Past engagements

The annual conference at Church House, Westminster

I have been asked to speak at, and close, this half day seminar. I will add the agenda when officially published

An event organised with the support of NIFDA for suppliers to hear about the GCA role, the recent investigation and with surgery sessions for suppliers afterwards who want a private talk with the adjudicator

Speaking at this leadership course, a regular event for me, and one which I enjoy, especially the questions!

An event organised with the support of SF&D and SFDF for suppliers to hear about the GCA role, the recent investigation and with surgery sessions for suppliers afterwards who want a private talk with the adjudicator

So far nearly 100 of us meeting at Savills in Oxford Circus.

A symposium organised in conjunction with the Welsh government to update suppliers on the work of the GCA.

I will make time to have private discussions with suppliers who want to raise issues with me.

A local series of lectures near where I live in Macclesfield. I have been asked to speak on how supermarkets should treat their suppliers

For those people who have left Mars. An annual event and a good catch up

I have been invited to attend this and am looking forward to some professional development

Final meeting, handing over to new members after this meeting

Following a statement in the House of Commons on 25th June by the Secretary of State, the role of Public Members ceases to exist from July 1st. Given the AGM was scheduled for the 15th July, this came as a surprise on timing, but it was clear that there was too much Governance once the debt was classified as government debt and the Dept of Transport became involved in Network Rail oversight and Governance.

The 46 Public Members will have a final meeting on 14th July to be thanked for our contribution.

My term of office was due to cease in November 2015 and I had not applied to serve a second term.

This is a smaller event, max 20 people. To book or join the group, please contact louise@morepeople.co.uk

Speaking on a panel, details tbc!

To register visit GCA website

www.ursula-agriculture.com This meeting is at our new base in Anglia Farmers in Norwich

Not done this before, but ready to have a go!

Meeting and open forum for Defra colleagues.

Speaking at this event

About 45 of us meeting at the Farmers Club. I am the guest speaker this time, but main purpose of getting together is networking and supporting each other. We meet 3 times p.a. Anyone wanting to join us, contact louise@morepeople.co.uk

An annual event when strategy considered in greater detail than at board meetings.

I chair this

I am the guest speaker

A debate with Prof Tim Laing

In Salisbury where they make the drones and auto-pilots

The Public Members are effectively the shareholders so we have to approve the Annual Report, directors remuneration etc It will be held at Reading and we will be formally opening the station after it’s major refurbishment during the proceedings.

Another one of our networking events, this is for 20 of us but the next event is for 50+ again due to the numbers now wanting to come. July dinner is fully booked but I am not taking bookings for November 6th.

June 23rd: One day conference QEII Conference Centre Westminster.

June 24th: Activities for overseas visitors

Flyer – GCA Conference CT-final

Following the board meeting at 1200

I am attending the graduation and am to be awarded Doctorate of Science Honoris Causa (or a degree for the sake of it as my son translated it). I am extremely honoured but will also enjoy watching the degree ceremony: I must think of some words of wisdom to impart! I got my MBA from Cranfield so am particularly pleased to be receiving this from an Alma Mater.

The last meeting I am chairing/attending. I have been on this committee for 10 years and chaired it for 4! It is time someone else took over. I stayed to input to the BBC Impartiality Review into Rural Affairs and for the BBC to be embedded in Bristol after their move from Birmingham.
I have arranged a talk on anti-microbials (I think this relates to the use of antibiotics in the food chain and their impact on humans) but we have 2 experts on the Committee who are putting the talk together coming from each end.

I have been asked to oppose the motion “This House believes that statutory proportionate gender representation in the Boardroom (quotas for women!) is an irrelevance.” I did offer to speak for either side….and this is the one I got.

A Moore Stephens & Russam GMS event at the East India Club.
GetFile

The last meeting I am chairing, I am standing down as I have too many commitments and despite feeling passionate about this, am not giving it enough time to be chairman.

There are always quite a few meeting leading up to the AGM when we have to vote on the board and remuneration.

I have been asked numerous times to speak at this Festival but always too late to get in my diary. Last year we put the date in straight away.
Speaking alongside Prof Tim Benton Champion for Global Food Security.
I have never been to the Festival so am looking forward to this but it will cost people £4 to hear us on the Good Energy Stage at 1700

Speaking at this event

Part of my programme of visiting the 10 retailers covered by GSCOP.
Meeting Chris Bush, John Scouler and legal/Code Compliance teams to understand how GSCOP is being followed within Tesco.

Looks like we are getting an easier name to remember!

Speaking at the above Forum. I used to be a member of this eminent club of agricultural thinkers when I worked at Co-op Farms…but this time have been invited to speak over dinner.

I have been asked to participate in the debate which will be recorded on 3rd for playing out on May 5th

Regular monthly meeting

speaking at this

A part of NERC, I am visiting as part of understanding what they do. However it follows a conversation with the CEO and realising we had many interests on the environment in common.

Speaking at this and meeting some of them for discussion over lunch.

With my Defra Regulatory Challenge Panel hat on, engaging with some of the work being done consulting prior to new legislation on water abstratcion.

Meeting Food Manufacturing Engineering Group to see if we should be working closer together as we seem to have the same aims. A meeting in Manchester….for once a short journey to work.

Part of a series of private dinners put together by third parties for me to speak to their clients at a senior level about the role of the GCA. These have proved to date very educational on both sides.

Board meeting to finalise closing the busines and distribution of proceeds post the sale to Mole Valley Farmers

Speaking to the students about my role as GCA and also what being a Governor there is all about.

This has been set up so I can get a better idea of how the Met Office delivers service on the ground. I need to arrive at 0740 for the daily breifing to the RAF.

Speaking at this dinner

Meeting of the council

THis one is a buffet and wine so we can accommodate more. The dinners are now overbooked. Coincidentally, we have discovered that this is the eve of International Women’s Day so may be linked to another event (just in planning at the moment)

Regular bi-monthly meeting looking at future regulation on environment, agriculture and rural affairs

Speaking at this event in Westminster, they represent the baking industry.

Speaking at this event in Essex

AF is one of the organisers of this conference, very well attended by Norfolk farming industry. Attending only, not speaking!

One of the special interest groups for the Public Members. This is our second meeting and the first one went well.

Giving the lecture on the theme of “Managing the demands of the supermarket”

Attending the City Food lecture. Run by the livery companies and always a good networking event.

Speaking at this event in Bagshot. The definition of groceries includes many toiletries so comes under my remit as Adjudicator.

Chairing this meeting inputting to BBC rural programmes

Chairing this meeting at the Insititute of Mechanical Engineers

Speaking at the dinner to the board

Speaking at this alongside Prof Chris Elliott who did the investigation into the supply chain over horsemeat

A small group of businesses and farmers getting together to talk about the supply chain. Supported by Anglia Farmers and Grant Thornton

Second of visits to Head Offices of retailers to learn more about their processes to ensure adherence to the Groceries Supply Code of Practice

A visit to Exeter

Hosted in Manchester, with BBC business reporter as guest speaker

First one with all 10 retailers represented. To date it has been one at a time.

Speaking at this event but for the first time trying a live video link up for my presentation and Q&A.

If this goes well, I will be able to speak at many more events as 3 day a week job and representing all UK has meant to date that most attendances take a day and an evening travelling.

First meeting with representatives of trade bodies who in turn represent direct suppliers to the large retailers

Promoting food growing in schools. Rosie Boycott and I meeting up. Hope she liked the reference in Any Questions

Joining panel with Jonathan Dimbleby, Andrew Mitchell MP, Andy Burnham, Tony Caldeira in Southport

It’s Princess Anne!

meetings all day with Code Compliance Officers

Speaking at this event for Odgers clients, re GCA

I am giving the keynote address entitled ‘The role of the Groceries Code Adjudicator’ at Perth Racecourse.

Registration is now open for delegates.  Register your place now: http://brodi.es/19gwbOG

The conference is sponsored by Brodies solicitors and will be promoted by ScottishLand & Estates, National Farmers Union, FoodDrinkEurope and the Scotch Whisky Association.

RE GCA

Hope to get there in our 1903 Autocar, leaving about 0730. On a good day, we arrive about 1430….57 miles!

SRSP and others

Meetings in the office

I chair this forum working across the engineering institutions

I am chairing this follow up event to the first one to identify the research needed by the food industry

Meeting with Maria Rehbinder, senior official Internal Markets working on EU Voluntary Code of Practice, and also UKREP and NFU/Copa Cogeca.

Including the launch of a new research boat, apparently they are all called Discovery. I have spent many a happy evening on the original one in Dundee.

Meeting in Bristol

Speaking and dinner

Best event in the calendar for farmers

Potentially for consultation

For all the ladies who have done the Deloittes training. In the Mall Galleries, Trafalgar Square, I hope we get time to look around!

Part of BIS, managing the Trading Funds for BIS in a commercial way. I am going to learn more about them!

Potentially for consultation

This should be a highly productive day in Belfast for my and the team.

This is something to do with Liveries and Sir Paul Judge inviting me onto his Shrieval Chain Committee. I am assured that this is only a lunch with no meetings….but we are expected to contribute something towards the cost of the chain for the new Sheriff of London. Sounds fun!

Speaking at dinner to this conference of the British Tomato Growers Association. Unfortunately I can’t stay late as I have to get from Coventry to Norwich for an 0830 meeting! Luckily the trains run very late London to Norwich.

http://www.britishtomatoes.co.uk/conference

I am speaking at this event. Not sure about what yet!

Induction for new Council members

Potentially for consultation

Potentially for consultation

Arranged so that PTF members could learn more about the GCA role.

Sitting in on a training event set up for the British Brands Group members

Delighted to be on this Public Member Group and listening to plans to improve safety across the business

Sitting in on this meeting as an observer in my Defra Regulatory Scrutiny Panel role. The AHWBE will themselves be advising on and scrutinising any upcoming legislation including some potential big changes coming from EU.

Board meeting and general listening and trying to help

Continuing to set up the office, having issued the guidance, now working on the consultation. Great to have a team doing so much behind the scenes

A pre-record for a show that I cannot do live….themed on waste

A small group of direct suppliers to supermarkets and their local MP to learn about the GCA role and share experience.

Although the trading business is sold, there are still some assets to oversee and we have to prepare for distribution of the proceeds of the sale to shareholder when the final payment comes in.

Addressing the conference in my GCA role. I have never been before and am looking forward to it and hope to see some familiar faces

Attending as their guest with various commitments coming into the diary.

A subject I am passionate about, getting more engineering into agriculture. Not worked out how to get paid for this sort of thing yet…

A meeting prior to the AGM for members only and then the AGM itself. This is the key role of the members, about 40 of us, as we act as the shareholders. We are well prepared and have had numerous discussions about remuneration, LTIPs etc. prior to the AGM. Could have been better timing from my point of view, as right in the middle of when we wanted to do our family holiday, but duty called.

Addressing an audience of up to 150 at the Club and talking about my GCA role. I am not sure how they will all fit in, or if I will be addressing a pillar between the 2 dining rooms, which I have done before, most disconcerting.

Attending a lunchtime meeting at Adlington Hall to have a master class in presentation skills. A fun thing to do locally in great surroundings

Addressing the conference pre lunch

Addressing the meeting in my GCA role

Another of our thrice yearly dinners…growing in popularity.

I believe this is an internal initiative to inspire women in the business….I hope I have an impact

After getting the job in December, working 1 day a week since January, I finally start on 3 days a week and have the powers given to the role thought the Act.

Got a table together….looks like being a great night

Busy day…

First meeting I will be attending, though second of the new group under chairmanship of Mark Lane, Pinsent Masons

Fresh produce supply chain dinner. Mother studied at Sutton Bonnington….wonder if her name is on the boards somewhere?

Attending in my DEFRA Strategic Regulatory Scrutiny Panel role

First meeting of the new Forum which I chair

Expected to be mostly local farmers, particularly dairy, as the Skelemersdale event, testing the efficacy of this method to get the news out about my GCA role and its relevance to the audience

Aimed at horticultural producers in the North West region. A trial on my home patch to measure interest of local farmers and suppliers to retailers in hearing about the Groceries Code Adjudicator and whether this is the right method to get the messages out about the role.

Where my mother lives….

First meeting in the new home for rural affairs.

In role as Strategic Regulatory Scrutiny Panel member looking at impact of CAP on future regulation

Can’t annouce it yet!

Following thier Navigating the Boardroom series of training for women

in my role on UKTI ENVIRONMENT AND WATER SECTOR ADVISORY GROUP

Talk re GCA to local dairy farmers

To explore the implications of regulatory options for water abstraction

To investigate similarities between our roles and any lessons I can learn before I start

Dinner followed by meeting the following day. Flooding and ESRC funding are the key topics

Final board meeting following sale to Mole Valley Farmers and farewell lunch. An enjoyable year on the board leaving with new friends and a new future for the business.

Arranged by the NFU, visiting farms and dinner with Fresh Produce suppliers.

Board meeting and time in the office

Attending in my role on the Strategic Regulatory Scrutiny Panel. Pity it clashes with the RCUK event, I pointed it out but they were already committed. I shall oscillate between the two.

Pinsent Masons organise a quarterly gathering of people working in the water industry and I am speaking at this one, talking about the role of space in the future of agriculture (and impact on water)

A record number of attendees to our dinner at the Farmers Club.

Run by the WET10 livery companies (there are now 13). Excellent speakers, invitation across the livery companies and our guests

Attending as Liveryman of Worshipful Company of Farmers

Attending as a Director of Anglia Farmers

I am chairing this event

BIS are coordinating requests from stakeholders to meet me. There is an email address on my contact page if you think your organisation should be a priority for me to meet. In theory I am only working one day a week until commencement of the role, so I apologise if we are unable to accommodate your request in the short term.

Meeting with Secretary of State re our work and first year report.

BIS are coordinating requests from stakeholders to meet me. There is an email address on my contact page if you think your organisation should be a priority for me to meet. In theory I am only working one day a week until commencement of the role, so I apologise if we are unable to accommodate your request in the short term.

Meeting to establish the Forum across all the engineering institutions. I shall be chairing the new body. Its aim is to coordinate work across the food sectors, including its production in the first place, and work with research institutions to ensure appropriate projects are briefed and supported.

Final session of this innovative Women on Boards series. Excellent initiative.

Attending a dinner to take parliamentarians through the IMechE Global food: Waste not, want not paper

Receiving my fellowship of the Society in the House of Lords from my peers.

Guest speaker John Hirst, CEO MET Office! Talking about the decadal forecast and general weather impacts on farming

Talking to members of the faculty at a morning seminar on the importance of engineering to the future of food.

planning an Anglian Farmers event!

One of our regular monthly meetings looking at future regulation: this time with visiting speakers. I hope our new panel member will be there, we haven’t yet met.

I speak at this event every year. It is run by the Royal Agricultural College (now a University?). I shall be talking about the potential use of satellites and robots in farming, and the need for women on boards. Not exactly connected but both key to the future.

This will my first one of these and part of getting to grip with my role as a Public Member

I am the “expert speaker” at a management training event on Corporate and Functional identity, which I understand to be talking about creating the culture of a business. I was invited to speak by Dr Helen Philips, Director of Customer Service at Yorkshire Water who knows me from when she was CEO of Natural England

Final episode (the winner + best bits of everyone from bootcamp)

The 15-20 minute episodes will be screened at 7.30pm on Tuesday evenings on www.farmersapprentice.co.uk 

Twitter #farmapprentice

4th episode (including diary shed and judges verdict)

The 15-20 minute episodes will be screened at 7.30pm on Tuesday evenings on www.farmersapprentice.co.uk 

Twitter #farmapprentice

Board and other meetings

Regular meeting

One of a series of training sessions for invited attendees

3rd episode (including diary shed and judges verdict)

The 15-20 minute episodes will be screened at 7.30pm on Tuesday evenings on www.farmersapprentice.co.uk 

Twitter #farmapprentice

I have been invited to speak at the conference

Annual get together of ex Mars employees, featuring an ex employee who has succeeded! A great event to network and catch up with old friends

First meeting of newly formed Forum bringing 2 existing ones together. My involvement brings the growing of food to the agenda too.

2nd episode (including diary shed and judges verdict)

The 15-20 minute episodes will be screened at 7.30pm on Tuesday evenings on www.farmersapprentice.co.uk 

Twitter #farmapprentice

My first involvement with Network Rail, residential in Coventry

Keynote speaker in agricultural session

Business planning

Board and other meetings

1st episode (including diary shed & judges verdict)

The 15-20 minute episodes will be screened at 7.30pm on Tuesday evenings on www.farmersapprentice.co.uk 

Twitter #farmapprentice .

Business planning

The 15-20 minute episodes will be screened at 7.30pm on Tuesday evenings on www.farmersapprentice.co.uk Twitter  #farmapprentice

Evening meeting with leading business women in North West aspiring to be directors and Non Executive Directors. Speaker my old boss Allan Leighton. A great motivator and he will be worth listening to!