Sheep Breeders Round Table (SBRT) is recruiting new committee members

SBRT is looking to bolster the independent individuals on the committee and invites you to come forward if you would like to volunteer and have an interest with experience in sheep genetics and prior knowledge of SBRT conferences.

Background

SBRT hosts a biennial conference that provides a platform for UK sheep farmers, geneticists, researchers, breed societies, breeding companies, industry bodies and other interested parties. Our aim is to expand and share knowledge and debate relevant issues around sheep genetic awareness with the ultimate objective of inspiring and improving our UK sheep industry. The conference covers specific topics relating to sheep breeding and the wider role of genetics in the national and international sheep farming practice, including the sustainability, profitability, reputation and culture of the sector. The next conference will be held in November 2026.

Committee

The conference is organised by the SBRT Committee, a team of around 12 members, whose role is to organise all elements of the event, ensuring it is relevant to a wide audience and cost effective allowing it to be accessible to all.

The committee meets approximately 4-6 times a year but as often as deemed necessary to plan the biennial event. All meetings are held online and last around an hour, increasing to 1hr 30 minutes six months before the conference. All correspondence relating to event organisation, which requires attention from committee members, is sent via email and we have a WhatsApp group for quick updates.

Prerequisites for Independent Committee members:

The first priority for individuals on the committee must be to act in the interest of SBRT, above any individual interests or company loyalties.
Independent members include pedigree breeders, progressive commercial farm businesses or academic researchers.
All are expected to contribute ideas and experience to assist with all elements of the event programme development and organisation.
All are expected to attend online meetings or send contributions by email if unable to attend.
All are expected to be present, where possible, at the conference.
All are available to assist during the event, for example, chair a conference session, microphone assistance with Q&A’s or other support roles such as assisting with the registration desk etc.
All members of the committee* accept this is a voluntary role understanding there is no renumeration or provision to pay expenses available (*with the exception of the SBRT secretary).

The committee office holders consist of a Chair, Vice 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) with a number of independent individuals who represent practical elements of the UK sheep industry. When necessary new office holders are appointed from within the committee.

Application process

Applicants are asked to send a one-page letter of introduction explaining why they would like to become an SBRT independent committee member, what they would bring to the team, summarising any previous relevant experience. Applicants will be reviewed by the committee based on the following criteria:

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

Applicants are asked to send their letter of introduction including contact details to our secretary bridget@bridget-lloyd.com by Friday 31st January 2025. The committee will then review all applications and invite successful applicants to be a part of the organising committee for the 2026 conference with meetings beginning in spring 2025.

Any new recruits would be confirmed by Friday 14th February with the first meeting with full committee planned at the end of March 2025.