Find out more about CLA branch committees: What is their purpose and how can I get involved?
CLA Midlands Regional Coordinator explains more about committees and the vital work they do
Branch committees are an essential component of the CLA. Meeting three times a year, committees discuss and consult on a variety important issues which help us formulate policy when lobbying government.
CLA branch committee members have direct input into providing ‘on the ground’ experiences to our senior advisory team, enabling them to give real-life examples of the effect on how government decisions will affect the rural communities and businesses.
I highly recommend joining a Branch committee to anyone with an interest in managing land or rural businesses. It provides an excellent opportunity to strengthen local contacts with like-minded individuals facing similar challenges and opportunities. Additionally, being part of a committee gives you access to the brilliant draft briefing and policy papers developed by CLA specialists, these documents are debated at committee meetings to ensure all relevant perspectives are considered before the CLA takes these matters to the Government. Engagement through committee meetings is both insightful and professionally rewarding, and I assure you, you won't regret it!
Sitting on the Shropshire Branch Committee has given me great insight into the work that goes on behind the scenes at the CLA. In particular, it has given me the opportunity to represent landowners and rural businesses at a national level, on a variety of important topics that the CLA are lobbying government on.
Being on the Leicestershire and Rutland Committee has broadened my understanding of key rural issues and what’s being debated in Parliament. It’s given me a voice on relevant topics, increased my awareness of the rural economy, and encouraged me to think more critically about the challenges and opportunities facing our Estate.
The next round branch committee meetings take place in June. Please contact Jan Hewes on 01785 337010 or Jan.hewes@cla.org.uk if you would like to attend as an observer and with a view to becoming a branch committee member.
