At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead discussions and guide the Agricultural Advisory Panel to ensure fair work and pay.
- Company: Welsh Government's Agricultural Advisory Panel, promoting sustainable rural communities.
- Benefits: Earn £310 per day for impactful work, with flexible meeting arrangements.
- Why this job: Shape the future of agricultural employment protections in Wales and champion fair work.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills, strategic judgement, and commitment to fairness required.
- Other info: Digital meetings with occasional face-to-face in Mid Wales; bilingual candidates encouraged.
Appointment of Chair
The Agricultural Advisory Panel for Wales is a statutory body responsible for maintaining fair, proportionate and sustainable minimum employment protections for agricultural, horticultural and forestry workers in Wales. The Panel advises Welsh Ministers on minimum wage rates and wider statutory terms and conditions for agricultural workers. It brings together employer and worker representatives and independent members with agriculture and skills expertise to agree clear and proportionate proposals. The Panel’s work helps deliver:
- Fair Work in Wales
- sustainable and productive rural communities
- clear, up-to-date statutory protections
- certainty for employers and workers.
Each year, the Panel reviews minimum terms and conditions, consults publicly on proposed changes, and submits a draft Agricultural Wages (Wales) Order for Ministerial approval. The Panel is supported by:
- a mandatory subcommittee on skills, training, and career progression
- additional subcommittees where needed
- Welsh Government secretariat support
- external legal drafting and support.
Ministers may also approve commissioned research to inform the Panel’s work.
As Chair, you will lead the Panel’s meetings, support constructive discussions and help the Panel reach fair and balanced recommendations. You will work with employer and worker representatives and engage with senior stakeholders across government and the agricultural sector as required. You will be accountable to the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs.
We particularly welcome applications from those with experience in:
- employment relations
- pay frameworks and wage-setting
- labour-market intelligence and insights
- employment law or regulatory policy
- public sector governance, assurance or advisory roles
- proportionate regulation and evidence-based decision frameworks.
As Chair, you will have the following strategic leadership responsibilities:
- Chair focused meetings that encourage constructive challenge and collective problem-solving
- Provide clear strategic direction so the Panel can meet its remit
- Support all members to contribute confidently and equally
- Build consensus across employer and worker representatives
- Ensure recommendations are fair, proportionate and clearly explained
- Uphold strong governance, transparency and impartiality
- Champion fair work and fair pay in line with Welsh Government priorities
- Submit draft Orders to Welsh Ministers with clear policy rationale
- Take responsibility for the clarity, quality and integrity of the Panel’s decisions.
Essential Candidates must demonstrate:
- Excellent chairing or facilitation skills, particularly where negotiation or social partnership is involved
- Strong strategic judgement and the ability to interpret complex information
- A clear commitment to fairness, independence and evidence-based decisions
- An understanding of fair work and fair pay, and their value to Wales’s rural economy
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to explain balanced recommendations clearly
- High standards of integrity and professionalism
- The ability to build consensus while remaining impartial and focused.
Desirable:
- Ability to communicate in Welsh, or strong support for bilingual service delivery
- Knowledge of labour-markets trends, wage-setting mechanisms or related analysis
- Experience of advisory bodies or governance roles
- Understanding of challenges faced by employers and workers in low-pay sectors
- Ability to bring insights from relevant professional, academic or policy backgrounds.
The Panel meets on a “Digital by Default” basis using Microsoft Teams. When a face-to-face meeting is required, this is usually in Mid Wales, although other locations may occasionally be used.
The Welsh Government acknowledges the importance of developing and growing bilingual capabilities in public appointments in Wales and welcomes applications from candidates who demonstrate their capability to work in both English and Welsh.
The closing date for receipt of applications is 18/02/2026 (16:00). For further details and to apply, please click the ‘Apply’ button now.
Chair employer: Welsh Government
Contact Detail:
Welsh Government Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chair
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the agricultural sector and related fields. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Chair position.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of fair work and pay frameworks. Be ready to discuss how you can champion these values in your role. Show them you’re not just a candidate, but the right fit for leading the Panel!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your chairing skills! Simulate meetings with friends or colleagues to refine your facilitation techniques. This will help you feel confident in guiding discussions and building consensus when it matters most.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Chair
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role and its responsibilities. Familiarise yourself with the Agricultural Advisory Panel's function and how your experience aligns with their needs. This will help you tailor your application effectively.
Be Clear and Concise: When you're putting together your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. Remember, the panel wants to see your skills and experience, so make sure they shine through without unnecessary fluff.
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for fair work and agricultural issues come through in your writing. Share why you’re interested in this role and how you can contribute to the Panel’s mission. A bit of personality can go a long way!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right place. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just click the ‘Apply’ button and follow the prompts.
How to prepare for a job interview at Welsh Government
✨Know Your Panel Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of the Agricultural Advisory Panel for Wales. Familiarise yourself with their recent recommendations and the challenges they face. This will help you speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Chairing Skills
As a Chair, your ability to facilitate discussions is crucial. Prepare examples from your past where you've successfully led meetings or negotiations. Highlight how you encouraged participation and built consensus among diverse groups.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be ready to discuss how you interpret complex information and make evidence-based decisions. Think of scenarios where you've had to analyse data or trends in employment relations and how that informed your strategic direction.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice explaining your ideas and recommendations clearly. The interviewers will be looking for your communication skills, so consider rehearsing with a friend or colleague. Make sure you can articulate your vision for fair work and fair pay in a way that's easy to understand.