Job vacancies

The CLA is seeking up to three exceptional people to join its Board at a pivotal moment for our Association and the rural economy. More than a governance role, it offers a chance to influence strategy, challenge thinking and steer the CLA through a period of change and opportunity.

Are you motivated by making a meaningful impact? Do you have the experience and insight to ensure the CLA delivers real value for its members? If so, we would love to hear from you.

The environment in which we operate is shifting. Policy and political reform are reshaping the rural landscape. Innovation is opening new possibilities. Member demographics and expectations are evolving. Strong governance, strategic clarity and confident leadership have never been more important.

As a Board member, you will:

• Contribute to defining the CLA’s long-term strategic direction

• Provide independent oversight and constructive challenge

• Hold the executive leadership to account in delivering the CLA’s corporate plan

• Position the CLA to thrive amid uncertainty and opportunity.

The Board meets four times a year. This is an unpaid voluntary position, with expenses reimbursed CLA Board members and staff in line with CLA guidelines. The appointment is for a three-year term (renewable). New directors will attend their first Board meeting in autumn 2026.

We welcome candidates who will bring:

• Independent thinking and external perspective

• Strategic insight grounded in real world experience

• Confidence to ask difficult questions

• Commitment to the rural economy and the communities it supports.

We are particularly interested in those who have expertise in:

• Investments – financial oversight, asset management, investment strategy or portfolio governance

• Technology – digital transformation, data strategy, AI, systems modernisation or technology-led innovation

• Organisational design and development – leading change, improving performance, building resilient structures and high performing teams.

No previous board experience is required, but judgment, integrity and expertise are important. For an informal chat about the role, please speak to your CLA Regional Director or contact the Board Chair, Joe Evans directly joe.evans@cla.org.uk

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a one-page expression of interest outlining why you are interested in joining the CLA Board, and what experience, skills and perspective you would bring, to lisa.hofford@cla.org.uk

Application deadline: Saturday 30th May

Are you passionate and have knowledge about rural affairs? Are you interested in influencing policy and believe change is possible? Do you enjoy working with other people and are willing to learn?

We are now looking for an Environment Policy Adviser specialising in nature recovery and conservation, to join our expert team in London. There is the possibility to work remotely (from another CLA office or home) up to two days per week. See our regional office locations on the 'Your Area' page on our website.

With the adaption to a new agriculture policy in England underway, this is a unique opportunity to influence national policy, support landowners and farmers, and help shape the future of land use in England and Wales.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Develop and advocate CLA policy on nature recovery and conservation.
• Monitor policy developments and assess impacts on members.
• Represent members with government, industry and other stakeholders.
• Write policy briefings, consultation responses and member guidance.
• Support and advise members and regional teams, including through events and committees.

Please see the Job Description for the full details.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong understanding of nature recovery and environmental policy affecting landowners.
• Experience in policy development, analysis and stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A collaborative, adaptable approach and interest in rural affairs.

Interview Process:

There will be two stages to the interview process:

First stage interviews will take place online on 21st or 22nd May.

Second stage interviews will take place in our office in Belgravia in the afternoon of 28th May.

Application Process:

Please apply in writing, by email, explaining how you meet the criteria for the position together with a CV to recruitment@cla.org.uk.

Application deadline: 12pm, Thursday 14th May

Job title: Policy Adviser - Wales (Maternity Cover)

Location: CLA Wales Office, (Builth Wells, LD2 3SY), Hybrid working available

Contract: 9 Month Fixed Term

Salary: Depending on Experience

Hours: Part time or full time depending on level of experience

The CLA Cymru team, based in Builth Wells at the Royal Welsh Showground, exists to serve our members. Our members consist primarily of landowners, large and small, with a host of business interests, for which we provide advice, networking opportunities, educational events and importantly, political lobbying.

What you’ll be doing:

We now have an exciting opening for a Policy Adviser to join our team on maternity cover. This role will work particularly closely with the Director Wales and the Policy Team.

Policy Support

The primary policy areas requiring support will be:

• Tourism

• Housing

• Rural crime

With it being a pivotal Senedd election year, this role is required to support the policy and external affairs teams in delivering the key messages, set out in our manifesto, to a new Welsh Government. In particular, we will be striving for changes to policing budgets for rural crime focus, a holistic evaluation of all tourism policies, especially focussing on a reduction in the 182 day holiday letting rule, and a reversal of the tourism levy and a reconsideration of the proposed licensing system, each of which can be harmful to rural businesses.

This role will require you to be on top of the regulatory requirements of the above named sectors, and have the ability to articulate in writing our requirements for the sector, develop consultation responses and also papers for committees.

Advising Members

You will provide high‑quality advice to members, both verbally and in writing, on a range of rural policy and land‑based issues. This will include responding to enquiries in a timely and accurate manner and ensuring all advice is appropriately recorded on the CRM system, in line with CLA service standards.

Beyond the minimum role requirements as mentioned in the Job Description, you will have the ability to work with our comms and external affairs teams to create lobbying campaigns on the topics which you lead.

What you’ll bring to the role:

The person we are looking for must be:

• Motivated and enthusiastic

• An excellent communicator who can work well within a small team

• Have excellent written and grammatical skills

There will be a requirement to work out of our office in Builth Wells (for a minimum of two days a week), and availability to work flexibly and attend meetings and events across Wales when required.

Working arrangements:

This role is suitable for a full time junior level, or a part time mid - high level experienced individual. If you require more information about the hours and pay, please contact us.

Interview process:

There will be two stages to the interview process:

First stage interviews will take place online via Teams on Friday 15th May.

Second stage interviews will take place in our office in Wales on Thursday 21st May.

Application Process:

Please apply in writing, by email, explaining how you meet the criteria for the position together with a CV to recruitment@cla.org.uk.

Application deadline: 12pm, Tuesday 5th May