This is an exciting opportunity to shape and influence the development of a new non-departmental public body: The Scottish Food Commission. The Commission is being set up to provide an oversight role of provisions made in the Good Food Nation (Scotland) Act 2022. It is expected that the Commission will be formally established by mid-2025.

The Scottish Food Commission will play a significant role in reshaping the Scottish food system. The recommendations and advice provided by the Commission to Scottish Ministers and relevant authorities will be pivotal in ensuring that Good Food Nation Plans are continuously improved.

Responsibilities

As the first members of the Scottish Food Commission, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future and strategic direction of this new public body.

You will work closely with the chair of the Scottish Food Commission to identify the immediate strategic priorities and ensure the long-term viability of the body.

You will also work closely with Scottish Government officials and the Chief Executive, once in place, to enable the new public body to take on its statutory functions and full budgetary control.

Once the body is fully established, as members you will play a key part in ensuring the Commission effectively fulfils its oversight role and provides constructive challenge, that is evidence based, to Scottish Ministers and relevant authorities in relation to their Good Food Nation Plans.

These are high publicity roles that will attract great interest from key stakeholders interested in the Scottish food system.

Role Criteria

Priority criteria – applicants must provide evidence against at least one of the following:

1. Experience of research, analysis or evaluation methods;

2. In depth knowledge of one key food system challenge;

3. Experience of audit, assurance and finance;

4. Expertise in behaviour change.

Essential criteria - applicants must meet all six of the essential criteria.

1. Understanding of the complexity of the food system in Scotland;

2. Seeing the bigger picture;

3. Understanding of good governance;

4. Understanding of how government works at local, regional and national level;

5. Analysis and decision-making;

6. Communication and constructive challenge.

Please read the full details of the criteria in the person specification section of the applicant information pack.