FAQ

History and background to the OFC

OFC structure, organisation and governance

  • Q What is the legal status of the OFC?

    The Company is a registered charity (registered number 294139) and is limited by guarantee, number 2005012. The maximum liability of each member is limited to £1. The governing body is the Council of Trustees and the memorandum and articles of association adopted on incorporation 27th March 1986. The Trustees have unlimited powers of investment.

  • Q Can the OFC provide a VAT invoice?

    Yes we provide a VAT invoice automatically on confirmation of your booking.

  • Q What is the management structure of the OFC?

    The governing body is the Council of Trustees and the memorandum and articles of association adopted on incorporation 27th March 1986. The Trustees have unlimited powers of investment.         
    Those serving on the Board during the year are set out on page 1 of the accounts. The Trustees are appointed to the Board to serve a three year term. Apart from those mentioned in note 13 of the Company Accounts in related party transactions, none of the Trustees had an interest in any material contract during the year relating to the business of the Company. All Trustees are members of the Company and serve in a voluntary capacity
    There are nine Trustees each of whom serves a three year term, three leaving and three joining the Council each year. Prospective Trustees can apply and are chosen for their ability to bring different skills and contacts to the Council and so enable the aim of the Conference to be fulfilled. New Trustees stand for election by the members at the Annual General Meeting in January. The third year Trustees o decide between them who should be the next Chairman, in the event of more than one wanting to do it, the choice of Chairman is put to vote by the Trustees.        
    The Board ensures that the business of The Oxford Farming Conference is conducted in accordance with its charitable aims and is legally responsible for its governance and management.
     The Council has a further Director who acts as Finance Director and prepares financial reports for each meeting. The Finance Director, who is also the Treasurer and Company Secretary, is chosen for his or her financial and accounting skills, and may serve for longer than the three years if decided at the Annual General Meeting.

  • Q Who is the OFC Secretary?

    British Growers Association (Lisa and Pauline)

    Telephone: 01507 602427

    Email: secretariat@ofc.org.uk

  • Q Who are the Council members?

     
      See: this link for a full listing and biographies
     

  • Q Who is the Treasurer?

     David Turner

  • Q Who runs the OFC Marketing, Website and Media Relations?

    Jane Craigie Marketing (Rebecca and Jane)

    07792 467730

    marketing@ofc.org.uk

     

  • Q How is the OFC Council structured?

    There are nine Trustees each of whom serves a three year term, three leaving and three joining the Council each year. Prospective Trustees can apply and are chosen for their ability to bring different skills and contacts to the Council and so enable the aim of the Conference to be fulfilled. New Trustees stand for election by the members at the Annual General Meeting in January. The third year Trustees decide between them who should be the next Chairman, in the event of more than one wishing to be Chairman, the choice is put to a vote by the Trustees.        
    The Board ensures that the business of The Oxford Farming Conference is conducted in accordance with its charitable aims and is legally responsible for its governance and management.
    The Council has a further Director who acts as Finance Director and prepares financial reports for each meeting. The Finance Director, who is also the Treasurer and Company Secretary, is chosen for his or her financial and accounting skills, and may serve for longer than the three years if decided at the Annual General Meeting.
     

  • Q What does the OFC Council do?

    The Board ensures that the business of The Oxford Farming Conference is conducted in accordance with its charitable aims and is legally responsible for its governance and management.

    It also determines the theme, speakers and content of the Conference and organises the OFC's other activities.

  • Q Who is eligible to join the OFC Council?

    Anyone. The details of the OFC's requirements are outlined below. Applications open in April of every year for appointment at the following January conference. Applicants MUST have attended the conference in the past for their application to be considered.
    Those selected as members will be invited to attend two Council meetings in November and December (prior to formal appointment) and will then be expected to attend approximately eight Council meetings each year and the Oxford Farming Conference itself for their three year term in office.
    Council members are expected to make a commitment to delivering the conference and it is important that prospective applicants appreciate the time commitment being made. The positions are wholly honorary but reasonable expenses are reimbursed and attendance at the Conference is free of charge.
    The Council, as a team, needs a breadth of experience across the public, private, voluntary and non-governmental sectors in the agri-food and land management areas. We would be particularly interested in individuals who can demonstrate one or more of the following:
    •    A track record of successful innovation in agriculture or horticulture
    •    Experience of developing agricultural policies and strategy
    •    Highly effective communication and PR skills
    •    Broad and effective network of contacts across the public, private and academic sectors. EC, world and food chain contacts would be of particular use
    •    Creative ideas and concepts for the future development of the OFC

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