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Bulletin

July 2016 Patron: Sir J Paice

Editor: Mrs Ann Davies. E: bulletin@iagsa.co.uk

Chairman’s News I am hoping to be in France when this bulletin arrives in your inbox and as a result I am writing my piece earlier than usual. It is following on from two very busy but successful IAgSA days. As always we had a full agenda to work through at the Council meeting on the 17th and then we welcomed Rachel Carr from Business Checkmate (www.businesscheckmatetraining.co.uk). Rachel worked with us in 2015 to develop our Business Development Programme so this was the time to review and reflect, and then to move forward to the 2016 plan. With 2017 being IAgSA’s 50th anniversary we have decided that this gives us a tremendous opportunity for PR over the next 18 months and we hope that all members and branches will support us in this work. On Saturday 18th June we held the annual Members and Branches Day. We were pleased that a large number of branches were represented and also to welcome a number of members who have no branch structure in their area. Rachel Carr had stayed overnight to give us an insight into one of the tools that she uses in her management work - DISC profiling. A highly effective (and fun) tool for developing understanding, communication, teamwork, trust and respect. This was a lively session but I think it proved valuable in understanding how we can work effectively within a team or a committee if we are aware of everyone’s personality profiles. You might well find one of your branch officers, who attended the session, now eyeing you up and deciding if you have a Red, Yellow, Green or Blue personality – it can become quite addictive! Some of you might well have spotted in the Farmers Weekly that one of our Council members, Julie Tucker, has reached the final three in the Farmworker of the Year Award having been nominated by one of her clients. We congratulate Julie and wish her success in the forthcoming interview. The result will be announced at the Farmers Weekly annual Awards Ceremony in October. Also thanks to Christine Thompson who did the initial spade work with Farmers Weely to ensure that farm administrators could enter this category. The final point to make is that even though the BPS claims have been submitted the monthly Technical Stakeholder Group meetings with the RPA and the Senior Stakeholder meetings with Mark Grimshaw still take place. Billie Johnson will be attending these meetings so if you are experiencing difficulties with the RPA and the correction process for 2015 payments please contact her with details of the issues. For any issues that affect our industry, then please get in touch at chairman@iagsa.co.uk

Cathy Meredith MBE

LINKABLE CONTENTS Chairman’s News IAgSA National Office IAgSA MEMBERSHIP NEWS IAgSA Website Update IAgSA Work Experience Branch / Area News Branch / Area Representatives Dates for the Diary Membership Benefits RPA, Stakeholder Notes Compliance and AML BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION UPDATE HMRC Rodent Control NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE NEWS ENGLAND SCOTLAND WALES HINTS AND TIPS SUPPORTERS & SPONSORS NEWS UK200 Bulletin

Charity Report Farming Support Positions Vacant Council of Management

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IAgSA National Office Starting from the August Bulletin you will notice a slight difference in how you receive the Monthly Bulletin. Rather than an attachment the Bulletin will now be included as a web link in the email that I send out to you. This will mean that we are taking up no valuable space in your computer memory and the email you receive will be IAgSA branded. The actual bulletin will still be a PDF in which you will be able to use the linkable contents and print out as you may usually do. If anybody has any queries on how this works please do not hesitate to contact me in the National Office.

We would like to remind all Members that your Subscriptions will be due for renewal on 1st September and we will shortly be sending out Renewal Forms. Subscriptions for 2016/17 will be £75 for those of you wishing to pay by cheque or Standing Order, however there will be a reduction to £70 if you pay by Direct Debit or Direct Transfer. Please do also make sure that you return your Subscription Renewal Form with your Anti Money Declaration signed so as to avoid your membership defaulting.

If you are not sure if you have already set up to pay your subscription electronically and have online banking log into your Bank Account and you will be able to access and view all payments you have set up. If you have set up Standing Order and wish to carry on with this method please do not forget to update your payment amount to £75. However, if you want to make the £5 saving please cancel your Standing Order and follow this link to set up Direct Debit, and we will do the rest! https://dashboard.gocardless.com/api/paylinks/0V52T9QYZ4

If you have any queries on your subscription renewal prior to the forms coming out, please do not hesitate to contact me

Gilly IAgSA East Haddon Lodge East Haddon Northamptonshire NN6 8BU Tel: 01604 770372 Email: IAgSA@iAgSA.co.uk

IAgSA Website Update

At our Members Day on 18th June we presented pages of the website that people may not have used to their full to date. From the feedback I received this proved to be a really useful session with members seeing how the site can be used as a useful daily tool. It was great to see members going away wanting to log in and start using the site to its potential! If you are interested in understanding more about the website and seeing this presentation, please do get in touch either with your Branch Secretary or with me in the National Office. We are planning presentations to Branches and we hope to include as many of you as possible.

The deadline for completing CPD is 30th September so if you haven’t already, please make sure you log in and set up your Skills Checklist and Development Plan. https://www.iagsa.co.uk/cpd/#cpd-intro This will help you to plan what you want to work on and how you will achieve it. It is very simple to complete and you can submit online. Again if you need any further help on this please do not hesitate to contact me.

Are you willing to share some experience and knowledge?

Following the very successful IAgSA Mentoring Project, Council is developing a Work Experience programme. This involves maintaining a database of members willing to assist by providing short term work experience and matching them with new entrants to the industry from either career path change or college leavers.

The first cohort of mentees from the IAgSA structured mentoring program are now looking to progress within the industry and it would be really helpful if we could find suitable work experience for them to assist with this progression. This would give us valuable information to measure the all round benefits before rolling out this new program.

If you can help in any way please contact Julie Tucker either 07900 33813 or julie@bearwoodfarm.co.uk to discuss what you can offer.

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Branch / Area News

Devon Branch: 22nd September at Betty Cottles, start 7.30 – ‘Posture in the office and car’. 19th October at Betty Cottles 6.30pm to eat, 7.15pm for meeting. Stuart from AgripBIP will give a talk on IT housekeeping for your computer, speed, memory, antivirus etc. 22nd November at West Town Farm an XL workshop.

Norfolk Branch: We have the National IAgSA display banners at the Norfolk Show on 29th & 30th June in the Easton & Otley College marquee, by kind permission of principal David Henley. Hopefully we will get some interest from those involved and looking for a business career in Agriculture.

On 4th August three committee members will interview and judge five candidates from around Norfolk for the YFC Club Secretary of the Year competition to be presented at their AGM in November 2016.

On 15th November 2016 a Training Day has been organised by Alison Cranmer & the committee at Anglia Farmers - Chris Solt from accountants Lovewell Blake - "VAT Refresher" and Joe Richards Bailiwick IT Ltd - "IT Practicalities" North Wales Branch: Our next meeting will be a farm tour at Rhiwlas Farm, Bala on the 13th July, 11am. Please contact the secretary Llio Jones for more information lliohafjones@gmail.com / 07795 278384. Cangen Gogledd Cymru: Cyfarfod nesaf fydd taith fferm o amgylch fferm Rhiwlas, Bala ar y 13eg Gorffennaf, 11yb. Cysylltwch ar ysgrifennyddes Llio Jones am fwy o fanylion lliohafjones@gmail.com / 07795 278384. Staffordshire: Our next meeting is our annual farm walk on Thursday 21st July 2016, this year we are visiting a soft fruit farm, full details available from rosie@maddersfarming.co.uk if you are interested in joining us. We do not have a meeting scheduled for August. In September we resume our usual schedule of meeting on the third Thursday every month at 7.30pm at Amerton Farm. September's topic is residential lettings and property management. West Anglia Branch - A busy 3 month period has seen the branch change its name (from Cambs, Herts & Essex to West Anglia), 20 members and friends gain Emergency First Aid at Work qualification and finished at the end of June with a Pre-harvest H & S workshop which was held in association with the NFU. The committee will now take a break until the Autumn when we will begin to plan for next year.

Your Local Branch / Area Representative - Points of contact

Branch Region Contact Name Telephone BEDFORDSHIRE National Office 01604 770372 CHESHIRE Jane Gerrard 01606 891376 CHILTERNS Joanne Jakeman 01451 870298 CORNWALL Sue Gillbard 07769 653009 CUMBRIA Joyce Crackles 01524 274239 DERBYSHIRE Sally Wood 01246 220112 DEVON Julie Tucker 01822 810276 EAST RIDING Linda Bratley 07710 014747 EAST SUSSEX Jo Crosta 01273 891346 GLOUCESTERSHIRE Helen Walthew 01242 890330 HEREFORDSHIRE Sue Partridge 01989 730687 KENT Sandra Side Reeves 01732 761343 LANCASHIRE Louise Moore 01254 822828 LINCOLNSHIRE Sarah Green 01652 651208 MIDLANDS Moira Wells 01162 362514 NORFOLK Carolyn Wright norfolkiagsa@gmail.com

NORTHUMBERLAND National Office 01604 770372

Branch Region Contact Name Telephone NORTH WALES Llio Haf Jones 07795 278384

NORTH YORKSHIRE Mary Thomas 01439 788179 RYEDALE Andrea Strickland 01439 770305 SCOTTISH BORDERS Alex Walgate 01875 835203

SCOTTISH CENTRAL Gill Lawrie 07770 596644 SHROPSHIRE Heather Tate 01743 718031 SOMERSET National Office 01604 770372 STAFFORDSHIRE Rosie Chandler 07801 933258 SUFFOLK Helen Evans 01986 798338 SURREY & W SUSSEX National Office 01604 770372 THAMES & TEST Emma Powell 01722 712381 WALES Mary Jones 01792 371351 WARWICKSHIRE Ann Davies 01386 833865 WESSEX Helen Hassall 07923 590360 WEST ANGLIA Marianne Venn 07974 427838 WILTSHIRE Donna Morgan 07870 893488 Please see the Council of Management Contact Details for your Council Representative.

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Dates for the Diary

Regional Training Days

For more information please contact the National Office.

National Conference 2017 Save the date - Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th March 2017 – Walton Hall Hotel, Walton, Warwickshire, CV35 9HU Three years of 50th Celebrations: 50th Anniversary of IAgSA – April 2017 50th Annual General Meeting of IAgSA – 2018 50th IAgSA Conference – 2019

To celebrate “50 years of Excellence” we want to gather together office, agricultural, bookkeeping items and photographs to make a display at the next Conference. Please let me know if you can find anything we can borrow sally@lemonius.co.uk 01983 740926/07881 923696

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Membership Benefits

Please LOGIN to the IAgSA website to gain access to the full list of Membership BENEFITS and the MEMBERS LIBRARY

RPA Technical Stakeholder Group Notes

RPA Technical Stakeholder Report – July 2016 – Billie Johnson As I write; I am attending the first full Stakeholder meeting today following a period of Purdah. We did however have a short conference call last week following the Brexit vote. Clearly, there will be many questions asked in relation to the exit from Europe and its implications to the Basic Payment and other schemes. It is far too early to make any comments but to say that RPA and DEFRA have started to look at the ramifications, I will try to keep you abreast of developments within the current weeks, months and probably years. Stakeholders’ immediate focus is dealing with BPS 2015 payment issues, we should be coming to the end of the payment period window on 30th June but the EU Commissioner has extended this so that member states will not be penalised for making late payments. It is looking unlikely at the moment that any interest will be paid on late payments (after 30th June). I urge you as before to make sure you or your farmers check their 2015 claims to see if they look correct. If they are not, email or write in ASAP entitling your mail ‘BPS 2015 Payments’ giving business name and SBI number, also mention where you think the shortfall is if suspected. We understand that RPA have drawn up a plan to deal with these queries and farmers or their empowered agents should be hearing very soon in response to 2015 communications with an update.

Compliance and AML

AML: All LIF “low turnover” (less than £5,000 per annum) application forms and continuation forms are now available in the Members’ Library under IAgSA Red Tape – AML. These should be completed and returned to Gilly at the National Office iagsa@iagsa.co.uk. New application forms for supervision licences can be obtained from Gilly by phone call or email request. The Members’ Library also holds two PowerPoint presentations that you can download and use for branch meetings. One just covers guidance notes and the other is a full presentation on AML Compliance and what to expect on an inspection. There are also Guidance Notes and a “To Do” list to use as handouts.

Compliance: We are building up the Library over the course of the next few months and will be working through the list of suggestions from the National Survey but please let us have any ideas you have regarding useful guidance material. This section currently holds Data Protection information, Directors’ Responsibilities and compliance suggestions for a self-employed farm secretary. If IAgSA members have any queries concerning AML or general compliance please contact the National Office or our Council Representative Sally Lemonius on 01983 740926/07881 923696 or email: sally@lemonius.co.uk

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Business Administration Update

HMRC E-learning - An online course on becoming an employer. http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/courses/syob3/employer/HTML/employer_menu.html https://www.gov.uk/government/news/webinars-emails-and-videos-on-employing-people

Employer Bulletin: June 2016 A bi-monthly magazine for employers and agents giving up-to-date information on payroll topics. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/529349/Employer_Bulletin_60_Final_English_-_Accessible.pdf

HM Revenue and Customs: leaflets, factsheets and booklets This collection brings together leaflets, factsheets and booklets issued by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/hm-revenue-and-customs-leaflets-factsheets-and-booklets

Rates and thresholds for employers 2016 to 2017 Use these rates and thresholds when you operate your payroll or provide expenses and benefits to your employees. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/rates-and-thresholds-for-employers-2016-to-2017

National minimum wage information for employers These factsheets tell you about the checks HMRC carry out to make sure that you are paying your workers at least the national minimum wage. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/516890/NMW_FS1_April_2016.pdf Carrying out a self-review of the National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/532059/NMW2-FS2.pdf

Advisory Fuel Rates Advisory Fuel Rates (AFR) for company car users, when you can use them, and how they are calculated. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/advisory-fuel-rates/advisory-fuel-rates-from-1-march-2016

VAT: road fuel scale charge tables The charge is calculated on a flat rate basis according to the carbon dioxide emissions of the car. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vat-road-fuel-scale-charges-table/vat-updated-valuation-table-road-fuel-scale-charges-from-1-may-2016

VAT Notice 700/12: how to fill in and submit your VAT Return https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vat-notice-70012-filling-in-your-vat-return/vat-notice-70012-filling-in-your-vat-return

VAT Notice 700/1: should I be registered for VAT? https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vat-notice-7001-should-i-be-registered-for-vat/vat-notice-7001-should-i-be-registered-for-vat

VAT Notes 2016 Issue 2 Topics covered:

Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme (AWRS)

New and revised VAT Notices

New VAT Information Sheets and Revenue and Customs Briefs

Your rights and obligations

For advice about VAT Online o If you speak Welsh

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vat-notes-2016-issue-2/vat-notes-2016-issue-2

Income Tax: notice of transfer of surplus Income Tax allowances (575(T)) Use form 575(T) to request a transfer of any unused Married Couple's Allowance or Blind Person's Allowance to your spouse or civil partner. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/524472/575_T__Online__2016__05_16.pdf

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Webinars, e-learning, emails and videos for landlords Help and support from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for landlords. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/webinars-e-learning-emails-and-videos-for-landlords Alcohol duties: apply to register as a cider or perry maker (CP30) Use the online form service or postal form CP30 to register as a maker of cider or perry for sale, if you're a limited company or other corporate body. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/alcohol-duties-application-to-register-as-a-cider-or-perry-maker-cp30 Alcohol duties: claim for exemption from registration by a maker of cider or perry for sale (CP33) Use the online form service or the postal form to claim exemption from registration by a maker of cider or perry for sale. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/alcohol-duties-claim-for-exemption-from-registration-by-a-maker-of-cider-or-perry-for-sale-cp33 Automatic Exchange of Information: guidance for charities Find out whether your charity needs to report financial account information under the Automatic Exchange of Information requirements. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/automatic-exchange-of-information-guidance-for-charities Rent a Room Scheme: HS223 Self Assessment helpsheet https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/rent-a-room-for-traders-hs223-self-assessment-helpsheet/dgh

The Rent a Room Scheme allows owner occupiers and tenants to receive tax-free rental income if you provide furnished accommodation in your only or main home.

For the tax year 2015 to 2016, the annual Rent a Room limit is £4,250. This reduces to £2,125 if someone else receives income from letting accommodation in the same property, such as a joint owner. The limit is the same even if you let accommodation for less than 12 months. From 2016 to 2017 tax year, the annual Rent a Room limit has increased. For more details see: Rent a room in your home https://www.gov.uk/rent-room-in-your-home/the-rent-a-room-scheme Genuine HMRC contact and recognising phishing emails and text messages How to recognise when a contact from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is genuine, and how to recognise phishing/bogus emails and text messages. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/genuine-hmrc-contact-and-recognising-phishing-emails/genuine-hmrc-contact-and-recognising-phishing-emails Re-register expired Waste Exemptions Registered waste exemptions are beginning to expire. Waste exemption registration lasts three years. The earliest you can re-register is one month before they expire. You will receive a reminder letter from the Environment Agency stating the date they will expire.

The new Environment Agency online service is available to re-register them if you wish to continue any related waste operations.

If you are unsure which exemptions you have registered and when they expire go to http://epr.environment-agency.gov.uk/ePRInternet/SearchResults.aspx BCMS are responding to feedback and updating CTS Online to accept any applications with Northern Irish sires. These are sires that begin with UK9. This means that you can now use CTS Online and CTS Web Services to apply for cattle passports which have a Northern Irish sire. Rodent Control for Farms – Lantra approved awards http://www.rodentcontrolonfarms.co.uk/login/index.php This is an information hub and on-line training course for users of rodenticides on farms. The content is free to use and is available for all sectors of the farming industries - simply log-in (or create a new account first) and this will open the content. If a Lantra certificate is required, instruction will be provided within the course, a Lantra fee (£60) does apply for this specific element.

The course and certificate are in-line with new 'stewardship conditions' product labels on rodenticides; which will require professional users to hold certification which complies with UK Rodenticide Stewardship Regime requirements.

Rodent control on farms - A practical guide to effective and responsible use of bait rodenticides http://rodentcontrolonfarms.co.uk/downloads/LR%20AHDB%20Rodent%20Strategy%20Guide%202016.pdf

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The Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU) promotes best practice and responsible rodent control, thereby protecting wildlife from rodenticide exposure. For more information http://www.thinkwildlife.org/about-crru/

England

Cross compliance derogations in 2016 - GAEC 7a Boundaries and GAEC 7c Trees If you wish to cut or trim your hedges - or trees within your hedges - in August 2016, because you intend to either sow oilseed rape or temporary grassland in August, you must request a derogation from the cutting ban period.

If you need a derogation Email RPA at ruralpayments@defra.gsi.gov.uk - use ‘Cross compliance derogation’ as the heading - or write to Rural Payments Agency, PO Box 352, Worksop S80 9FG as soon as possible.

The following information is required: which GAEC or GAECs you are requesting a derogation for whether you are intending to sow oilseed rape or temporary grassland in August 2016, or both your single business identifier (SBI) and business name the land parcel numbers where the hedges or trees within a hedge are that you want to cut or trim or a map indicating the sections of hedge or trees within a hedge you want to cut or trim.

RPA will let you know the outcome by email or letter.

For more information: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/cross-compliance

Rural Payments service - to make basic changes Use IACS 27 form to:

change your contact details

check and update simple business details

change the name of your business

give someone permission to act on your behalf

changing the business structure

adding to an existing business

splitting an existing business into 2 or more businesses

merging 2 or more businesses

a partner has joined or left the business

If you are involved in more than 1 business registered with the RPA, use the IACS 26 form to make changes. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/change-the-details-youve-registered-with-the-rpa

Farming inspections Information about who will inspect your farm, what they are looking for and any penalties you may get. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/farming-inspections Natural England - Mid-tier stewardship advice Natural England is providing guidance to potential applicants through one to one advice sessions. Private appointments will be with a locally based independent adviser at various locations around the country. The adviser will be able to work through the best options to include in your application which suit your farm and will benefit the environment. To get the most out of these sessions you will need a copy of the application pack and have thought about which options you want to use. Contact Natural England Technical Services to request a Countryside Stewardship Mid-Tier application pack (and take it with you), on 0300 060 3900.

To book a free one and half hour, one to one session arranged on behalf of Natural England, call:08453 713399 or email bookings@adas.co.uk

General information on the scheme including the scheme manuals are available at www.gov.uk/countrysidestewardship.

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Scotland ScotEID - Scottish EID Livestock Traceability Research ScotEID works closely with the Scottish livestock sector & Scottish Government to design, develop and deliver solutions to ensure robust traceability and minimise legislative difficulties.

Scottish sheep, pig & cattle keepers can register with ScotEID in order to meet or minimise current legislative requirements. https://www.scoteid.com/

Wales

Glastir Small Grants Scheme

Land Managers and Farming Businesses across Wales have an opportunity to apply for Capital Works under the new Glastir Small Grants Scheme. This stand alone scheme contributes to the delivery of Welsh Government’s ambitions to tackle climate change and improve water management.

The first Expression of Interest opened on 27th June 2016 and will close at midnight on Friday 29th July 2016. Land Managers and Farming Businesses can benefit from a maximum funding of up to £5,000 for capital works subject to Selection. Full details of the scheme, including what capital works are available and the Selection process are explained in the Glastir Small Grants General Rules and Carbon Technical Guidance Booklets. If you wish to be considered for Glastir Small Grants, you will need to submit an Expression of Interest, which is only available online via the Rural Payments Wales (RPW) Online facility. If you have not registered as a Customer on RPW Online, you are encouraged to do so immediately otherwise you may not be able to apply. All land must already be registered with the Welsh Government.

Glastir Small Grants forms part of the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme for Wales 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government. http://gov.wales/topics/environmentcountryside/farmingandcountryside/farming/schemes/glastir/glastir-small-

grants/?lang=en

Farming Connect – The window of opportunity for June has now closed and the next opportunity to apply for funding will

be October 2016. Please be reminded that you need to re-register with Farming Connect to apply for funding. Applications

can only be submitted online and a Personal Development Plan needs to be done first before applying for any funding. It

is recommended that you contact your local Development Officer to help you with the process. Please visit:

https://businesswales.gov.wales/farmingconnect/training for more information.

New Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs – After the General Election in May 2016, the First Minister of

Wales Carwyn Jones AM announced his new cabinet for Wales for the next 5 years. The new Cabinet Secretary for

Environment and Rural Affairs is Lesley Griffiths AM.

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Hints and Tips

Moving Section Breaks by Allen Wyatt http://word.tips.net/T001006_Moving_Section_Breaks.html?awt_l=PQWoR&awt_m=J0n6HLPDSAPx4X As you work with Word, you will undoubtedly have a need to move a section break at one time or another. Section breaks in Word are treated the same as any other character. If you are using Normal view, section breaks appear as a thin double line from one side of your document to the other. If you are not working in Normal view, you may want to consider changing to Normal view, as editing special characters (such as the section break) is easier in Normal view.

To move a section break, follow these steps: 1. Select the section break just as you would select any other text. 2. Press Ctrl+X. The section break is cut from your document. 3. Position the insertion point where you want to insert the section break. 4. Press Ctrl+V. The section break is inserted in your document.

This tip applies to Microsoft Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. For the ribbon interface of Word (Word 2007 and later): http://wordribbon.tips.net/T009229_Moving_Section_Breaks.html

Supporters and Sponsors News

UK200: Please press control & click to access the E-news from UK200

Charity Reports

Farming Community Network - update from Peter Riley I am sure that your members will be only too aware, much of our work over the past six months has been in support of those farmers who have not received all or any of the Basic Payment for which they applied.

Between 1st December 2015 and 3rd February 2016,we received 325 calls to our Helpline on the subject of Basic Payment.

As of 2nd February, the Rural Payments Agency had registered 266 cases as representing genuine hardship; of these, 223 cases or 84% had been taken up by FCN.

By 3rd February, a partial payment had been made in 101 of the FCN cases with a total of £1.7 million and full payment had been made in 55 cases with a total of £1.1 million.

At the same date, 52 FCN cases were still being processed with a total claim of around £1 million and a further 15 cases were still being investigated.

We maintain close contact with the Rural Payments Agency and are hopeful that the 2016/17 round of applications will run more smoothly.

At this time of year we expect the volume of calls for our support to drop as people are busy with hay making and silage but our main concern is the number of cases involving farmers or members of the family who are struggling with depression and poor mental well-being. Please ask your members to spread the message among the farming community: “Don’t struggle on in silence – ask us how we can help.”

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Addington - update from Ian Bell OBE We are still able to help flood affected farms in the North of England with a grant towards any increase in business costs due to the flooding not covered by insurance of Flood Recovery Fund.

Our housing work is the busiest it has ever been since we launched our Strategic Rural Housing Scheme in 2002. Our Shared Equity arrangements are particularly popular where we meet families who have planned for their future but don’t have quite enough to purchase a property. 54% of our tenants are using this mechanism.

Other projects include: o Cornwall: we are building two two-bed semi-detached houses at Ruthvoes, near St Columb, which will be ready for October

2016. One has a Sect. 106 so there is an occupancy condition but we could house a farmworker as well as a tenant farmer. The other dwelling has no planning restrictions.

o Devon: planning a joint-venture with the Duchy of Cornwall to convert a set of buildings at Moorlands Farm near Princetown. A combination of single storey accommodation suitable for retirement to create some succession on tenanted farms, some work/live and young people’s accommodation.

o Cumbria: two beautiful stone barns in Crosthwaite, Kendal have been donated to create a single storey two-bed home and a two storey three-bed home for farming families.

o Worcestershire: three new build homes o Somerset: two new build homes

RABI - update from Rob Harris MALCOLM Thomas MBE is the new chairman of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (R.A.B.I). He is the first Welshman to be elected to the position in the charity’s long 156-year history.

Malcolm replaces Cornishman Chris Riddle, who is stepping down as a trustee after 10 years. Malcolm, a farmer’s son from Llangynog in Carmarthen, first became a R.A.B.I trustee in 2011. He is a rural client manager for JCP Solicitors and has worked in many high profile and influential roles for the Welsh Office, NFU England and Wales and NFU Cymru. He is a life member of the Young Farmers Club and was awarded an MBE in 2012 in recognition of his services to agriculture.

James Orme, a retired solicitor and former regular and Territorial Army officer from Somerset, becomes deputy chairman of R.A.B.I, a role previously jointly filled by Malcolm and William Cumber.

Last year, R.A.B.I gave out grants of around £1.9 million to farming people in financial need and helped those in hardship claim more than £390k in state benefits and tax credits. The charity’s welfare officers made around 1,800 visits.

Emergency grants of £88k have also been paid out to flood victims, primarily in Cumbria, following this winter’s storms.

Malcolm said: “It is an honour and a privilege to serve as chairman of this great organisation. R.A.B.I exists to help farming people in hardship and I want to spread the word throughout England and Wales that we are here to help. The general farming situation is something we are all concerned about, which means R.A.B.I’s work is as vital now as it ever has been. We are here not just for those of retirement age, but also for the working farmer.”

R.A.B.I paid out more than £270k to working farmers in 2015 and also gave grants of £221k towards clearing the domestic bills of farming people.

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Farming Support

Do you need help or know someone who may benefit from independent advice?

Farming Community Network 03000 111 999 http://www.fcn.org.uk/ RABI 0808 2819490 http://www.rabi.org.uk/ RSABI/Gatepost 0300 111 4166 http://www.rsabi.org.uk/viewItem.php You Are Not Alone (YANA) 0300 323 0400 http://www.yanahelp.org/ Farming Help 0845 367 9990 http://www.farminghelp.org.uk/ Addington Fund 01926 620 135 http://www.addingtonfund.org.uk/ Counselling Directory 0844 8030 240 www.counselling-directory.org.uk Rural Support Wales 01686 629480 http://www.ruralsupportwales.org.uk/ Money Advice Service 0300 500 5000 www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk Free unbiased and easy-to-access money tools, information and advice Money Advice Scotland 0141 572 0237 www.moneyadvicescotland.org.uk Advice NI 0800 917 4607 www.debtaction-ni.net Advice UK 03000 777 0107 www.adviceuk.org.uk Member centres offer debt advice including specialist advice for minority communities and people with disabilities Christians Against Poverty 0800 328 0006 www.capuk.org Free debt advice in your home Citizens Advice www.adviceguide.org.uk For local CAB check in phone book National Debtline 0808 808 4000 www.nationaldebtline.co.uk For debt advice and information Business Debtline 0800 1976026 www.businessdebtline.org For business debt advice and information Step Change Debt Charity 0800 138 1111 www.stepchange.org For debt advice throughout the UK Civil Legal Advice 0800 345 4345 www.gov.uk/legal-aid You may get legal aid if your home is at risk Financial Ombudsman Service 0300 123 9123 www.financial-ombusman.org.uk If you have a complaint that cannot resolve with your lender

Positions Vacant

SELF EMPLOYED BOOKKEEPER REQUIRED, MELTON MOWBRAY

We require a self-employed bookkeeper/secretary for a Dairy Business near Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire.

The business will require the provision of information for management accounts and VAT (quarterly).

Knowledge and provision of accounting software an advantage.

Flexible and mature attitude, able to prioritise and work on own initiative.

Please reply with CV to Kate Williams kate.williams@kiteconsulting.com

13

WORSTEAD FARMS LTD, NORFOLK

Farm Secretary required, position available Immediately

Estate Enterprises:

770ha Mixed Arable Land Beef Suckler Herd

Properties Various Other Projects

24 hours per week

Must be confident with current software packages:

Farmplan Business Manager, Property Manager & GateKeeper

To apply please contact Bruce Paterson 01692 536226 / 07920 535095

bruce.paterson@worsteadfarms.co.uk

FARM SECRETARY, OXFORDSHIRE

A 1400 acre diverse Oxfordshire mixed farm is looking for an outgoing and dependable person to join the

existing office team.

Responsibilities, depending on experience, may include a combination of following: Bookkeeping and accounts

Sales and marketing of self-storage business Property lettings and management Monitoring equestrian business Farm stock taking and reporting

Applicants must exhibit the following: Good telephone manner

Punctual, reliable and efficient Ability and confidence to meet and chat with clients, staff and tenants

IT skills Creative and intuitive

An interest of the countryside Above all GSOH

A combination of the following interests and knowledge below would be advantageous but

not essential: Accounting and bookkeeping

Some sales and marketing know how Website creation and social media

Rural property

Working hours can be very flexible, however successful applicant would be required for minimum of 3 days per week, or equivalent of. Training is available. The farm benefits from a modern, clean, warm farm office and friendly atmosphere.

The farm is situated approx. 9 miles south west of Oxford and roughly equal distance from Abingdon, Wantage and Faringdon.

PLEASE NOTE - the job will not necessarily be offered to the most qualified or experienced applicant. Applicants please send CV, or if you have any queries, to

susanf@hopfields.com or jamesb@hopfields.com

14

MILCOTE HALL QUALITY SEEDS LIMITED, STRATFORD-UPON-AVON

We are looking for somebody to help run an agricultural seeds office

approximately two to three days a week in the Stratford-upon-Avon area.

Knowledge of Sage accountancy is required.

For more information and to apply please contact Jane Stanley info@milcoteseeds.co.uk

01789 266345

Council of Management 2016 - Contact Details

Member Role County Email

Cathy Meredith IAgSA Chairman & Head of the IAgSA Training Programme

Herefordshire, Shropshire & Staffordshire

chairman@iagsa.co.uk / ruralcathy@gmail.com

Sally Lemonius IAgSA Vice Chairman & Compliance & Anti-Money Laundering Representative

sally@lemonius.co.uk

Rebecca Hill

Treasurer Wessex & Wiltshire rebecca.hill720@gmail.com

Lynn Briggs

Continual Professional Development lynn.briggs@btinternet.com

Ann Davies Bulletin Editor and Membership Panel Representative

Gloucestershire & Warwickshire adavies625@btinternet.com

Ros Foreman Website Representative Scottish Borders, Scotland Central & Thames & Test

rforeman@bcm.co.uk

Billie Johnson

Government Liaison Representative Chiltern (Oxon & Bucks) brook1963@aol.com

Elin Jones IAgSA Representative for Wales & Regional Training Days

Wales & North Wales elin.jones@btconnect.com

Emma Powell Council Representative for IAgSA Branches Cheshire, Cumbria, Lancashire & Suffolk

emmapowell77@btinternet.com

Christine Thompson Corporate Liaison, Funding & Sponsorship & Regional Training Days Representative

East Riding, Lincolnshire, North Yorkshire & Ryedale

christinethompson1401@ gmail.com

Julie Tucker Common Lands & Farming Charities Representative

Cornwall & Devon julie@bearwoodfarm.co.uk

Sally Wood Membership Panel Representative & Government Liasion Representative

Cambs Herts & Essex, Derbyshire & Norfolk

wood5@farm5.plus.com

EDITORIAL COPY for the August Bulletin to the Editor by Monday 20th July 2016 To advertise a positions vacant in the Bulletin contact the National Office.

The information in this Bulletin is for the general guidance of members. It is not practicable for the accuracy of every statement to be checked before publication. Where important, readers should check the details for themselves. Neither the Institute, the editor nor any contributor is liable

for any inaccuracy arising from any cause whatever. © The Institute of Agricultural Secretaries & Administrators Ltd. Email: IAgSA@IAgSA.co.uk Tel: 01604 770372

East Haddon Lodge, East Haddon, Northamptonshire, NN6 8BU