Cefas comments on Sunday Times story

The Sunday Times story, "Quango executives grab 20% pay rises", prominently reports on both Richard Judge, Cefas' Chief Executive, and the agency.

The perception created by the headline misrepresents the facts:

• Richard Judge was recruited to Cefas in February 2007 on a base salary of £115,000. His contract included the possibility of earning up to a 15% bonus on top of that salary.
• His contract has not changed since his appointment in February 2007 and is comparable to others' in similar roles in the civil service.
• In common with Chief Executives across the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' (Defra's) network, and in line with the recommendations of the Senior Salaries Review Body, he received a pay rise of 2.5% in April 2008.
• 2007-08 was Richard Judge's first full year in post. He became eligible for a bonus in 2008-09, and a bonus of 15% (£17,250) was paid. This payment reflected achievement against agreed performance targets in the previous financial year. 
• Any salary increase or bonus payment is determined by Defra's Pay Committee, and is directly linked to Richard Judge's performance and delivery of Cefas' strategic objectives.
• Details of the Chief Executive's salary and bonuses are published annually in Cefas' externally audited accounts.