Responsibility and cost sharing: Advisory group
The RCS Advisory Group has been appointed by the Secretary of State, in consultation with industry leaders, to advise him on how best to realise partnership working within the RCS agenda in England.
The group is made up of four Directors of the key animal health work areas within Defra, eleven industry and veterinary representatives – who were suggested by the livestock industry, and a consumer representative. The membership of the group was announced by Jim Fitzpatrick on the 16th September 2009, he said:
“Once fully established, the group will help develop our shared vision for the farming industry - a vision founded on a long term view of the sector’s funding and the policy framework that governs it. We need to move forward and secure these reforms that will put the industry on a stronger footing for generations to come”.
The 16 members of the group, together with the independent Chair, Rosemary Radcliffe, have broad ranging experience and expertise in governance, livestock farming, the veterinary profession, public health and consumer interests. Our Chief Veterinary Officer is an ex-officio member, and Kevin Pearce of the NFU is a co-opted member within the Group. The group will seek information and expert views from numerous sources and individuals, both inside and outside of Defra.
This group will advise Hilary Benn on how to put real partnership working into practice under the sponsorship of the new body. It will look at the constitution of the new body, how it works and how best to align its responsibilities to those of Defra’s. It will also consider, scrutinise and examine Defra’s prioritisation and spend on animal health policy. All of which the group will complete, and report to the Secretary of State by late 2010.
The group is supported by a dedicated secretariat provided by Defra. Contact can be made with the group either via your industry representative body, or directly via the secretariat.
Further information
Page last modified: 15 October, 2009