Food Standards Agency

Board Member and Chair of the Northern Ireland Food Advisory CommitteeAppointment Brief

February 2016

Contents

This pack provides information for candidates on the appointment of a Food Standards Agency Board member and Chair of the Northern Ireland Food Advisory Committee (NIFAC), including details on how to apply.

It contains the following sections:

1. Introduction from the Chair, Tim Bennett 32. Joining the Food Standards Agency non-executive Board 4-53. The Food Standards Agency 6-74. The FSA’s requirement for the Board 8-95. Role Description – Board Member 106. Role Description – Chair of the Northern Ireland Food Advisory Committee 117. Person Specification 12-

138. Remuneration 139. Time Commitment 1410.How to apply 1511.The Appointment Process 16-

1712.The Code of Practice for Public Appointments 18-

1913.The Seven Principles Underpinning Public Life 2014.Application Form 21-

2315.Detachable Equal Opportunities Form 24-

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1. Introduction from the Chair, Tim Bennett

Thank you for taking the time to consider applying for a non-executive role with the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

The FSA is charged by law with ensuring the delivery of safe food and protecting the interests of consumers in relation to food. We are in fact a UK Government Department, but an unusual Department. We have no Minister in charge day to day but we are accountable to the Westminster Parliament, the Welsh Government and the Northern Ireland Assembly through Health Ministers. All Board members are expected to act in the interests of all consumers. The FSA works closely with its equivalent body in Scotland, Food Standards Scotland.

We work in Europe and are the UK competent authority for food safety. With a modest budget from the HM Treasury and Devolved Administrations in Wales and Northern Ireland and around 1,300 staff we are firmly established as the reliable provider of sound advice on food safety to the Westminster Government, the Welsh Government, the Northern Ireland Assembly and the public, and a trusted protector of the consumer through effective regulation and enforcement.

This is an exciting and challenging time for the FSA. We have an ambitious Strategy for 2015 to 2020 to fulfil our vision of food we can trust and to continue to put consumers first in everything we do http://www.food.gov.uk/about-us/about-the-fsa/strategicplan. Regrettably, ‘food we can trust’ is not a done deal. There are about 1 million foodborne illnesses within the UK each year with around 8,000 hospitalisations. The non-executive Board is ultimately accountable for the delivery of this Strategy.

It is vital we attract individuals genuinely enthused by the scale of our challenges ahead and committed to helping us achieve our vision. If you join us, your work will have an impact on the health and quality of life of everyone across the country.

In this pack you will find additional briefing on the FSA, details of the roles, together with details of how you can apply. We are not asking you to fill in a long application form but to provide us with the basics, your CV and cover letter setting out how you meet the personal specifications.

I look forward to receiving your application.

Tim Bennett - Chair, Food Standards Agency

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2. Joining the Food Standards Agency non-executive Board

“I was delighted to join the FSA Board following an executive career in the food industry. The FSA’s commitment to openness and transparency, together with the absolute reliance on the evidence base in decision making, enables the organisation to achieve public trust. I also have the privilege to work with extremely able and committed colleagues from a diverse range of backgrounds.”Ram Gidoomal, FSA Board Member, 2014 to date

“I have spent most of my career working in farming or in agriculture and food policy. More recently I have had a close involvement with the NHS and nothing could have emphasised more strongly the importance of safe food, good nutrition and informed choice to both health and well-being. I was therefore thrilled to be appointed to the Board of the FSA. The issues we face are fundamental to consumers throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland and the good of the consumer is the absolute top priority in every decision we make. It is immensely satisfying to contribute to this work.”Heather Peck, FSA Board member May 2014 to date

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“I recall the discussions when the FSA was created back in 2000 between newly appointed Board members and the senior executive team which led to the decision that the Board should conduct its business in meetings that were open for any member of the public to view. The openness of Board discussions on all matters of strategy and public policy continues to define the FSA as an organisation.

This openness makes it important for Board members to demonstrate, through what they say and do, the other principles that the organisation has had at its core from its inception:

independence of thought – having the courage and wisdom to set aside undue political or lobbying pressure and avoid simple expediency;

being science and evidence-based – probing and challenging to ensure the FSA is an exemplar of evidence-based policy making;

enforcing food law fairly – recognising the responsibilities we have in law and the need to be proportionate, focusing our activities on the areas of greatest risk and, above all

putting the consumer first – acting as an informed lay jury, addressing the difficult and testing questions that consumers would want answered, and working with the executive team to meet the organisation’s statutory objective of protecting public health from risks relating to food and protecting consumers’ interests.

Openness continues to provide a challenge to Board and executive alike, individually and collectively. The executive team, from top to bottom, needs a strong Board that has the insight to set a clear strategic direction, to make sound policy decisions that withstand open public scrutiny and debate, and then support and urge us on as we turn strategy into action.”

Steve Wearne, Director of Policy, FSA

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3. The Food Standards Agency

The statutory role of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) is to protect the health of the public and the interests of consumers in relation to food. Since it was established in April 2000, it has made its mark as a new kind of public authority – independent, proactive, energetic, open about policy and honest about risks.

Whilst the FSA remains the UK competent authority, Scottish Ministers assumed responsibility for functions carried out by the FSA in Scotland from 1 April 2015. The FSA works closely with its equivalent body in Scotland, Food Standards Scotland.

The FSA is led by a Board of up to 12 non-executive members, including the Chair and Deputy Chair. Collectively, all Board members share responsibility for the whole FSA. The Chair and Deputy Chair are appointed by the Secretary of State for Health acting jointly with the appropriate Ministers in Wales and Northern Ireland. One Board member is appointed by Welsh Ministers, and one member by Northern Ireland Ministers. In Wales and Northern Ireland there are Food Advisory Committees which act as a route through which information and advice relevant to their country’s FSA interests is relayed to the Board. A Board member chairs each of these committees. The remaining FSA Board members (up to eight) are appointed by the Secretary of State for Health. The appropriate authorities consult each other before appointments are made. There are no specific geographical qualifications for these roles.

The FSA remit covers food and feed safety regulation and policy across the whole food chain (from ‘farm to fork’). We work to protect consumers by improving the safety of food and by giving honest, clear information. Machinery of Government changes in October 2010 led to nutrition policy and nutritional labelling in England and Wales being transferred from the FSA to the Department of Health and Welsh Assembly Government (now Welsh Government) respectively, these responsibilities being retained within the FSA in Northern Ireland. Also as part of these changes, responsibility for other non-safety related food labelling and composition work was moved to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in England. The FSA continues to be responsible for these areas in Wales and Northern Ireland.

We are also an enforcement authority. We have staff who work in every meat plant across England, Wales and Northern Ireland to check that the requirements of the regulations are being met. We work closely with Local Authority Environmental Health Officers and Trading Standards Officers, in 387 local authorities to ensure food from the over 560,000 food premises in the UK is safe and accurately labelled.

We work closely with a very wide range of stakeholder groups to improve food safety at every step of the food chain. We have won recognition for restoring the trust of UK consumers in the way food safety is regulated.

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About the FSA in Northern IrelandThe FSA is accountable, via Health Ministers, to both the Northern Ireland Assembly and Parliament. Working in the context of devolution has its advantages, as we can take into account specific Northern Ireland needs and issues whilst still ensuring a consistent approach to food safety which, of course, does not recognise political or geographical boundaries.

The FSA executive team in Northern Ireland is based in Belfast currently with 41 staff. FSA officials in Northern Ireland are accountable, through the Chief Executive, to the FSA Board

Northern Ireland Ministers may request advice, information or assistance from the FSA on any matter within its remit and the Board is bound by the terms of the Food Standards Act 1999 to provide such.

The FSA Board is advised by the statutory Northern Ireland Food Advisory Committee (NIFAC). In addition to the chair, the NIFAC has 7 other members, who collectively provide a wide base of knowledge relating to food and food-related issues. The role of the Advisory Committee is to give advice or information to the FSA about matters connected with its responsibilities, including in particular matters affecting or otherwise relating to Northern Ireland. There are up to eight meetings per year. NIFAC is not independent of the FSA; the Committee is an integral part of the governance structure of the FSA. The Committee has no specific functions or oversight of the executive team in Northern Ireland, although the executive team provides the secretariat to the Committee, and a close and effective working relationship between the Committee Chair and the executive Director in Northern Ireland is very important.

Further reading:Our Annual Report and Consolidated Accounts for 2014/15 are available at: http://www.food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/fsa-consolidated-accounts-2014-2015.pdf

The FSA in NI Resource Accounts for 2014/15 are available at:http://www.food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/fsa-ni-annual-accounts-2014-2015.pdf

For further information on NIFAC please check our website at: http://www.food.gov.uk/northern-ireland/

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4. The FSA’s requirement for the Board

The FSA is seeking to recruit the Chair of the Northern Ireland Food Advisory Committee (NIFAC). The post will be appointed by Northern Ireland Ministers. The Chair of NIFAC must also be a member of the FSA Board. The successful candidate will be expected to take up post in September 2016. All members of the FSA Board are appointed to act collectively in the public interest, not represent specific sectors. They must demonstrate an understanding of, and adherence to the Nolan Principles, those qualities and values required of all holders of public appointments and the FSA Code of Conduct for Board members. The Seven Principles of Public Life can be found on page 20 and the FSA Code of Conduct for Board members can be found at:

http://food.gov.uk/multimedia/pdfs/board-code-of-conduct.pdf

The FSA is keen to attract high calibre non-executive and board level candidates who can operate within an environment of change, providing strong, strategic leadership, critical challenge and a shared sense of purpose and outcomes.

Candidates will be applying for the role of FSA Board member and Chair of NIFAC.

Board and GovernanceThe FSA Board is responsible for overall strategic direction, including ensuring that the FSA fulfils its legal obligations so that its decisions or actions take proper account of scientific advice, the interests of the consumer and other relevant factors. The FSA’s Advisory Committees for Wales and Northern Ireland advise the FSA Board on food safety and healthy eating issues, particularly those relevant to each country.

Some key aspects of the Board’s role and responsibilities are to:

Represent the public interest and ensure that the organisation puts consumers first

Set the strategic direction for the FSA within a framework of prudent and effective controls which enable risk to be assessed and managed

Take decisions on key issues of principle and policy, including those in which advice is to be given to Ministers.

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The day-to-day management of the FSA is exercised through the Executive Management Team, led by the Chief Executive. The headquarters of the FSA are in London, York, Belfast and Cardiff. The FSA employs around 1300 staff and utilises the services of some 500 agency workers. The FSA’s staff are UK civil servants, accountable through the Chief Executive to the Board. Board members are not employees of the FSA.

Difficult decisionsThe decisions that the Board has to take involve difficult judgements sometimes in the face of uncertainty and/or incomplete information. Some may have a significant impact on the market position and future prosperity of companies, with employment and economic implications. Decisions may be finely balanced, with different interest groups making representations on both sides of the argument.

Meetings held in publicAs part of the FSA’s commitment to being open, accessible and transparent the Board meets in the open and publishes Board meeting agendas, papers and decisions so that it is clear to interested parties and the public on what basis it has taken its decisions and what evidence it has taken into account in reaching them. This is unless there are particular reasons why something cannot be considered in public. For example, since the FSA leads for the UK Government in negotiations on matters of food and animal feed law in Europe, discussions on the approach to be taken in those negotiations are held in private.

The FSA holds up to seven Board meetings a year. Any interested member of the public or press can attend. These meetings are also broadcast live on the Internet and can be viewed on demand at: http://www.food.gov.uk/about-us/how-we-work/our-board/board-meetings In addition, a further two-day retreat is held entirely in closed session. Board meetings are held in London, but at least once a year are held in either Belfast or Cardiff, or our offices in York.

Board CommitteesThe Board currently has three Committees: Business, Audit and Risk Assurance, and Succession and Development. Board members will be invited to chair or be a member of one or more of these Committees as part of their duties. The Committees each meet up to four times a year.

Role and responsibilities of Board MembersThe role of all FSA Board members is non-executive. Members do not have a role in the day-to-day management of the FSA; that is the responsibility of the Chief Executive, who, in addition to her accountability to the FSA, is personally accountable to Parliament and the devolved administrations in Wales and Northern

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Ireland for the effective and appropriate spending of public funds. Board members are not expected to be technical or scientific experts; there are scientific advisory committees to fulfil that function. Rather, they are overseeing the strategy and operations of the FSA on behalf of the wider community, and acting as a “critical friend” to the Executive, bringing their experience to bear on the work of the FSA.

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5. Role Description – Board Member

PurposeProtect food safety for all consumers by setting the strategic direction of the FSA through effective governance as a member of the FSA Board. Provide support to the FSA as an advocate for the FSA’s core principles of putting the consumer first, openness, independence and science- and evidence-based policy making.

AccountabilityThrough Health Ministers to: the Westminster Parliament; the Welsh Government; and the Northern Ireland Assembly. Communications to the Parliaments and Ministers will normally be through the Chair of the FSA. The formal appraisal reporting line is to the Chair of the FSA.

Main responsibilities To assist in the development of a vision for the FSA and to reinforce its core

values through the development and monitoring of strategic objectives, plans and policies;

To represent the FSA and its values in communications with key stakeholders; To ensure the FSA discharges its statutory duties in line with the requirement

to protect the public's health and consumer interests in relation to food; To monitor the performance of the Executive in meeting agreed objectives

and targets, including: the delivery of services; continuous improvement; financial performance, and risk management;

To assist with the appointment of the Chief Executive; To play an effective part in Board meetings, discussions and decisions, and

work for shared success; To participate as a member or chair of one of the Board Committees:

Business, Audit and Risk Assurance, and Succession and Development; To act in the public interest at all times, not as a representative of the interests

of any particular sector, and without regard to any personal interests, and To give approximately 36 days per annum to the FSA and to travel to

meetings across the country. In addition, Board members are expected to read widely to develop personal skill and ensure effectiveness in the role.

Board members receive advice and support from the Executive in respect of their duties and are provided with background information in order to carry out their responsibilities. There is a dedicated secretariat to support the Board.

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6. Role Description – Chair of the Northern Ireland Food Advisory Committee

PurposeTo Chair the Northern Ireland Food Advisory Committee (NIFAC) and to ensure that the Committee:

Fulfils the requirement placed on the Advisory Committees by the Food Standards Act 1999 to give advice or information to the FSA about matters connected with its functions (in particular matters affecting or otherwise relating to Northern Ireland).

Accountability Accountable to the Chair of the FSA.

ResponsibilitiesIn addition to those of a Board member, the Chair of the NIFAC’s responsibilities are:

To serve as a member of NIFAC and to chair meetings in a manner that facilitates the effective contribution of Committee members and by creating an environment in which they can share their knowledge and expertise;

To plan the business for Committee meetings with the Northern Ireland FSA Director, including pro-actively raising issues for the Committee to discuss;

To guide NIFAC on the provision of advice or information to the FSA about matters connected with its functions, in particular those relating to Northern Ireland;

To represent the consumer voice and strengthen the consumer perspective in relation to key issues that the FSA Board consider;

To represent the Board and the FSA in communications with key stakeholders in Northern Ireland and to build the relationships necessary for the effective operation of the Committee;

To undertake a once per term appraisal of the performance of Committee members;

To assist with the appointment of the Director of Northern Ireland; To act in the public interest at all times, not as a representative of the interests

of any particular sector, and without regard to any personal interests, and To give approximately36 days per annum in addition to any time commitment

as Board Member, to the FSA and to travel to meetings across Northern Ireland.

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7. Person Specification

Your application should provide evidence and examples of your experience against each of the following selection criteria below.

Essential – Board memberPlease ensure that you provide evidence against each of the essential criteria listed below:

Personal qualities, behaviours and aptitudes A genuine interest and understanding of the issues relating to consumer

interests in relation to food, and an awareness of how the world and therefore the global food system is changing politically, economically, environmentally and socially.

A high level of integrity and a commitment to putting the consumer first. The confidence to deal with difficult situations sensitively, and to take and be

accountable for decisions. An appreciation of equality and diversity and a willingness to champion

difference.

Skills and experience Strong strategic thinking skills – ability to link specific decisions to the big

picture and strategic direction. Strong decision making skills – ability to assess and analyse complex evidence

of different kinds, consider risks and benefits in decision making and explain the basis for a decision.

Strong communication, influencing and presentation skills. Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to actively contribute to the

decision making process as part of a team, accepting collective responsibility and challenging appropriately.

(NB: Board members do not represent a particular industry or sector and it is not essential for Board members to have specialist or scientific knowledge of any part of the food chain.)

Desirable – Board memberWe would like to achieve a balanced Board with the following desirable skills and knowledge. It will be helpful to demonstrate experience in one, or more, of these areas:

Consumer engagement

Communications and public affairs

Local Government

Veterinary science

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Public Health

Food industry including Primary Production (agriculture)

Food standards

Third sector

Enforcement

Chair of the Northern Ireland Food Advisory Committee – Additional criteria Experience of chairing high-level Board meetings in any sector; Demonstrable understanding of the stakeholder landscape that relates to

food, public health and public administration in Northern Ireland; and Vitality and commitment, maintains composure in face of adversity and

opposition.

8. Remuneration

Remuneration for the role totalling £21,544 will be paid per annum for working approximately 72 days per annum. This is made up of as follows:

Chair of the Northern Ireland Food Advisory CommitteeThe appointment of the Chair of the NIFAC attracts a remuneration of £10,772 per annum for working approximately 36 days per annum.

Board MemberThe appointment of Board Member for Northern Ireland attracts a remuneration of £10,772 per annum for working approximately 36 days per annum.

Remuneration, subject to deduction of National Insurance and Tax, is paid monthly in arrears.

ExpensesYou are entitled to reasonable travel and subsistence expenses necessarily incurred on FSA business in accordance with the rates and rules which apply within the FSA. Additional days worked, on request of the Chair and with the approval of the Chief Executive, will be paid.

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9. Time Commitment

Chair of the Northern Ireland Food Advisory CommitteeThe time commitment for the Chair of the NIFAC, including their duties as a Board member, is six days per month in total; that is 72 days per annum. The FAC meets eight times a year in public. During the course of each meeting there is an open question-and-answer session for members of the public. Most of these meetings will be held at the FSA’s office in Belfast. However, Committee meetings will be held elsewhere in Northern Ireland. Meetings may also include information briefings for NIFAC members on a range of FSA business; these are held in closed session.

Board MemberThe time commitment for Board members is 36 days per annum. The Board and Committee meetings are on fixed dates and take place over two consecutive days, and include overnight stays and attendance at Board working dinners.

Some members may be asked by the FSA to contribute more time on an occasional or continuing basis: for example, to represent the FSA at an external engagement.

In the first year there will be a requirement to participate in the structured induction and development programme and this will require a commitment of a further number of days.

Term of appointmentBoard appointments are for variable terms of up to three years, renewable for a further term on the recommendation of the Chair and subject to satisfactory performance and agreement by Minsters. Should a Board member wish to continue to serve for more than two terms, he or she would need to go through the full selection process again.

A Board Member is expected to attend all Board meetings. A Board Member may be removed from office if he/she is absent from more than two consecutive meetings [or more than three meetings in any twelve month period] unless the absence is due to illness or some other reason approved by the Chair.

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10. How to apply

Veredus has been engaged as the Food Standard Agency’s employment agency adviser on this appointment.

Applications should be sent to: centralgovernment@veredus.co.uk ensuring that you quote the reference number 926963.

The closing date for applications is noon on Wednesday 13 April 2016.

Please include in your application:

The application form attached below. In completing this you are making a commitment that, if appointed, you will uphold the Seven Principles Underpinning Public Life;

A full CV. Your CV should include relevant educational and professional qualifications, and the work that you have undertaken in a paid or unpaid capacity, in employment, self- employment or community activities, showing any particular responsibilities or achievements that you think relevant to this application;

A cover letter (maximum two sides) detailing how you meet the essential and desirable criteria set out in the person specification;

The detachable equal opportunities monitoring questionnaire, attached below including a section on political activity. The form also gives applicants an opportunity to request to be considered under the Interview Access Scheme for disabled candidates.

If you wish to type your name or use an electronic signature on the application form, that is acceptable at this stage but if you are invited for interview you will be asked to bring a signed hard copy with you to the interview.

Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Late applications may not be accepted without evidence of posting by first-class mail on or before the closing date.

If you have any questions or wish to discuss the role or the process further, please call our advising consultants: Nataliya Starik-Bludova on 020 7932 4265 or James Greengrass on 020 7932 4286.

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11. The Appointment Process

The selection panel will comprise of a senior official from the Northern Ireland Assembly, the FSA Chair (as chair), a current Board member and an external assessor.

The appointment is being made in accordance with the Code of Practice and guidance of the Commissioner of Public Appointments.

The selection panel will make recommendations to the Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety in the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Key DatesClosing date: Wednesday 13 April 2016.

Preliminary interviews for longlisted candidates will take place as of week commencing 25 April 2016.

Final panel interviews for shortlisted candidates are expected to take place in Belfast during week commencing 30 May 2016.

ProcessThe panel will determine which candidates best demonstrate that they have the specified qualities and experience, and they will then be invited for a preliminary interview in Belfast around the indicative dates above. It is therefore essential for your application to give full but concise information/evidence relevant to the appointment. Application forms must be completed in full, using continuation sheets as necessary.

There will be a further sifting process to select candidates for final interview.

There will be an opportunity for shortlisted candidates to have an optional fact-finding discussion either in person or on the phone with the Chief Executive as part of getting to know the organisation before the final interview. This will form no part of the selection process.

The final selection will be based on a panel interview and presentation.

Security ChecksPlease note that security pre-appointment checks will be carried out on all short listed candidates as part of the short listing process.

ExpensesReasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed for candidates who attend an interview.

Queries

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For an informal discussion, please contact our advising consultants at Veredus: Nataliya Starik-Bludova on 020 7932 4265 or James Greengrass on 020 7932 4286. Respect will, of course, be given to the privacy of any initial approach or expression of interest in this role, whether formal or informal.

Standards of Conduct Successful candidates will be required to show commitment to the Seven Principles of Public Life, as drawn up by the Committee on Standards in Public Life, more usually known as the Nolan Principles.

ComplaintsIf you have reason to complain about the way your application for appointment was handled, you should contact the FSA in the first instance. If you are not satisfied with its response, you can contact the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland. A copy of the guide on making a complaint about a public appointments process can be found at: http://www.publicappointmentsni.org/cpa_ni_code_of_practice_-_jl1_september_2015.pdf

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12. The Code of Practice for Public Appointments

The Commissioner for Public Appointments regulates and monitors ministerial appointments to a number of public bodies. Government departments are required to follow the Commissioner’s Code of Practice and detailed guidance when making these public appointments.

The Commissioner is also charged with the responsibility for investigating complaints. The Commissioner will examine the process used to make an appointment or the manner in which an application for appointment was handled. The Commissioner will only investigate reasons for non-selection if it is felt that the Code has been breached. The Commissioner does not investigate how a body is run or the actions of its members.

Departments are required to provide the Commissioner with a detailed report on all complaints received by them.

If you would like more information on either the role of the Commissioner or the appointments process, please contact:

Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland (CPA NI)Dundonald HouseAnnexe BStormont EstateUpper Newtownards RoadBelfast BT4 3SB

Telephone: 028 9052 4820E-mail: info@publicappointmentsni.org  Web site: http://www.publicappointmentsni.org/index.htm

Terms of Engagement - Conflicts of interestPublic bodies are expected to maintain a register of members’ interests to avoid any danger of Board members being influenced, or appearing to be influenced, by their private interests in the exercise of their public duties.

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Candidates for membership of the Board must indicate anything that might be, or might be perceived to be, a conflict of interest, if appointed. Candidates invited to interview will be questioned about any real or perceived conflicts of interest. These do not constitute an automatic bar to appointment, but they must be manageable.

Conflicts could include: financial arrangements, e.g. fees or shareholdings of the candidate, business associates or close family; membership of organisations whose aims might be perceived to be in conflict with those of the FSA, and any activity which, if revealed after appointment, could cause embarrassment to the FSA or the appointing Minister.

Conflicts could necessarily include inter alia any current interest in, or connection with, the food and related industries. A current potential conflict of interest (including a connection with the food industry) does not in itself preclude membership of the FSA Board. Indeed, as envisaged by the Act, a number of current members of the Board have connections with different parts of the food industry.

If you have any queries around conflicts of interest please contact our recruitment consultants: Nataliya Starik-Bludova on 020 7932 4265 or James Greengrass on 020 7932 4286.

Board members will need to ensure that the register of their relevant private interests, maintained and published by the FSA, is kept up to date. Board members will be required to declare any such interests before each and every occasion that the Board discusses a matter to which they are relevant and then to withdraw from the discussion if the Chair judges these to be disqualifying interests.

Possible conflicts of interest and their potential impact on the contribution the candidate might make to Board discussions therefore would need to be discussed as part of the appointments process.

Disqualification criteriaUnder statute, the House of Commons Disqualification Act 1975 applies, as does the Northern Ireland Assembly Disqualification Act 1975. Board members may be removed from office if they have been declared bankrupt, had their estate sequestered, or have made an arrangement with their creditors.

Equality & DiversityThe FSA is committed to providing equality of opportunity for all applicants. Applications are welcomed regardless of gender, disability, age, religion, ethnic origin, political opinion, sexual orientation or whether or not you have dependants.

Interview Access Scheme

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The FSA will offer a preliminary interview to any disabled applicant who satisfies all the essential criteria for appointment. Candidates must indicate on the application form whether they wish to be considered under this scheme.

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13. The Seven Principles Underpinning Public Life

In 1995, the Committee on Standards in Public Life defined seven principles, which should underpin the actions of all who serve the public in any way. These are:

THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF PUBLIC LIFE

SelflessnessHolders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other benefits for themselves, their family or their friends.

IntegrityHolders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might seek to influence them in the performance of their official duties.

ObjectivityIn carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.

AccountabilityHolders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.

OpennessHolders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.

HonestyHolders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.

LeadershipHolders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.

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14. Application Form

PUBLIC APPOINTMENT APPLICATION FORM:FOOD STANDARDS AGENCY BOARD MEMBER AND CHAIR OF THE

NORTHERN IRELAND FOOD ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Title (Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms/Other)

Surname

First Name

Home Address

Home Contact Numbers

Other Contact Details (optional)

Please attach or include a CV to show your relevant educational and professional qualifications, and the work that you have undertaken in a paid or unpaid capacity, in employment, self-employment or community activities, showing any particular responsibilities or achievements etc that you think relevant to this application.

Please also include a cover letter (maximum two pages) detailing how you meet the essential and desirable criteria set out in the person specification set out in above.

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PUBLIC APPOINTMENTS CURRENTLY HELD

Please give details of any public appointments that you currently hold, together with details of the time commitment you give to each.

Organisation and Position

Sponsoring Department

Time commitment

Period of appointment

Remuneration

POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTERESTPlease give details of any business or other interests or any personal connections which, if you are appointed, could be misconstrued or cause embarrassment to the Food Standards Agency. These could include financial interests or share ownership, membership of societies, activities, associations or employment of a partner or friend in the particular field in which the public body operates.

Any potential conflicts of interest detailed here will not prevent you going forward to interview but may, if appropriate, be explored with you during your interview to establish how you would address the issue(s) should you be successful in your application.

I confirm that I understand the Seven Principles Underpinning Public Life and will uphold them if appointed.

Please Tick

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REFERENCES

Please give the details of two people who may be asked to act as referees for you. They will be expected to have authoritative and personal knowledge of your achievements. The first referee will be asked to comment in a professional or other activity based capacity. The second referee will be approached in a personal capacity. The referees will be approached only if you are to be invited for interview following the initial sift.

1. Professional or other activity-based reference Name:In what capacity, and over what period of time, has this individual known you?

Address:

Post Code:

Phone:

Mobile: E-mail:

2. Personal ReferenceName:

In what capacity, and over what period of time, has this individual known you?

Address:

Post Code:

Phone: Mobile: E-mail:

I declare that the information given on this application is complete and correct to the best of my knowledge. I have also read the information pack and can confirm that I am eligible to be considered for appointment to this body. I also certify that I will immediately disclose any changes in circumstances that affect the answers I have given.

Signed……………………………………………………………………………….

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Print Name ………………………………………………………………………….Date………………………………………………………………………………….

15. Detachable Equal Opportunities Form

PUBLIC APPOINTMENTS: GENERAL INFORMATION AND DETACHABLE QUESTIONNAIRE

The appointment in this leaflet comes under the scrutiny of the Commissioner for Public Appointments. The following pages provide information on behalf of the Commissioner, and include a questionnaire that you are asked to detach and complete.

All Government Departments aim to provide fair and equal access to public appointments and to ensure that all sectors of society are represented. The questions set out in this form help the monitoring of the effectiveness of this policy by gaining a picture of all those applying for and obtaining appointments.

In addition, there may be requests to provide information – in summary form only that does not identify individuals – in response to Parliamentary Questions and other public enquiries. In line with Government policy, and in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act, the information you provide will be held confidentially and can be used only if you give your consent. This form therefore includes a question asking you whether you are happy for this information to be made publicly available.

This form will be kept separate from the application form and will not be seen by the sift or interview panel.

Assessment of your suitability for the post is made purely on the information you give on the application form and your performance at the interview should you be invited. Appointments are made strictly on merit.

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POSITION APPLIED FOR: CHAIR OF THE NORTHERN IRELAND FOOD ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND NOTHERN IRELAND BOARD MEMBER

SURNAME FIRST NAME

GENDER Male Female

AGE DATE OF BIRTH

ETHNIC ORIGINWhich group below do you most identify with? Please tick one box, listed alphabetically.

ASIAN Bangladeshi

Indian

Pakistani

any other Asian background (specify if you wish)

BLACK African

Caribbean

any other Black background (specify if you wish)

CHINESE Any Chinese background (specify if you wish)

MIXED ETHNIC BACKGROUND

Asian and White

Black African and White

Black Caribbean and White

any other mixed ethnic background (specify if you wish)

WHITE White background (specify if you wish)

OTHER ETHNIC BACKGROUND

Any other ethnic background (specify if you wish)

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DISABILITY

The Equalities Act 2010 states that a person has a disability if they have a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on the person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.

Adverse effects may arise from external barriers experienced by people with impairments. Taking this into account, do you consider yourself to have a disability?

Yes No

If yes, would you like to be considered under the Interview Access Scheme for candidates with a disability?

Yes No

If you are asked to attend an interview or appointed to this role, will you require any special provisions or facilities? If so, please give details in the box below:

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POLITICAL ACTIVITY All applicants for a public appointment should complete the question below. This question is asked as it enables the monitoring of political activity of candidates for a public appointment in so far as it is already in the public domain. Neither activity nor affiliation is a criterion for appointment (except where statute dictates specific representation). If you are successful, the information provided will be published with the announcement of your appointment.

Please indicate which of the following activities you have undertaken during the past five years by ticking the appropriate box and by providing details of your involvement. Name the party or body for which you have been active. If you have been or are an Independent or have sought or obtained office as a representative of a particular interest group, you should state this. You should tick all relevant categories.

a. Obtained office as a Local Councillor, MP, MEP etc. Stood as a candidate for one of the above offices Spoken on behalf of a party or candidate

b. Acted as a political agent Held office such as Chair, Treasurer or Secretary of a local branch of a party Canvassed on behalf of a party or helped at elections Undertaken any other political activity which you consider relevant

c. Made a recordable donation to a political party1

d. None of the above activities apply

Name of Party for which activity was undertaken:

Details of involvement:

1 The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 requires the Electoral Commission to publish a register of recordable donations (donations from any individual totalling more than £5,000 in any calendar year, or more than £1,000 if made to a subsidiary accounting unit such as a constituency association, local branch, women’s or youth organisation). These provisions became effective from 16 February 2001.

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DECLARATION

I confirm that the information I have given is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true and complete. I confirm that I understand the purpose of the form and the reasons for the collection of my personal data and that I agree to my personal data being used as stated. I also certify that I will immediately inform the Department of any changes in circumstances that affect the answers I have given.

Signed……………………………………………………………………………….Print Name ………………………………………………………………………….Date………………………………………………………………………………….

Note: This form is for monitoring purposes only and therefore will be kept separate from your application and will not be seen by any selection panels. However, it is appreciated that such activities may have given you relevant skills, including experience gained from committee work, collective decision making, resolving conflict and public speaking. If, therefore, you have had such experience and you consider it relevant to your application for this post, you should include it separately in the main body of your application.

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