Become a Scrutiny Committee Member

Soil Association Certification Ltd are looking for two new Scrutiny Committee Members representing the Consumer sector and Industry Expert in Textiles, Cosmetics or Food manufacturing

Meeting requirements 2 x year, fully remunerated at £330 per meeting plus any expenses incurred

This is a great opportunity to join the Certification Scrutiny Committee, a group of people representing various stakeholder groups, who have a shared interest in safeguarding the integrity of the certification body, a trading arm of the Soil Association. The committee plays an important role in providing independent assurance of the effectiveness of our quality management system and integrity behind our certification marks.

We are now recruiting for astute and principled individuals with good judgement and a keen sense for integrity and independence to join our independent Certification Scrutiny Committee (CSC) in 2023. We are specifically looking for representatives from the Consumer (must be a representative of a Consumer organisation) and an industry expert in textiles, cosmetics, or food manufacturing, so it is a requirement that you have knowledge and/or have worked in these sectors.

The Certification Scrutiny Committee meets twice a year, once at the Soil Association’s office in Bristol, and once remotely, and is fully remunerated with reasonable travel and subsistence expenses reimbursed.

It is an interesting and varied group that we are looking to add representatives from the consumer and manufacturing sectors. It will offer a fantastic opportunity to gain or add to your skills base in governance and independent review. 

If you would like to express an interest, please get in touch with Cheryl Wade, Quality Manager: Cwade@soilassociation.org, sending a statement as to why you are interested in the role and attach a copy of your current CV.

The closing date for applications is January 25^th, 2023.

About the role:

The Certification Scrutiny Committee (“CSC”) is an independent committee established in 2002 to meet the requirements for UKAS accreditation of Soil Association Certification. The CSC is responsible for ensuring that the activities of SA Certification meet the requirements of ISO 17065, 17021, 17029, 14065 + FSC 20-001, in relation to safeguarding impartiality, and provides assurance on this to the SA Certification Board by an active process of monitoring and review. This extends to monitoring UKAS, IOAS and ASI accreditation and the state of approval of SA Certification by the UK competent authority (Defra). The CSC has a right of referral to the accreditation authorities should the CSC consider that its independence and/or impartiality are threatened by action or inaction by the Board of Directors of the Companies. The CSC also hears appeals on certification decisions.

Essential requirements

The individual must have experience in one of the following areas of interest to the Committee:

• Consumer (must be a member of a consumer organisation)
• Industry/sector Expert (textiles, cosmetics, or food manufacturing)

Persons appointed should be able to demonstrate that they have significant relevant committee experience and have the ability to question and constructively challenge staff and other members, in the interest of ensuring compliance with our accreditation. Establishing a professional working relationship with staff and other members while retaining an independent approach to the role is critical for effective involvement in the CSC.

The ability to analyse and comment on technical information and offer advice on the effectiveness of the compliance arrangements established by SA Certification is also critical. The individual should be able to contribute to the monitoring and scrutinising of processes, practices and systems of inspection and certification.

A commitment to high standards of integrity and confidentiality is essential.

Desirable characteristics

Some understanding of performance assessment is desirable. Some knowledge of UK, EU and/or international standards (in particular ISO 17065) or similar performance management systems and their enforcement would be an asset. Understanding of compliance arrangements in different markets would also be valuable.

An appreciation of forestry or organic standards and principles is not an essential requirement for this role but could be of benefit.

Conflict of interest

In order to protect the independence and integrity of the CSC, any conflicts of interest must be declared and considered prior to appointment.