Job Description

SA Certification Scrutiny Committee Member

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Location: United Kingdom

Salary: 330 per day plus travel expenses

Position: 2 days per year

About our Organisation

Soil Association Certification Ltd exists to accelerate the just transition across food, farming and land use, as a global leader in sustainability certification. We deliver trusted solutions with nature, for people and planet through the certification of high integrity holistic standards. These assurance schemes cover a wide range of sectors including food, forestry, farming, landscape restoration carbon markets, beauty and wellbeing, textiles and catering.


We are recognised and trusted by consumers and businesses around the world, operating in over 60 countries delivering FSC and PEFC certification, and you will also find the Soil Association organic symbol on over 70% of organic products in the UK.


Soil Association Certification is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Soil Association, formed in 1946, which is the only UK charity which works across the spectrum of human health, the environment and animal welfare. That's because we cannot tackle these issues in isolation.


We campaign for change, we support farming innovation, we serve healthy food in communities, we support and grow the organic market, and we protect forests. We couldn't do any of this without our supporters, partners, donors and dedicated staff. We make a difference in the world where it's needed the most.

About the Opportunity

We are looking for 3 new Soil Association Certification Scrutiny Committee Members representing the following areas:

- Forestry/Carbon sector

Farming/agriculture

Food manufacturing

Meeting requirements 2 x year, fully remunerated plus travel expenses


This is a great opportunity to join our Certification Scrutiny Committee, a group of stakeholders 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 on the effectiveness of our quality management system and integrity behind our certification marks.


The Scrutiny Committee is as an internal, yet independent, oversight body that critically evaluates the systems, processes, and decisions within our certification operations to ensure they meet relevant accreditation requirements and uphold public trust. Members review audit findings, monitor corrective actions, and assess the impartiality and transparency of our certification decisions. By doing so, the committee helps to uphold the credibility and reputation of Soil Association Certification and ensures our practices remain robust, fair, and aligned with our mission and values.


The committee is an interesting and varied group who bring deep experience from the consumer, forestry, food manufacturing, textiles and farming sectors. A three-year term on the committee will offer a fantastic opportunity to gain or add to your skills base in governance and independent review, while making a valuable contribution to our work.

About You

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 2025. We are specifically looking for representatives from the forestry/carbon, farming and food manufacturing sectors. Experience of organic production is not essential but useful.


The Certification Scrutiny Committee meets twice a year in the Soil Association Certification's offices in Bristol or remotely and is fully remunerated for each meeting with reasonable travel and subsistence expenses reimbursed.

To Apply

To apply please send your CV and cover letter to Stephen Smith, Director of Services at

ssmith@soilassociation.org

Please note we look at CV's on arrival and reserve the right to close this vacancy early.


We know the value of diversity in nature and want it in our organisation. We recognise that diverse backgrounds and experiences will bring a fresh perspective to our work. If you're not sure about applying, please get in touch with us for a chat.


Thank you for your interest in supporting our work at the Soil Association.