SAYFC is currently recruiting members to join their national committee.

SAYFC finance chair, Aimée Margrove provides an insight into how members can shape SAYFC by joining the national committee.

Briefly tell us about yourself?

Originally hailing from Aberdeenshire I am a ‘Turra quine’ now living in Carluke, South Lanarkshire. I am 29 and I am the current national SAYFC finance chair. I work as a business advisory assistant manager for Johnston Carmichael managing a client portfolio of 120 farming and landed estate businesses across the central belt from Stirling, Lanarkshire to Ayrshire and Argyll.

Tell us about your role as SAYFC finance chair and within the national committees?

I joined the newly formed finance committee in 2021, and this past year have taken on the role as finance chair. Alongside the national and regional chairs and vice chairs we form the senior leadership team. Each committee has its own focus, and our remit is to safeguard SAYFC finances. When I took on the position of chair, I was keen to set objectives to work towards and my 2023/24 goals have been as follows:

1. Organise new fundraising initiatives

2. Increase treasurer support and understanding via training and a survey

3. Review internal budget and forecasting processes

4. Ensure financial stability

As we approach the AGM it is great to reflect on the past year and what we have achieved. In the summer we organised ‘SAYFC Cycling A to B’. Members cycled from Aviemore to Biggar Show to raise funds for SAYFC and RSABI and I was proud that we raised more than £6000 in total.

We undertook a treasurer’s survey with 70 plus responses and ran two online sessions ‘Preparing for your Year End’ to assist our treasurers. Further to this we are hoping to launch a treasurer training hub before the end of April. And finally, we have continued to steady the financial ship, post-Covid. Overall, it’s been a busy but productive year for our finance committee.

What have you gained from being chair of a national committee?

Where to start? Being part of the senior leadership team and chairing the finance committee has been a fantastic experience and I would encourage any member to get involved with the national committees.

It has been brilliant getting to know members from all round the country, the inner workings of SAYFC and I am extremely grateful for the development opportunities I have received. The current leadership team received invaluable external board and leadership training, and I know I will be able to apply this into future roles out with young farmers which is brilliant.

What would you say to those considering a role on a national committee?

With six national committees there really is the opportunity for grassroots members to drive the change they want to see within the organisation and shape what current members on the ground can experience.

Being member-led is a key feature of SAYFC, and the national committee structure epitomises this. I believe in ‘being the change you want to see’ and I would encourage members to be proactive and don’t be afraid to bring new ideas to the table; whether that be within AOCB at the end of a club meeting or within the national or regional committees.

Enthusiasm, challenge, and diversity of thought is what drives a progressive and successful organisation.

Members from all levels can register their interest now to be considered for election on to the national committees as a regional representative.

Depending on your skill set and interests there is definitely a national committee that will suit you, should you wish to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in.

If you want to get involved and be considered on these committees, register your interest by Friday March 22.

There are six national committees consisting of the agri and rural affairs; finance; international; development and wellbeing; communications and marketing; and competitions and events committees.

Members are able to register their interest at: https://www.sayfc.org/about/ourstructure/

For any questions/queries email: info@sayfc.org