Guidance

Additional information

Published 31 August 2026

1. FSA Register of Specialists 

Applicants invited to interview may separately be invited to join the FSA’s Register of Specialists. This is a list of experts that the FSA can use to source expert input to inform the work of the FSA.

2. Equal Opportunities

We welcome applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds and across the whole of the United Kingdom. Boards and committees of public bodies are most effective when they reflect the diversity of views of the society they serve.

We collect data about applicants’ characteristics and backgrounds, so that we can make sure we are attracting a broad range of people to these roles and that our selection processes are fair for everyone. Without this information, it makes it difficult to see if our outreach is working, if the application process is having an unfair impact on certain groups and whether changes are making a positive difference.

When you submit your application, your responses are collected by the FSA. The data is used to produce management information about the diversity of applicants. You can select “prefer not to say” to any question you do not wish to answer. The information you provide will not be seen by the Assessment Panel who review applications against the advertised criteria and conduct interviews.

3. Disability Confident scheme

FSA values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity for all and the appointment of disabled people. We are a member of the Disability Confident scheme, which helps recruit and retain disabled people. All candidates who apply under the scheme for one of our appointments and who meet all the essential criteria, will be offered an interview. Indicating that you wish your application to be considered under the scheme will in no way prejudice your application.

To be eligible for the Disability Confident scheme you must have a disability or long-term health condition, which could be physical, sensory or mental and must be expected to last for at least 12 months. You do not have to be registered as a disabled person to apply under this scheme.

If you wish to apply under the scheme, please ensure you complete this section of the monitoring form.

4. Reasonable adjustments

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to make sure applicants with disabilities, physical or mental health conditions, or other needs are not substantially disadvantaged when applying for public appointments. This can include changing the recruitment process to enable people who wish to apply to do so.

Some examples of common changes are:

• ensuring that application forms are available in different or accessible formats
• making adaptations to interview locations
• allowing candidates to present their skills and experience in a different way
• giving additional detailed information on the selection / interview process in advance to allow candidates time to prepare themselves
• allowing support workers, for example sign language interpreters
• making provision for support animals to attend

When you apply you will have the opportunity to request reasonable adjustments.

For further details, refer to the government guidance.

Please contact the SACrecruitment@food.gov.uk if you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments you require.

5. Eligibility  

Members cannot hold any paid or high-profile unpaid posts in a political party and cannot engage in specific political activities on matters directly affecting the work of the Science Council and SACs.    

We welcome applications from existing members of government SAC; however, applicants must list relevant current appointments in the application to identify any cross-membership and assess any potential conflicts of interest.  

Applications are welcomed from candidates based in the UK and internationally. Candidates must be able to fulfil the duties of the role throughout the period of appointment, including participating in meetings, undertaking preparatory work, and complying with all requirements associated with the appointment. Candidates should consider carefully whether they are able to meet the practical, legal, regulatory, tax and administrative requirements of the role before applying.

Appointment will be conditional on satisfactory completion of relevant checks and declarations. The FSA will determine the checks required for each appointment, taking account of the nature of the role and the candidate’s circumstances. Where a candidate is based outside the UK, the process and evidence required may differ.

6. Principles of public life 

Holders of public office are expected to adhere to and uphold the Seven Principles of Public Life. These are: 

• selflessness - holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest 

• integrity - holders of public office must avoid placing themselves under any obligation to people or organisations that might try inappropriately to influence them in their work. They should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends. They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships

• objectivity - holders of public office must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias 

• accountability - holders of public office are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions and must submit themselves to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this 

• openness - holders of public office should act and take decisions in an open and transparent manner. Information should not be withheld from the public unless there are clear and lawful reasons for so doing

• honesty - holders of public office should be truthful

• leadership - holders of public office should exhibit these principles in their own behaviour and treat others with respect. They should actively promote and robustly support the principles and challenge poor behaviour wherever it occurs

7. Code of practice 

FSA’s Science Council and SACs adhere to the Code of Practice for Scientific Advisory Committees and Councils. It expects that all members work to the highest personal and professional standards.  

8. Management of outside interests and consideration of reputational issues

Before you apply you should consider carefully:  

• any outside interests that you may have, such as shares you may hold in a company providing services to government

• any possible reputational issues arising from your past actions or public statements that you have made  

• and/or any political roles you hold or political campaigns you have supported; which may call into question your ability to do the role you are applying for

Many conflicts of interest can be satisfactorily resolved and declaring a potential conflict does not prevent you from being interviewed. If you are shortlisted for an interview, we will ask you to provide a declaration of interests and the panel will discuss any potential conflicts with you during that interview, including any proposals you may have to mitigate them and record that in their advice to ministers. Alongside your own declaration, we will conduct appropriate checks, as part of which we will consider anything in the public domain related to your conduct or professional capacity. This may include searches of previous public statements and social media, blogs or any other publicly available information. If your application is successful, you will be asked to declare all relevant interests to the Board of the FSA as per the Code of Practice for Scientific Advisory Committees and Councils. The information provided will be published with the announcement of your appointment.

9. Appointment and tenure 

Chairs, full and lay members are given a standard first term appointment of three years with the possibility of re-appointment for a further term.  Any re-appointment is subject to satisfactory annual appraisals of performance during the first term in post.  

Associate members are appointed for an initial term of two years. If this term is successfully completed, associate members can then become full members through open competition.  

10. Ways of working  

The Science Council and SACs hold meetings in a variety of formats including in-person, online and hybrid. Members will be required to access and use Microsoft Teams and SharePoint effectively as part of their roles, so will need access to a computer with a stable internet connection and a webcam.

11. Time Commitment 

The time commitment associated with membership will vary according to the specific SAC to which an individual is appointed and the nature and volume of work considered by that committee. Members may also be required to provide additional input between meetings, and on occasion form subgroups focusing on specific short-term topics. The FSA may also request advice from committees on an ad hoc basis or in emergencies.    

As a guide, members can expect to commit around 20 days per year on average. For Science Council, the average commitment is approximately 10 days per year, including attendance at four meetings.

12. Fees and expenses   

12.1 SAC

SAC positions are not salaried. Members may claim fees and reasonable travel and other expenses, in line with the guidance on committee fees and expenses.

12.2 Science Council 

Science Council members receive an honorarium per financial year as well as reasonable expenses, in line with the guidance on Science Council honorarium and expenses.

13. Raising Concerns

We aim to process all applications as quickly as possible and to treat all applicants with courtesy. If you feel your application has not been treated fairly, and you wish to make a complaint, you should email SACrecruitment@food.gov.uk in the first instance.  

If you are still dissatisfied and would like to take your complaint further, please follow our complaints procedure.

14. Data protection

The FSA will use your data in line with the Personal information charter and the Data Protection Act 2018. 

15. Contact details 

For any queries with regards to the application process, please contact SACrecruitment@food.gov.uk.