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.
To Apply For This Role Please Follow These Instructions:
• Download the applicant information pack
• Click on the blue button at the top right hand of this advert that says ‘apply for this job online’
When you apply, you will start by completing some personal information and our conflict of interest questions. Next, you will be directed to a screen where you can tell us how you meet at least one of the 4 priority criteria in a maximum of 400 words per criterion. You should write ‘n/a’ in any of the priority criterion boxes you do not wish to give evidence of.
You will then have the opportunity to provide evidence of essential criteria 1 - 3 in no more than 300 words per criterion.
After this, you will have the opportunity to upload your tailored career history, outlining your previous relevant experience. This document should be no more than 600 words.
Any words in excess of the limits stated will not be taken into account in assessing your application.
Completed applications must be submitted by 12pm on Friday 17 January 2025.
Remuneration and time Commitment
These positions are remunerated at £171 per day for up to 4 days per month, of not less than 7.5 hours each.
Remuneration is non-pensionable and reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
About Us
Public appointments are made by Scottish Ministers. The appointments process is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner you can find out more about the Commissioner here: Public appointments | Ethical Standards Commissioner
Equality Statement
Scottish Ministers value highly the benefits of diverse Public Body Boards. People from all walks of life are encouraged to apply for public appointments.
Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.
Further Information
Find out more about public appointments here: Public appointments - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
• Contact NamePublic Appointments Team
• Contact Emailpublic.appointments@gov.scot