FAQs
1. How does the role of Agent and NFU Group Secretary fit together?
This is a unique and exciting dual role. NFU Mutual (a leading UK insurer and financial services company) and the National Farmers’ Union (the UK’s largest farming organisation) work in partnership to recruit ambitious individuals who help build a successful business. Working on a self-employed basis, you’ll act as a local NFU Mutual Agent but you will be an employee of the NFU in your NFU Group Secretary role.
2. What will be my NFU responsibilities?
As an NFU Group Secretary you will ensure that the NFU has a high and valued profile within the local group areas, connecting in a relevant way with farmers, growers, stakeholders and the rural community at large. You will manage the membership and potential membership income, attend meetings and events, and provide assistance and direction for members to help solve their farm business problems. You will have knowledge and provide information on the NFU’s policy priorities and membership services.
3. I know I need minimum of 5 GCSE’s to apply, but I can’t find my certificates, will this hinder my application?
It is a requirement that we have sight of your education qualifications and ask that should you be short-listed, you bring these along to your initial assessment day. Should you not have access to these certificates and you reach the benchmark on the day, you will be required to obtain copies of your certificates from the examining body in order to move forward to the next stage. NFU Mutual can point you in the right direction for obtaining these certificates.
4. I don’t have any insurance experience, is it worth me applying?
Whilst any experience in insurance will be beneficial and will inevitably give you a head-start on your training and licensing programme, we welcome candidates with sales and sales management experience in any industry, as full insurance training will be provided.
5. I don’t have a farming background; can I still apply?
Experience of or an affinity with farming and rural matters would give you a distinct advantage and a real head-start in the role of NFU Group Secretary. However, if you feel you have the right skills and experience why not apply? We are happy to consider applications from candidates who do not have a farming background, though we will need to be persuaded that the successful candidate has the right combination of skills and experience for the role, which after all, is centred on the farming industry and requires an understanding of how the industry operates.
6. What is the dress code for the assessment process?
Normal business dress
7. Will there be any group exercises during the assessment day?
No. Each element to the day is assessed individually. The day involves 3 individual exercises and a competency based interview.
8. I have my own premises; can I set up my own agency?
No. NFU Mutual operates only via a tied agency network through which our products and services are sold, and NFU members are supported.
9. Is my level of income guaranteed?
The starting income advertised is what NFU Mutual would reasonably expect you to earn in the first year, based on the current renewal income of the agency. It is unlikely that you will earn less than this in your first year, though it is not a guarantee. After this, your income will be as high as your ambition. It is worth noting that the advertised income includes the NFU salary which is based on working 20 hours per month at National Minimum Wage.
10. What support will I have from NFU / NFU Mutual to succeed?
While we want you to run the agency as your own business, NFU Mutual is on hand to offer a range of support via a regional team of Area Managers, Development Managers, Training Consultants and Sales Consultants, as well as a raft of support from our Head Office in Stratford-upon-Avon. In addition, you will be supported in your NFU responsibilities by regional farm policy advisers, membership and public relations staff, and by a Business Development Manager assigned to your office. There is also a raft of support from our Head Quarters in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire.
11. Will I need to recruit my own staff?
Most of NFU Mutual’s agencies are fully established offices with a current team of staff. On being appointed as an Agent, you will take over the position as their employer under TUPE regulations.
12. Can I work part-time?
As you will be running your own business, how you manage your time will be your own decision. However, the demands of the job dictate that the role is full time and is not suitable for somebody looking to work part-time hours. You will be expected to work a minimum of 20 hours per month for the NFU.