More time to apply for AWB positions: extended to 2 November

DAERA is looking for people skilled in formal negotiations, conflict resolution and with experience of industrial relations to fill three public appointment vacancies on the Agricultural Wages Board (AWB), the deadline has now been extended for applications until 12 Noon Thursday 2 November.

The AWB is an Executive Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) sponsored by DAERA, which is responsible for setting minimum wages, and certain other employment rights, such as holiday entitlement, for agricultural workers in Northern Ireland. 

There are currently two vacancies for Independent Board Members and one for Chair of the Board. The essential criteria includes relevant experience of industrial relations and negotiations, communication and collaboration as well as influencing. Applications for the position of Chair must also demonstrate leadership skills.

The Chair of the board, which meets three times a year, is committed to five days per annum, with a daily attendance fee of £294.

The time commitment for Independent Members is up to five days per annum with an attendance fee of £152 per day.  

Reasonable travel expenses will also be reimbursed along with reasonable costs relating to care of dependants, including childcare.

It is expected that the successful candidates will be appointed for a three year period from week commencing 1 January 2024.

To apply visit the DAERA website.

More information about this competition and public appointments in general is available from the NIDirect website or by contacting DAERA Public Appointments Unit at 028 77 442025 or PublicAppointments@daera-ni.gov.uk

Notes to editors: 

1. The Agricultural Wages Board (AWB) was established under the terms of the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) (Northern Ireland) Order 1977. Appointments are made under Article 3 and Schedule 1 of the order.

2. The Board consists of 15 members:

• A chair and two independent members positions;
• six members nominated by the Ulster Farmers' Union as representatives of agricultural employers; and
• six members nominated by Unite the Union as representatives of agricultural workers' interests.

3. DAERA is committed to the principle of public appointments based on merit with independent assessment, openness and transparency of process. DAERA is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications regardless of gender, age, marital status, disability, religion, ethnic origin, political opinion, sexual orientation or whether or not you have dependants.  Since women, young people, people from black and ethnic minority backgrounds and people with disabilities are currently under-represented on the AWB, applications from these groups are particularly welcome.

4. A merit-based process will be applied alongside the Guaranteed Interview Scheme for applicants with a disability. Applicants will be expected to complete an application form demonstrating how they meet the essential criteria for these appointments.

5. Application materials will also be made available on request in other formats such as Braille, large print, audio, etc.  All reasonable adjustments will be made to accommodate the needs of applicants/candidates with a disability.

6. These appointments are regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland (CPANI). The Commissioner’s role is to regulate, monitor, report and advise on the way in which Ministers make appointments to the Boards of regulated bodies in Northern Ireland.

7. Follow DAERA on Twitter and Facebook.

8. All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office at: pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk

9. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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