News
Please select one of our news pages below. Please check back regularly for further updates.
This event is specifically designed to allow attendees to gain hands on understanding of the opportunities that ‘Social Media’ can provide. VERY IMPORTANT - PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING ALONG PLENTY OF BUSINESS CARDS AND ALSO YOUR LAPTOP, TABLET OR SMARTPHONE
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The Localism Act 2011 has now received Royal Assent, and explanatory notes can be viewd useing the link. A plain English Guide and the Act itself can be viewed via the Planning Portal.
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Non-Executive Directorships
Gavin McGillivray, Head of Private Sector Department at DFID, has asked me to circulate members with the information that three of the DFID-backed Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) companies are seeking to recruit Non-Executive Directors: The Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund, InfraCo Africa and InfraCo Asia. They are looking for senior and successful practitioners in infrastructure. Please see the adverts for these posts, which explain the recruitment procedure.
Gavin McGillivray, Head of Private Sector Department at DFID, has asked me to circulate members with the information that three of the DFID-backed Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) companies are seeking to recruit Non-Executive Directors: The Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund, InfraCo Africa and InfraCo Asia. They are looking for senior and successful practitioners in infrastructure. Please see the adverts for these posts, which explain the recruitment procedure.
Our research involves talking to farmers about their attitudes towards a possible innovation in agri-environmental schemes designed to encourage environmental resource conservation and protection at the landscape scale. This needs a little explanation.
The recent White Paper on the Environment argues the need for "creating a resilient ecological network across England". It supports the creation of "widespread and joined-up partnership action" working at "the strategic scale" - but supplies very little detail as to what this might mean in practice.
However, the White Paper strongly supports an earlier review (the Lawton Report) which is much more direct: "A new type of Environmental Stewardship Scheme is needed, particularly to help buffer sites and establish stepping stones and ecological corridors" [Recommendation 16, p 82]. Lawton further states; "Delivering a more effective ecological network may require refinements to the [Entry Level] Scheme, such as rewarding farmers who act cooperatively" [Recommendation 23, p 89].
This research examines farmer attitudes towards acting collaboratively with neighbouring farmers to jointly manage environmental features in a scheme designed to help create more resilient ecological networks from a landscape scale perspective.
Our initial research interviewed a small number of farmers - we now need to compare those findings against the opinions of a larger number of farmers, and we are asking for your help with this. We welcome all views, from those currently with, and those who have chosen not to participate in any agri-environment schemes.
If you are willing to help then please do access the link below - the questions cover issues that may farmers will perhaps have to become more familiar with in the near future.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Landscape-scale_AESs
Many thanks indeed
Jeremy Franks and Steven Emery
SAFRD, Newcastle University, UK
The recent White Paper on the Environment argues the need for "creating a resilient ecological network across England". It supports the creation of "widespread and joined-up partnership action" working at "the strategic scale" - but supplies very little detail as to what this might mean in practice.
However, the White Paper strongly supports an earlier review (the Lawton Report) which is much more direct: "A new type of Environmental Stewardship Scheme is needed, particularly to help buffer sites and establish stepping stones and ecological corridors" [Recommendation 16, p 82]. Lawton further states; "Delivering a more effective ecological network may require refinements to the [Entry Level] Scheme, such as rewarding farmers who act cooperatively" [Recommendation 23, p 89].
This research examines farmer attitudes towards acting collaboratively with neighbouring farmers to jointly manage environmental features in a scheme designed to help create more resilient ecological networks from a landscape scale perspective.
Our initial research interviewed a small number of farmers - we now need to compare those findings against the opinions of a larger number of farmers, and we are asking for your help with this. We welcome all views, from those currently with, and those who have chosen not to participate in any agri-environment schemes.
If you are willing to help then please do access the link below - the questions cover issues that may farmers will perhaps have to become more familiar with in the near future.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Landscape-scale_AESs
Many thanks indeed
Jeremy Franks and Steven Emery
SAFRD, Newcastle University, UK
Publication of Draft Guidance and Regulations
Gafta was informed on 16 June 2011 about the publication of the Draft Guidance and Regulations related to the cancellation policy of Certain Backdated Business Rates Liabilities.
A copy of the guidance and accompanying business rates information letter (two separate documents with the guidance itself at the bottom of the page under 'related downloads') can be found on the department's website (http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/localgovernment/bril32011
Gafta was informed on 16 June 2011 about the publication of the Draft Guidance and Regulations related to the cancellation policy of Certain Backdated Business Rates Liabilities.
A copy of the guidance and accompanying business rates information letter (two separate documents with the guidance itself at the bottom of the page under 'related downloads') can be found on the department's website (http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/localgovernment/bril32011
Chief Executive, Anthony Hyde, attended the launch of Richard Macdonald’s Report in London on May 17th together with a host of other Stakeholders. Secretary of State, Caroline Spelman and Minister of Agriculture, Jim Paice, accepted the Report which was very wide ranging and contained over 200 recommendations. Caroline Spelman endorsed the message that Government has to change its approach to the culture of regulation and said that DEFRA was leading the way. She also said that there was unanimity amongst European Agricultural Ministers that the current discussions on CAP Reform had to be centred on simplification of the processes and regulations. Jim Paice undertook to produce an interim response to the Task Force’s Report by the autumn followed by a full document early in 2012.
The Task Force’s key message to DEFRA can be summarised as follows:-
• Establish an entirely new approach to end culture of regulation.
• Trust the Industry, involve it in the development of regulation and provide the framework for it to take responsibility.
• Regulation must move to a culture of delivering real results.
• Establish systems of “EARNED RECOGNITION” enabling regulators to reward good practice with less inspection.
• Reduce paperwork, reduce burdens and simplify compliance.
BIAC’s submissions to the Task Force were very much focused on achieving outcomes, reducing the burden of regulation and most importantly trusting the Industry to deliver by recognising the accredited skills that already exist. Anthony Hyde very much welcomes the supportive comments made by the Secretary of State and her Minister on the Task Force’s recommendation that “EARNED RECOGNITION” must be rewarded. BIAC has argued for many years that recognition should be given to the accredited proven standards that its members subscribe to and that these should be accepted across the Industry for the delivery of Government policy, advice and regulation.
The bulk of the Task Force Report’s recommendations on improving the delivery of better regulation fall into the following sectors:-
• Livestock Movements
• Nitrates Regulations
• SPS Cross-Compliance
• Planning Framework
• Water Framework
• Waste and IPPC
• Pesticides
• Meat Hygiene and Food Processing
The Report also “strays” into policy matters with recommendations for CAP Reform and National Planning Policy Framework.
Anthony Hyde advises members to familiarise themselves with the Task Force’s Report. The Minister asked the Task Force to be bold and in return Richard Macdonald has charged him and DEFRA officials to be proactive in actively responding to his panel’s recommendations. There was a very strong message from the Stakeholders at the launch to the Secretary of State and Minister that now was the time to act, now was the opportunity and now was the support. BIAC will play its part.
Anthony Hyde picks out two extracts from the Report that are particularly relevant to Agricultural advisers and consultants.
2.11 trade associations and other bodies ------------- should drive, own and fund training and continuous professional development for farmers, farm advisers and inspectors and that such training for farmers be recognised through earned recognition.
3.16 We recommend that the principles of earned recognition become central to Government regulatory policy-making and implementation, so wherever possible individuals/businesses have the opportunity to provide evidence and benefit from a reduced or less costly regulatory burden.
Anthony Hyde FRICS FBIAC ARAgS - Chief Executive
18th May 2011
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The Task Force’s key message to DEFRA can be summarised as follows:-
• Establish an entirely new approach to end culture of regulation.
• Trust the Industry, involve it in the development of regulation and provide the framework for it to take responsibility.
• Regulation must move to a culture of delivering real results.
• Establish systems of “EARNED RECOGNITION” enabling regulators to reward good practice with less inspection.
• Reduce paperwork, reduce burdens and simplify compliance.
BIAC’s submissions to the Task Force were very much focused on achieving outcomes, reducing the burden of regulation and most importantly trusting the Industry to deliver by recognising the accredited skills that already exist. Anthony Hyde very much welcomes the supportive comments made by the Secretary of State and her Minister on the Task Force’s recommendation that “EARNED RECOGNITION” must be rewarded. BIAC has argued for many years that recognition should be given to the accredited proven standards that its members subscribe to and that these should be accepted across the Industry for the delivery of Government policy, advice and regulation.
The bulk of the Task Force Report’s recommendations on improving the delivery of better regulation fall into the following sectors:-
• Livestock Movements
• Nitrates Regulations
• SPS Cross-Compliance
• Planning Framework
• Water Framework
• Waste and IPPC
• Pesticides
• Meat Hygiene and Food Processing
The Report also “strays” into policy matters with recommendations for CAP Reform and National Planning Policy Framework.
Anthony Hyde advises members to familiarise themselves with the Task Force’s Report. The Minister asked the Task Force to be bold and in return Richard Macdonald has charged him and DEFRA officials to be proactive in actively responding to his panel’s recommendations. There was a very strong message from the Stakeholders at the launch to the Secretary of State and Minister that now was the time to act, now was the opportunity and now was the support. BIAC will play its part.
Anthony Hyde picks out two extracts from the Report that are particularly relevant to Agricultural advisers and consultants.
2.11 trade associations and other bodies ------------- should drive, own and fund training and continuous professional development for farmers, farm advisers and inspectors and that such training for farmers be recognised through earned recognition.
3.16 We recommend that the principles of earned recognition become central to Government regulatory policy-making and implementation, so wherever possible individuals/businesses have the opportunity to provide evidence and benefit from a reduced or less costly regulatory burden.
Anthony Hyde FRICS FBIAC ARAgS - Chief Executive
18th May 2011
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The 2010/2011 Members Directory is now available. Please contact the BIAC Office for a copy Tel:01795 830100 or email info@biac.co.uk.
The final arrangements are being made for this years ‘BIAC Young Consultant of the Year’ competition are being made and to register your interest please contact the BIAC office on 01275 375559 or by email to richard@biac.co.uk
INFORMATION NOTE ON THE PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE ON RECOGNITION ISSUES PLUS DETAILS OF NEXT STAKE HOLDER MEETING
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As part of memnbership of BIAC members are required to maintain a record of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and the attached card is to be used
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The 'NVZ Questions and answers' (NVZ Q&A) and 'NVZ Fact Sheets' are documents produced by Defra and the Environment Agency to supplement the main 'Guidance for farmers in NVZs'.
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We compile an event sheet in the BIAC office of notable events in the agricultural sector so as to try and not clash with other events and if you have a date of an event we should include on this list please contact us.
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Your chance to hear the results and information covering Rural Business research project
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The need for good consultants to support farmers and other land based business owners has never been greater. With such volatility in all our markets and a much harsher financial climate impacting Agriculture in this country, the need for independent, high quality professional advice has never been greater.
Details of the 2011 competition will be available shortly meanwhile please see the attached pdf for further details.
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Details of the 2011 competition will be available shortly meanwhile please see the attached pdf for further details.
Click here for further information