experience of building and sustaining relationships with key stakeholders and colleagues to achieve organisational objectives.

• Successful experience of operating at level board with a national charitable, public sector, membership or commercial organisation.

Desirable

• An understanding and commitment to the values and ethos of the NFYFC.

• Commitment to community and charity work.

• A background in one or more of the following areas would be also be welcomed:-

• Strategic planning and evaluation.
• Strategic communications.
• Organisational development, cultural change and change management. 
• Organisational risk management.
• Financial management of similar organisation/commercial business.
• Rural and agricultural communities.

As a youth organisation the NFYFC is committed to the principles of safeguarding and will apply its safe recruitment policy to all appointments.

Further information
The NFYFC currently holds 4 Board meetings per year at or close to its headquarters at Stoneleigh Park, Nr Kenilworth, Warwickshire. Several meetings are held at weekends and others on weekdays.
These posts are voluntary and are not remunerated. Expenses are payable in line with the Federation’s expenses policies.

Instructions to applicants:-

If you would like to be considered for one of the available positions please send your CV to:

1. James Eckley Chief Officer
National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC)
Closing date for applications: 12 noon, Friday 25 May 2018

2. If you would like more information or an informal conversation about the positions please refer to the contact details on our NFYFC Website under recruitment.
3. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview.