Sea Fish Industry Authority Board Member
- Body
- Sea Fish Industry Authority (Seafish)
- Appointing Department
- Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
- Sector
- Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
- Location
- Seafish is based in two locations, Edinburgh and Grimsby. Board meetings may be held at either of these offices or at other locations in the UK
- Skills required
- Business / Commercial, Change Management, Communication / Media / Marketing, International Experience, Retail
- Number of Vacancies
- 5
- Remuneration
- £5,670 per annum. Legitimate travel and other expenses will be fully reimbursed in line with the Sea Fish Industry Authority’s travel and subsistence policy
- Time Requirements
- The board will meet at least 4 times a year. The time commitment is 18 days per annum for Board members
Campaign Timeline
-
Competition Launched
18/09/2020
-
Closed for Applications
06/11/2020 at 12:00
-
Panel Sift
Week commencing 30 November 2020
-
Final Interview Date
22/01/2021
-
Announcement
Early March 2021
Announcement
An announcement has been made on the outcome of this appointment.
New appointments to the Seafish board
A new chair, deputy chair and five members have been appointed to the board of the Sea Fish Industry Authority (Seafish).
Seafish is a non-departmental public body which carries out a wide range of activities to support a thriving seafood industry, working with the fishing industry and processors through to importers, retailers and food service providers.
Michael Sheldon, appointed as Seafish Chair, brings more than twenty years’ experience of the agri-food industry. Formerly Deputy Chair of Seafish, he is also board member on the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).
The newly appointed Deputy Chair of Seafish is Jeff Halliwell. He brings his experience of customer engagement groups, consumer watchdog and an extensive knowledge of the food and drinks sector.
The further five appointments as board members include Graham Black, who brings significant experience of working within government, including in his former role of Director for Marine Scotland.
Formerly board member of the Food Standards Agency (FSA), David Brooks has a firm understanding of the food and drink, healthcare, housing and technology sectors.
Heather Jones, who has thirty years’ experience in marine, fisheries and aquaculture science. Founder of the UK’s first industry-led aquaculture innovation body, Heather was formerly Deputy Director of Marine Scotland.
Nigel Edwards brings extensive experience of the seafood industry as a Director of Hilton Food Group plc who supply a wide range of proteins to partner retailers globally and is a member of the Strategic Industry Leaders Group for Defra’s Seafood 2040 strategy.
Lastly, Harry Wick, who brings a wide knowledge of the fishing industry in Northern Ireland and a strong interest in the sustainability, safety and economic prospects of the UK catching sector.
These are ministerial appointments agreed by the four fisheries administrations, who jointly sponsor Seafish.
The recruitment was carried out in accordance with the Ministerial Code of Practice for Appointments to Public Bodies. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, there is a requirement for the political activities of appointees to be made public. None of the appointees have declared any significant activity.
Date: 10/05/2021
Assessment Panel
- Panel Member
- Mike Dowell
- Added
- 18/09/2020
- Panel Role
- Panel Chair
- Positions
- Deputy Director for Marine and Fisheries, Welsh Government Other Panel Member
Show more information
| Political Activity | None |
|---|---|
| Notes | - |
- Panel Member
- Rachel Muckle
- Added
- 18/09/2020
- Positions
- Deputy Director in Marine and Fisheries, Defra Departmental Official
Show more information
| Political Activity | None |
|---|---|
| Notes | - |
- Panel Member
- Mr Brian Young
- Added
- 18/09/2020
- Positions
- Chair of Seafish Board Representative of Organisation
Show more information
| Political Activity | None |
|---|---|
| Notes | - |
- Panel Member
- Ms Sara Turnbull
- Added
- 18/09/2020
- Positions
- Non-Executive Director for New Covent Garden Market Authority Independent Member
Show more information
| Political Activity | None |
|---|---|
| Notes | - |
Vacancy Description
Thank you for your interest in becoming a non-executive board member of the Sea Fish Industry Authority (Seafish).
As we approach life outside of the EU, Seafish will play a pivotal role in navigating the UK seafood industry through this once-in-a-life-time opportunity.
As a non-departmental public body Seafish supports our ambitious vision for sustainably managed seas while securing a profitable future for all sectors of the seafood industry. The effective care and management of waters in our exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and the precious resources within it, is critical to ensuring our fishing and seafood industry grows sustainably to meet the demands of consumers.
In addition to appointing a new Chair we are looking to appoint five non-executive board members; three industry positions representing the processing sector, large catch sector and marine/fisheries science and two positions independent of the seafood sector. We are seeking applications from all parts of the UK to represent their respective nations to bring a wealth of experience and knowledge, help steer the strategic direction of the organisation and balance the priorities of the seafood industry.
This is a fantastic opportunity to help shape the future of our seafood industry. If you think that you have the ability to take on this rewarding role then I strongly encourage you to apply.
VICTORIA PRENTIS MP
The four UK fisheries administrations are seeking candidates to appoint five non-executive board members for the Sea Fish Industry Authority (Seafish); three industry positions representing the processing sector, large catch sector and marine/fisheries science and two positions independent of the seafood sector.
Non-executive members of the Seafish board will:
• provide strategic direction and leadership to the organisation which balances the priorities of the seafood industry in the UK as a whole;
• drive performance and hold the Executive to account against strategic and corporate plans;
• ensure propriety, regularity, economy, efficiency and effectiveness in the operation of Seafish and provide stewardship for the public funds entrusted to the organisation;
• ensure that Seafish discharges its statutory duties within the framework specified by Ministers;
• have a good understanding of the work of Seafish and its stakeholders; and
• work co-operatively and build relationships with the Executive and key stakeholders and represent the organisation at a senior level.
Independent board members must have no financial or commercial interests in the sea fish or sea food industry. He or she must be able to discharge their duties independently of the sea fish or sea food industry.
Person Specification
Candidates must be able to demonstrate all of the following essential criteria: 1. Enthusiasm and genuine interest in the complex and dynamic environment Seafish works in and its commitment to support a profitable, sustainable and socially responsible future for the seafood industry.
2. A proven ability to analyse issues at a strategic level in ways which are impartial, creative and manages risk while focusing on finding solutions.
3. An ability to work collaboratively in a group with diverse opinions and provide objective advice and constructive challenge to assist in making sound collective decisions and coherent policies.
4. Candidates representing the processing sector must have expertise and be able to demonstrate both criteria under that sector:
• Proven knowledge and expertise of working with consumers, retail and/or food service in the UK;
• The ability to represent and promote the interests and products of the seafood industry throughout the food supply chain.
5. Candidates representing the large scale catch sector must have expertise and be able to demonstrate both criteria for that sector:
• Proven knowledge and expertise of fishing in the over 10 metre large scale catch sector;
• The ability to represent and promote the interests of the UK fishing industry.
6. Candidates who wish to represent Science or ‘independent’ board member roles must have ability to demonstrate experience or ability in one of the areas (A or B) listed below:
Area A: Food safety and microbiology
• Food safety and microbiology experience at a senior level in business, industry or academia.
Area B: Marine and/or fisheries science and/or consumer/retail/food services
• Expertise in marine and/or fisheries science; and/or
• Demonstrable knowledge or understanding of working with consumer, retail and/or food service in the UK.
The successful candidate must also uphold and be seen to uphold the 7 principles of public life.
Additional Information
Seafish is an industry-levy funded body jointly sponsored by the four fisheries administrations; Scottish Government, Welsh Government, the Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and Defra.
Seafish carries out a wide range of activities aiming to promote the consumption of seafood, enhance the reputation of the industry and support the collection of data and provision of information, evidence and advice for decision-making in the supply chain. It offers regulatory guidance and services to all parts of the seafood industry, including catching and aquaculture, processors, importers, exporters and distributors of seafood, as well as restaurants and retailers.
One of the key challenges for Seafish in the next five years will be to support and guide the seafood industry through the changing landscape that leaving the EU presents.
About the board
Meeting on a quarterly basis, the board ensures that Seafish is managed properly and effectively by providing strategic leadership, direction, support and guidance.
The Seafish board currently consists of seven non-executive members. All are appointed by Ministers in the UK’s four fisheries administrations (with the exception of Northern Ireland at this time).
Four board members, including the Chair and Deputy Chair, must be independent of the UK sea fish industry. Other board members should represent the interests of the sea fish and seafood industry.
How to Apply
All candidates are required to complete the following forms:
• Monitoring form 1 (Conflicts of Interest, Conduct and Political Activity Questionnaire)
• Monitoring form 2 (Diversity Monitoring Questionnaire)
Candidates should submit their CV with education, professional qualifications and employment history and the names and contact details for two referees, together with their statement of suitability.
The statement of suitability should give evidence of the strength and depth of your ability to meet the essential criteria for this role. Please provide specific examples to demonstrate how you meet each of the criteria (max two pages please).
Your CV and statement should be returned to the following address by the closing date: 12.00 (midday) on Friday 6 November. Email to publicappts@defra.gov.uk quoting reference APT 07-20.
For further information about the role please email: Ann.Harkness-Moore@defra.gov.uk