Scoring matrices

Stage 1 scoring matrix

Applicants will be required to certify they have attended the viewing day for the holding applied for.  Failure to attend the viewing day will preclude further consideration of the application.

Whilst the tendered level of rent is an important consideration for the County Council, this aspect is not marked in the first stage assessment.

There are 10 areas for consideration, as listed below, therefore the maximum possible score for each application is 40.  Only applications which score above 32 points will be considered for interview. However, the final list of applicants invited for interview is at the discretion of the Head of Property.

Each area of consideration will be marked out of 4 (there is no "0" mark).

Areas for consideration

1. Suitability against selection criteria
2. Suitability against County Farms Estate objectives
3. Suitability against estate strategic objectives
4. Readily available capital
5. Experience and training relevant to holding and business plan
6. Availability of machinery and equipment relevant to holding and business plan
7. Practicality of business plan
8. Likelihood of success and progression
9. Ability to enter the farm and get going
10. Overall quality of application

Stage 2 scoring matrix

There are six areas for consideration, as listed below, therefore the maximum possible score for each application is 24.

The interview score is combined with the score from the first stage assessment to give a total score for each applicant.  The scores will be used as a basis for each interview panel to adjudge each applicant respectively rather than ultimately selecting the successful applicant.  The interviewing panel members will judge each applicant on their merits and vote for their preferred candidate.  The Chairman of the interview panel (Head of Property) will hold the casting vote.

Each area of consideration will be marked out of 4 (there is no "0" mark).

Areas for consideration

1. Quality of presentation
2. Relevant farming experience
3. Adequate finance
4. Standard of application & clarity of business plan
5. Determination and ambition to progress
6. Ability to deal with panel's questions