Job Title: Chair of Board SALSA Scheme Ltd (SSL)
Job Title: Chair of Board, SALSA Scheme Ltd (SSL)
Location: Remote with some London-based meetings (see below)
Time Commitment: Approximately 8-10 days per year
Remuneration: £4,000-£5,000 (plus reasonable expenses reimbursed)
Term: Four-year contract, renewable thereafter
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About SALSA Scheme Ltd
SALSA is a non-profit making joint venture owned by The Food & Drink Federation, National Farmers’ Union and UKHospitality - three of the main trade associations representing the UK Food Chain. Its primary purpose is to provide affordable food safety certification and support for small and micro businesses in the regions it operates.
The SALSA Scheme is owned and governed by a not-for-profit company, SALSA Scheme Ltd (SSL). SSL’s Board of Directors is the direction-setting and governance group for the overall SALSA scheme. Three of the Directors are provided by the owners of the Scheme (FDF, NFU and UKHospitality). Other Directors are appointed to the Board to provide additional perspectives and experience.
Our values form an integral part of the way SALSA operates: Safe food first; Affordability; Supportive and constructive relationships; Practical and focussed guidance; and Teamwork and collaboration
More details of the SALSA scheme can be found on our website: www.salsafood.co.uk
The role
We are looking to appoint a Chair of Board to lead the Board and the organisation into the next phase of SALSA Scheme’s growth.
As Chair of SSL and Director of the Board, you will have overall fiduciary responsibility for the management of the company. Most importantly, you will play an instrumental role in leading the vision and growth of the Scheme. In particular, you will:
• Provide vision and direction to facilitate (with the Scheme Operator) the Scheme’s growth - leading the board in determining the Scheme’s strategic direction, values, high-level objectives and policies
• Provide effective governance and alignment with the organisation’s purpose and values
• Have overall fiduciary responsibility for the management of the company (the Scheme) jointly with the other directors
• Chair/facilitate Advisory Group (AG) meetings, set agendas, agree discussion topics and liaise with AG members as required
• Oversee board performance by fostering a positive, transparent, ethical, diverse and collaborative board culture
• Ensure the Scheme’s operations and standards are delivered effectively by the Scheme Operator, as assessed by the independent overseeing body, IFST
• Liaise with the Service provider (STL) maintaining a clear distinction between strategic governance and scheme delivery
• Monitor and manage any risks to the Scheme and the SALSA brand
• Act as an ambassador with key stakeholders and the wider community as needed
In addition to the above, the role involves some administrative activities, including to:
• Liaise with and oversee the activities of the Virtual Assistant
• Ensure sound financial oversight, risk management, and compliance with legal obligations e.g.: Joint bank signatory and signatory on VAT, Corporation Tax and other returns; budgeting; liaising with other third-party service providers (Insurance, Trademark attorney etc)
Who we are looking for
We welcome applications from experienced professionals who have:
• A commitment to our overall purpose and the values of the scheme
• Proven experience of corporate governance as a director, preferably in relation to a not-for-profit business
• A visionary, future-thinking and commercial mindset
• Experience in developing strategy and business planning
• Risk management (corporate) oversight
• A strong network of stakeholders within the food sector
Preferably, you will also have:
• A broad understanding of the food safety management auditing and standards environment/ecosystems
• A business development and growth mindset – preferably in an international context
• Understanding/experience in sustainability/environmental/ethical issues as they impact the food sector
Time commitment and support
The Board normally meets four times per year. Two meetings are held online (typically half-day). Alternate meetings are held in-person and in conjunction with an Advisory Group meeting, which Board members also attend (whole day, in total). From time to time, the Board may need to meet informally to discuss and conduct specific business.
In addition, the administrative responsibilities will require approximately 0.5-1 day per month.
This role is paid on a per diem basis – In total, approx. £4,000-£5,000 per annum. In addition, we will pay any necessary out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending meetings. A full induction and support will be provided prior to taking over as Chair.
How to apply
To express your interest, please send your CV and a brief covering letter explaining why you are interested in the role and how your skills and experience align with our needs, to the current Chair, Jon Poole, by email: jonpoole@salsafood.co.uk by Monday 12th October 2026.
If you would like a full copy of the role description or an informal conversation before applying, please contact Jon by email.
