Food Standards Agency
Joint Head of SPS and Innovation Policy
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The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is seeking a Joint Head of SPS and Innovation Policy
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is seeking a Joint Head of SPS and Innovation Policy to help shape how the UK responds to emerging food technologies and novel products, ensuring consumers remain protected while supporting responsible innovation across the food sector.
About Us
We are a non-ministerial department of over 1600 people. We play a critical role in protecting public health and consumers’ wider interests in food across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Our vision is an important one - to drive change, delivering “food you can trust” and working towards a healthier and more sustainable food system.
The Opportunity
This is a unique opportunity to influence some of the most high-profile policy issues facing the organisation, including novel foods, CBD, genetic technologies and the implementation of the proposed UK-EU SPS Agreement.
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The Role
Working alongside our existing Joint Head of SPS and Innovation Policy in a shared leadership model, you will contribute to strategic decision-making, provide advice on complex regulatory issues and help define the future direction of food innovation policy across Great Britain.
- Provide strategic direction to a multidisciplinary team, creating an environment where colleagues can deliver high-quality policy advice and outcomes in a fast-moving and highly scrutinised environment.
- Work closely with scientific, operational and policy experts across the FSA and government to develop evidence-based approaches to complex regulatory challenges, while maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders across industry, academia and the devolved administrations.
- Lead planning and implementation activity linked to the proposed UK-EU SPS Agreement, considering both immediate regulatory changes and longer-term future operating models.
- Play a key role within the Market Authorisations Service, contribute to ministerial advice and senior briefings, and represent the FSA in discussions with key national and international partners, helping to ensure an effective and trusted regulatory framework for innovative food products.
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The Team
You'll join a supportive and inclusive leadership team that values collaboration, innovation and shared success. Alongside jointly leading a fantastic team of dedicated professionals, you'll have the opportunity to work with knowledgeable colleagues from across the FSA who are committed to making a real difference through their work.
The Interview Process
Candidates invited to interview will be offered an informal conversation with the existing Joint Head of SPS and Innovation Policy, providing an opportunity to learn more about the role and ask any questions before the interview.
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