Non-executive board members
The UK fisheries administrations are appointing two non-executive members from the seafood industry to our Board. The Seafish Board provides strategic direction and leadership to our Executive team in a way which balances the organisation’s priorities with the priorities of the UK seafood industry.
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We are a non-departmental public body (NDPB), established under the Fisheries Act 1981 to support the seafood industry. Our primary sponsor is the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). We also work closely with the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish devolved administrations.
We engage the seafood industry across the UK from Shetland in the north to Cornwall in the south. We work with fishing vessels and their crew, seafood processing businesses, aquaculture producers, and restaurants and fishmongers reliant on the industry and the top-quality seafood we fish, farm and process.
Our industry care passionate about seafood, their communities and the seas around our coast. Our unique, non-competitive position means we work in partnership with stakeholders across the UK to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
Find out more about who we are and what we do including our 2023-2028 Corporate Plan on the following page:
How we are funded
Most of our funding comes from a levy on the first sale of seafood products in the UK. This includes seafood produced, landed, and imported into the UK. We also secure project funding from government and charitable organisations where appropriate.
Following a Strategic Review of the organisation in 2021, the Seafish Board is currently leading a review of the Seafish levy to make it fairer and more equitable.
Read more about the levy review on the following page:
The Seafish Board ensures our organisation is managed properly and effectively by providing strategic leadership, direction, support and guidance.
The board currently consists of ten non-executive members. There is a mix of independent and industry members, with an independent Chair and Deputy Chair.
Read more about the role of the Seafish Board and the current board members on the following page:
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, Government and other key stakeholders and represent the organisation at a senior level.
All board members must abide by the Nolan principles of public service and the Code of Conduct for Board Members.
Candidates must be able to demonstrate:
- The ability to represent and promote the interests of the sea fish industry.
- A proven ability to build an effective executive and non-executive team culture, bring constructive challenge and create consensus around practical solutions both within the Board and wider organisation.
- Significant business acumen and experience in working with complex organisations and driving change, including a proven track record at Board or equivalent level in the private, public or voluntary sector.
- A collaborative style with the ability to contribute to Board discussions, and inspire the confidence of Ministers, fellow Board Members, Executive Directors, employees and stakeholders in all sectors.
Candidates must also be able to demonstrate knowledge and expertise in one of the following seafood industry areas:
1. The large-scale seafood processing sector
Or
2. Working with consumers, retail or the foodservice industry.
Non-executive board members are jointly appointed by the Devolved Administrations England, Wales, and Scotland (with the current exception of Northern Ireland).
Appointments to the Seafish Board are made the Secretary of State and Ministers.
Period of appointment
The appointments will start from April 2024 for an initial period of three years. A further appointment of up to three years may be made subject to satisfactory performance assessment and will be at the discretion of Ministers.
The appointee may resign at any time with written notice to the Ministers. The Minister may terminate the appointment under certain conditions, which will be notified to the successful candidate on appointment.
Meetings
The board meet at least four times a year. We have offices in Edinburgh and Grimsby and Board meetings may be held at either of these offices or at other locations in the UK.
Remuneration and time commitment
Remuneration for the post is set at £5,670 per annum. This is based upon a time commitment of 18 days per year.
Your fee will be paid into your nominated bank account by BACS transfer monthly in arrears. All remuneration relating to the appointment is taxable and PAYE in respect of income tax and National Insurance Contributions which will be deducted at source. The role is non-pensionable.
Legitimate and reasonable travel and other expenses will be fully reimbursed in line with our travel and subsistence policy.
Please ONLY apply via the Public Appointment Website by midday on 2 April 2024. Follow the link below:
To apply, please provide:
- A brief CV no longer than two sides of A4. This should include a contact email for two referees.
- A supporting statement (maximum 1,000 words) explaining how you meet the essential criteria and which seafood industry area you can represent. Please refer to the briefing pack and provide specific examples.
- Equality information.
- Information relating to any outside interests or reputational issues.
If you have any questions about the appointments process, please contact the Public Appointments Team at Defra publicappts@defra.gov.uk
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Linsey Neill, HR Director at Seafish linsey.neill@seafish.co.uk
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared with a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes where possible. If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, please contact publicappts@defra.gov.uk