The Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) group is welcoming applications from sheep farmers in the UK to be the next SCOPS Steering Group Deputy Chair.

The role of the Deputy Chair is to support the Chair, deputising where requested, and to develop sufficient understanding and involvement in SCOPS to allow a seamless transition from Deputy to Chair when the time comes.

The current SCOPS Chair is Kevin Harrison, a sheep farmer from the Gloucestershire/Somerset border. He says: "The SCOPS Steering Group is fully representative of the UK sheep sector, with members from various agricultural organisations and research bodies, industry experts, vets, consultants and advisers. We always have farmers as the Chair and Deputy Chair of the group, to ensure work is applicable and appealing to grassroots producers.

"I love being part of this varied group, as the expertise contained within it is second to none. I learn a great deal as Chair and also enjoy finding ways to turn complex science into accessible information for farmers like me. We're a very friendly bunch with mutual respect for each other and what we do. I look forward to working with a new Deputy Chair to continue to deliver vital work for the sheep sector."

The position of Deputy Chair has become vacant due to a change in circumstances of the individual who held the role. The deadline for applications is 9am on Monday 10th March 2025, by which date anyone interested in the role will need to have submitted their CV and a summary of why they would like to join the SCOPS Steering Group, what they would bring to group and previous relevant experience. Applicants will be assessed and one candidate selected by the SCOPS funders using a pre-agreed selection criteria and scoring matrix. Once appointed the Deputy Chair is eligible to claim an annual honorarium of £750 and legitimate expenses.

Full details are on the SCOPS website at www.scops.org.uk.