Appointment of Members to the Food Standards Scotland Board

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) is the public sector food body for Scotland. We are here to ensure that information and advice on food safety and standards, nutrition and labelling is independent, consistent, evidence-based and consumer-focused. 

It is established as a non-ministerial office to protect the health and wellbeing of consumers through three statutory objectives set under the Food Scotland Act 2015: 

• to protect the public from risks to health which may arise in connection with the consumption of food,  
• to improve the extent to which members of the public have diets which are conducive to good health, and  
• to protect the other interests of consumers in relation to food.   

We work closely with the Scottish Government – especially the Population Health Directorate and Food and Drink Division – but are independent from Ministers and directly accountable to the Scottish Parliament.   

Our primary concern is consumer protection - making sure that food is safe to eat, ensuring consumers know what they are eating and improving nutrition. With that in mind, our vision is to deliver a food and drink environment in Scotland that benefits, protects and is trusted by consumers.

Role and responsibilities 

The FSS Board, comprising our Chair, Heather Kelman, and seven non-executive members, is responsible for setting the strategic direction. The Board meets in public approximately four times per year, and our policy recommendations and decisions are published on our website www.foodstandards.gov.scot. It is our aim to be open and transparent in everything we do. 

We are looking for new members to join the board who have particular skills in financial leadership and governance or experience in strategic transformation and regulatory reform, as well as a passion for protecting the interests of consumers when it comes to food, improving diet in Scotland and maintaining Scotland’s high food standards. 

Skills, Knowledge and Experience 

There are priority criteria which are of particular importance to the FSS Board at this time.  To be considered for these roles, you must be able to demonstrate that you meet one of the following:   

• Financial leadership and governance experience at a strategic level 
• Experience in strategic transformation and regulatory reform in the public or private sector at national and/or international level 

In addition to one of the priority criteria highlighted above, you must also be able to demonstrate all of the following essential criteria: 

• Demonstrable commitment to putting the interests of consumers and the general public first 
• Ability to operate at a strategic level in change management and see the bigger picture  
• Ability to analyse and challenge constructively on complex information or issues, including assessing the risks and opportunities. 
• Ability to work co-operatively in a team setting, or in a group towards a common goal, and take collective responsibility for decisions 

We very highly value the benefits of having different experience and points of view on our Boards and are keen that people from all walks of life apply for public appointments.  Scottish Ministers particularly welcome applications from people with protected characteristics that are currently under-represented on the FSS Board, particularly from people aged under 50 and men.    

Applicants for public appointments must be legally entitled to work in the UK.  Please see the Applicant Information Pack for further information.  

Time Commitment and Remuneration 

Members of the Board devote up to 48 days per year and receive £250.92 per day.  Expenses incurred as a result of carrying out the duties of the appointment, including reasonable travel and subsistence costs and dependant carer and childcare expenses, will be reimbursed.  

Interviews 

Interviews will be held on 12 and 13 January 2027 and will be conducted in person in Edinburgh. Please note that if bad weather is forecast, interviews may be held online via MS Teams. 

For more specific detail of the particular requirements of the roles, please see the Person Specification, which forms part of the Applicant Information Pack, which can be accessed via the link below: 

Further information 

For further information regarding this appointment, please contact Christine Hill, Head of Private Office, Food Standards Scotland at [email protected]. 

You can also find out more about Food Standards Scotland at www.foodstandards.gov.scot. 

Find out more about public appointments here:  Public appointments - gov.scot (www.gov.scot).    

If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the appointments process or further support with your application please contact the Public Appointments Team by email at [email protected]. 

Completed applications must be received on or before 5.00pm on 4 December 2026.  

Appointed on merit; committed to diversity and equality