OFC calls for new Directors to join the Council from 2026 to 2028

​Would you like to help shape future OFC conferences? How about supporting the many outreach OFC programmes (Inspire, Scholars, Breaking Barriers, Bursaries) that support and give back to individuals within rural and agricultural communities?

We are now inviting expressions of interest for joining the Council for the 2026 - 2028 conferences.

The Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) is a charity and a limited company. The conference itself, which runs in early January every year, has become ever more high-profile within the farming industry, but more importantly to wider audiences and stakeholders. The OFC's mission is to 'Include, Challenge and Inspire'. 

The conference is designed and run by the OFC Council, a secretariat, events and AV team, and a marketing professional agency. You can view the Council at www.ofc.org.uk 

The OFC Council is made up of 10 voluntary directors, one of whom is the treasurer. With the exception of the treasurer, each director serves a three-year term. The make-up of the Council therefore changes every year, with three new directors joining and three retiring. Its members are drawn from a range of agricultural, agri-business, land management and food industry areas.  

The chairmanship of the OFC changes each year too, with the Chairman being chosen by the Council from among the three directors serving their third year. The annual report and accounts can be downloaded from the website by clicking here

The OFC is a charity with a remit to educate and transfer knowledge in the agricultural sector. As part of our charitable undertakings, the OFC supports young people, those who face social and economic barriers, and future agricultural and rural leaders to attend the conference and offers a bursary program to first-time attendees.   

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The requirements of an OFC Director

Candidates are expected to have attended at least one OFC, either in-person or online,. Positions are wholly honorary but reasonable expenses are reimbursed. 

Those selected as members will be invited to attend and observe two Council meetings:

• 1 November in London (with remote dial-in an option but in-person is preferred)
• 4 December in Oxford, in-person essential (prior to formal appointment in January 2025 at the conference)

They will then be required to attend approximately ten Council meetings each year (some are online meetings) and the Oxford Farming Conference itself for their three-year term in office.  Candidates need to consider their career and personal commitments over this three-year time frame to ensure they can commit to the council meetings.

Heavy use of IT is made (documents are shared through Teams, for example).  

In addition to meetings, the time commitment expected of Directors is estimated to be 1-2 days per month, perhaps more depending on particular responsibilities taken on. The time commitment of the Chairman is considerably greater. Your availability to travel to meetings, and your ability to give the time needed to the organisation of the conference, reading board meeting minutes, etc, is vital, but we also use online platforms to ensure participation is as inclusive as possible.

Successful candidates will be expected to attend the 2025 Conference (8 – 10 January), before being formally appointed as a Director, at the close of the Conference. Reasonable accommodation and travel expenses will be paid (full details of the expenses policy can be obtained from the secretariat by emailing secretariat@ofc.org.uk). 

More details about the Council can be obtained from the Secretariat on 01507 602427  or email secretariat@ofc.org.uk. The Secretariat will also supply contact details for Directors should you wish to talk through the role in more detail.  

The closing date for 2026 – 2028 Council applications is 5pm on Friday 21 June 2024

Candidate Profile

OFC wishes to appoint a diverse range of directors from a wide range of backgrounds and skills. We welcome applications from all communities, ad a list of core skills and desired attributes can be found in the information pack.

This year, in addition, we are interested in individuals who can demonstrate skills in one or more of the following areas:

• Farmers - We seek to have a balance of production sectors represented on the Council and this year would be particularly interested to hear from those directly farming anywhere within the UK.
• Business development - Experience of pursuing strategic opportunities for a particular business or organization, for example by cultivating partnerships or other commercial relationships.
• Policy and Governmental Affairs - A good understanding of political and governmental priorities for the industry. Experience directly working with policy, and governmental officials would be a benefit.
• Governance and board/committee experience - Experience of developing and implementing governance processes in charitable or private sectors and being well-versed in the workings of organisational boards or committees.

Download the information pack and application form

To download a copy of this page, information on the interview process and the core skills we are seeking for the next three years, plus the application form CLICK HERE

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