Senior Lecturer in Animal Health and Welfare

8 Royal f5w Agricultural lV\ University Closing date: 2nd November 2022 Interview date: 14th November 2022 Senior Lecturer in Animal Health and Welfare School of Agriculture, Food and the Environment Candidate Information Pack – October 2022

  Senior Lecturer in Animal Health and Welfare, October 2022 A Welcome from the Vice-Chancellor We have been developing leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators at the Royal Agricultural University ever since 1845. The RAU was established at a time of burgeoning industrialisation and great famine in Ireland when enlightened individuals, and members of agricultural societies, recognised that the transformation of UK agriculture – needed to increase food production – could only be achieved through education, and the application of science and innovation. ‘Practice with Science’ was the mantra of our founders as indeed it still is today – as we aim to equip a new generation of graduates to meet the most pressing challenges that face us in the world now – climate change, food security, sustainable land use, biodiversity loss, heritage management and so on. We were ranked the top university in the UK for being a Learning Community in this year’s National Student Survey, and 4th highest for Overall Student Satisfaction across all English universities. We were also graded in the ‘Top Ten’ English universities for both Academic Support and Organisation and Management and outperformed all 24 of the universities of the Russell Group. This year’s Research Excellence Framework outcome adjudged that more than half of our research is ‘world-leading and international in quality’. We are the leading small specialist university for research in England. We are also one of only six universities in the UK to be designated a “Centre of Excellence” by the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurship (IOEE), and the only specialist university to be so. If you would like to play a leading role in shaping the future development of the RAU and you share our passion and commitment to the land-based sector – to agriculture, food and the environment; real estate land management; rural business and entrepreneurship; cultural heritage and equine management and science – then we would be delighted to hear from you as a prospective Head of Subject. Thank you for your interest in the Royal Agricultural University. Best wishes Professor Peter McCaffery Vice Chancellor 2

Senior Lecturer in Animal Health and Welfare, October 2022 3 About the Royal Agricultural University The Royal Agricultural University has been at the forefront of agricultural education and a key contributor to the land-based sector for over 175 years. Our heritage The Royal Agricultural College (RAC), now the Royal Agricultural University (RAU), was the first agricultural college in the English-speaking world. The first 25 students were admitted in September 1845. From its early days, the College was staffed with innovators and pioneers and made a considerable impact on farming practice and agricultural science. In 2013, the Privy Council awarded the College full University Status with Taught Degree Awarding Powers, in recognition of its long record in the provision of higher education. The present The RAU has some 1,100 students studying a range of subjects, including agriculture, business, environment, equine science, farm management, food, real estate and rural land management. Set on the edge of Cirencester in the beautiful Cotswold countryside, its small size provides an exceptional sense of community amongst students and staff, which supports, develops and encourages students from all backgrounds to achieve their ambitions. In addition, it has recently established the RAU Joint Institute of Advanced Agri-Technology at Qingdao Agricultural University in China where, by 2024, 1,200 Chinese students will be studying for double degrees in agriculture, environment, food production and supply management, and business management. The University motto is ‘Arvorum Cultus Pecorumque’, a quotation from Virgil’s Georgics, meaning ‘Caring for the Fields and the Beasts’. This maxim has been enduringly relevant for a University which, in every area of its activity, has worked to promote sustainable use of the land, safeguard the environment and animal welfare and the wellbeing of rural communities. The RAU prides itself on combining subject expertise with industry connectivity and an innovative, forward thinking, enterprising approach. This opens doors for students, and RAU graduates are well prepared for successful careers in their chosen field, whether that be leading innovation and change in industry, informing future land-based policy, or setting up their own businesses.

The future Since 2016, the RAU has achieved significant progress against its strategic plan and has delivered transformation and change. The RAU has redefined its purpose as “to cultivate care for the land and all that depend on it”. Core elements of the strategy include:

• Growing and diversifying the student

community by providing an outstanding student experience and excellent employment outcomes. Innovative programmes will be informed by the evolving needs of industry and designed for learners at all stages of life, delivered via traditional and online learning platforms.

• Establishing a Knowledge Hub that will

help industry navigate change and uncertainty making it possible to tackle big challenges more effectively, thereby delivering societal benefit and impact. The Hub will provide a focus to catalyse farmer-led innovation, act as an accelerator of rural enterprise and become a centre for thought leadership for development of evidence-based policy and strategic thinking.

• Becoming a sustainable, efficient

organisation that can fund a continuing investment in its physical, digital and human infrastructure, ensuring a continually improving and excellent experience for students and staff. “The RAU’s mission is to equip a new generation to thrive through change”

• Partnering with land-based colleges

and schools to extend and diversify the student community. The University will foster thriving linkages to a variety of localities and communities across the UK, thereby extending the reach of learning opportunities it offers and the impact of its research.

• Developing sustainable partnerships

with industry and research-leading institutions to provide a wider perspective, ensuring that what it teaches is relevant, improves student employment outcomes and enables sustainability-oriented innovation.

• Building on existing and successful

international partnerships, among which a prominent feature has been teaching partnerships with Chinese universities. Senior Lecturer in Animal Health and Welfare, October 2022 4

Senior Lecturer in Animal Health and Welfare, October 2022 5 Agricultural Education at the RAU There are currently over 300 students studying agriculture and related subjects at RAU, with a further 300+ students studying these subjects at partner universities and colleges. The agriculture portfolio currently includes the following taught programmes:

• FdSc Agriculture and Farm Management

• BSc (hons) Agriculture

• BSc (Hons) Applied Farm Management

• BSc (Hons) Agricultural Management

• BSc (Hons) Environment, Food and Society

• BSc (Hons) Agri-Food Business Management

• Graduate Diploma in Agriculture & One Year Farming Programme

• MSc Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security

• MSc Agricultural Technology and Innovation

In addition, the following research degrees are offered:

• MSc Research Degree Programme

• PhD Research Degree Programme

All undergraduate students undertake a work placement as part of their programme, which allows them to gain valuable experience and see how what they are learning is used in practice. The agriculture and food programmes in China offer the opportunity for many staff to teach on these programmes in addition to their teaching at RAU. There are also a range of Knowledge Exchange activities in agriculture and farm management, offered through a menu of CPD courses and corporate training, consultancy and through local and international networks. Academics engage in research delivering papers at relevant conferences both nationally and internationally. Research activity in agriculture is currently focused on crop establishment techniques, legumes, weed management, bi-cropping and whole crop forage. The research benefits greatly from local farms and uses a trial site at Coates Farm, which the University rents from the adjoining Bathurst Estate. We also run projects on co-operating farms to increase the range of soil types, enterprises and locations for our studies. Current crops trials include a long term (7 harvests) crop establishment project comparing the impact on crop development and growth of direct drill, minimum tillage and plough power harrow-based techniques. We are also conducting trials on the effectiveness of mechanical weeding in cereals, working in conjunction with Innovative Farmers.

  The Role Job title: Senior Lecturer in Animal Health and Welfare Department: School of Agriculture Food and Environment Responsible to: Head of School Location: Cirencester, Gloucestershire (staff should also be willing to teach at our Swindon Campus and on our overseas programmes / study tours) Salary: Grade 10: £48,842 – £61,3823 dependant on experience Term: Permanent – Full time We have a number of different ways to work flexibly, so at your interview feel free to talk about what flexibility means to you. There are no guarantees, however, examples of how our employee already work flexibly include part-time, job share, hybrid-working and compressed hours. Responsibility for: Teaching, research and scholarship in livestock and equine health and welfare disciplines The Purpose The Royal Agricultural University recently agreed an ambitious three-year strategy with sustainable agriculture at its heart. Livestock and Equine Health and welfare is a crucial component of thriving land-based sector for farming, leisure and natural capital benefits. This exciting multidisciplinary role cuts across, and forges links between the agricultural sector and its parallel entities. As a senior lecturer, your role will include teaching, research and knowledge exchange in topics based around livestock and equine health and welfare at both enterprise specific and global industry level. You will possess an in-depth understanding of current research and knowledge exchange priorities with a view towards a sustainable future for agricultural and equestrian industries. This Senior Lecturer will also have a research profile based around relevant key areas, with evidence of existing or potential funding streams. You will be a Member of Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons or eligible or registration. You will have a proven ability to communicate this knowledge to others, in large and small groups. The right candidate for this post will have a well-developed empathy for students, a wish to develop the student experience, through both face-to-face and online teaching. Successful applicants will have a teaching qualification (for Senior Lecturer) or willingness to obtain one. In addition, those seeking appointment to Senior Lecturer will have experience in degree programme management and development, alongside teaching experience in the Higher Education Sector. Key Responsibilities 1. TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT

• Developing the School’s teaching programmes in the area of animal health and welfare to

ensure they are cutting edge and embrace the latest innovations in teaching and learning.

• Deliver teaching through lectures, tutorials, seminars, field excursions (national and

international), practical exercises and other modes of delivery to undergraduate and postgraduate students.

• Design, deliver and mark a range of assessments, as required by programme specifications.

Senior Lecturer in Animal Health and Welfare, October 2022 6

• Supervise undergraduate and postgraduate student dissertations.

• Create student awareness of current professional practice through visits, case studies and

visiting speakers.

• Provide academic and pastoral support for students (all staff have personal tutor

responsibilities).

• Engage in the continual updating of knowledge and understanding in your teaching skills.

It is a requirement to undertake a Postgraduate in Academic Practice (PGCAP or equivalent), if not already held. 2. RESEARCH, KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE AND SCHOLARSHIP

• Establish or develop a programme of research and knowledge exchange (depending upon

post applied for) linked to livestock and equine sector

• Contribute to the generation and delivery of consultancy and / or professional development

courses

• Establish appropriate collaborations both within and outside the RAU

• Act as primary or secondary supervisor of postgraduate students

• Publish research articles in peer-reviewed or professional practice journals

• Follow RAU policies and practices including data protection and management, health

• and safety and ethical approval.

• Engage in the continual updating of knowledge and understanding in your field or

specialism. 3. LEADERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION

• Manage modules, programmes and other functions as agreed.

• Attendance at academic board, programme meetings, School meetings, examiners

meetings and other management meetings arising from assigned responsibilities.

• Assist with the careers service to students and employers.

• Be part of the School recruitment team.

• Participate in the corporate life of the RAU as deemed relevant by the Head of School.

• Contribute to the development of the wider University’s new curriculum and academic

agenda.

• Working to deadlines and targets and keeping within budgets.

Person Specification Requirements The post holder must be able to demonstrate: Teaching: Essential (E) or Desirable (D) Able to engage the interest and enthusiasm of students and inspire them to develop as independent learners E Teaching / HEA qualification or willingness to achieve this within the first year of employment E Senior Lecturer in Animal Health and Welfare, October 2022 7

Experience of undergraduate and / or post graduate teaching E Experience of design and quality control of modules, course programmes / specifications and innovative assessment methods E Proven track record in research enhanced teaching E Research, Knowledge Exchange & Scholarship: PhD in a cognate discipline E Member, or eligible to register, for Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons E Postgraduate research supervision and examination D A developing programme of research or knowledge exchange in areas that are relevant to this role E Collaboration and interdisciplinary working, with researchers, consultants, funders and other partners E Leadership, management and communication: Develop initiative, creativity and judgement in applying appropriate approaches to teaching and learning, support and research activities E Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills E Ability to self-motivate and to motivate others E Management of teaching, research and/or consultancy teams to deliver high quality and timely outputs E Skills: Ability to use IT packages including Excel, Word, Access and PowerPoint E Ability to respond to pedagogical and practical challenges, notably with the use of technological pedagogic approaches E Able to travel and work away when required (nationally and internationally) E Senior Lecturer in Animal Health and Welfare, October 2022 8

current legislation, University policies and good practice guidance.

• All staff are required to act in a way that safeguards the health and wellbeing of children and

vulnerable adults at all times. The post holder must be familiar with and adhere to appropriate safeguarding policies and guidance and participate in related mandatory/statutory training. Managers have a responsibility to ensure their team members understand their individual responsibilities with regard to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

• All staff are required to participate in the University appraisal process and should ensure they

are familiar with the process and plan time to prepare for their appraisal. Following the appraisal, staff are expected to undertake in any necessary learning and development and work towards the objectives that have been set.

• The University expects staff to attend any training designated as mandatory and to undertake

learning and development activities to support their role. Managers must facilitate learning and development within their teams.

• It is a condition of employment that staff will not disclose any information obtained in the

course of their duties other than to those entitled to receive it. The post holder must ensure that the confidentiality of personal data remains secure and that restricted information or highly restricted information to which they have access remains confidential during and after their employment at Royal Agricultural University. All staff must undergo appropriate data protection training as required.

• All absence from work must be reported in accordance with the University’s absence

procedures and recorded on iTrent.

• The University acknowledges its responsibility to provide a safe, smoke free environment, to

its employees, service users and visitors. It is the policy of the University not to allow smoking on University premises other than in specifically designated areas. the single pay spine, at Grade 10: £48,842 to £61,3823. The appointment is normally made at the minimum of the pay scale and is subject to meeting all pre-employment clearances and requirements of the Person Specification.

• All new employees undergo a period of twelve months’ probation and confirmation of

employment is dependent on the satisfactory completion of that probationary period.

• The nature of this post is such that it is expected that you will respond to the operational

requirements of the University in order to fulfil your duties in a professional manner. You will be required to work such hours as are reasonably required to discharge your duties effectively and competently. The exact number of hours in any week will vary in accordance with institutional requirements, but will not be less than 35 hours a week.

• The University holiday year runs from January to December. The post carries an entitlement

to 30 working days (for a full-time position, otherwise pro rata) of paid leave during the Senior Lecturer in Animal Health and Welfare, October 2022 9

course of the holiday year (pro rata if the appointment is made during the holiday year), in addition to Statutory Bank Holidays. There may also be discretionary days and days when the University is closed on particular dates in the interests of efficiency.

• It is a condition of employment that all relevant posts are vetted by the Disclosure & Barring

Service (DBS) and if it applies to this appointment you will be required to undertake a DBS check. The University will pay the fee for this service. Any false declarations or any findings from the Disclosure could affect the suitability for employment. Pensions and Auto Enrolment If you meet the criteria set out below, and are not already an active member of any of our pension schemes, the University is required to auto-enrol you into a suitable pension scheme. The criteria for auto-enrolment is:

• Age – if you are 22 or over but no more than State Pension Age

• Earnings – a minimum of £10,000 per year

• Working in the UK

The pension schemes supported by the RAU are: AVIVA CATEGORY X – all eligible RAU employees (except teachers) are automatically enrolled

• 5% (minimum) contribution by employee and

• 3% contribution by RAU

AVIVA CATEGORY Y1 – RAU Group Pension Scheme (defined contribution) – employees are able to upgrade to this scheme before their 6-month probation.

• 6.5% (minimum) contribution by employee and

• 6.5% contribution by RAU

• life assurance is an additional benefit (two times annual salary)

TEACHERS’ PENSION (for teaching staff)

• employee contribution according to salary scale – between 7.4% and 11.7%

• 23.68% contribution by RAU

• life assurance is an additional benefit (three times annual salary)

Staff Benefits We offer a range of Staff Benefits including a 35-hour working week, a generous 30 days annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time posts), pension scheme, free and guaranteed parking on campus and free shuttle bus from campus to Cirencester town centre, discounted catering facilities, discounted onsite gym, free library services, employee assistance programme, occupational health and counselling services, cycle to work scheme and staff development opportunities. Further details of the full range of staff benefits available can be found on our website. Senior Lecturer in Animal Health and Welfare,