Appointment of Members to the Board of Quality Meat Scotland

OVERVIEW 

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) is the public body supporting Scotland’s red meat sector to improve efficiency, sustainability, integrity and profitability, while maximising its contribution to the national economy. Its internationally recognised assurance schemes cover over 90% of livestock farmed for red meat in Scotland, reflecting a strong heritage and commitment to the highest standards.

QMS promotes and protects the Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Prime Scottish Pork brands, communicating the “Scotch Difference” to consumers. Through robust quality assurance and clear branding, it helps build trust and strengthens Scotland’s reputation for premium red meat at home and abroad.

Focused on provenance, profitability, sustainability and people, QMS drives market development, innovation and environmental leadership. It supports the entire supply chain - from farm to market- while delivering professional services that protect the industry and enable growth in domestic and international markets.

THE ROLE OF MEMBER

Board members of QMS are appointed entirely on merit, to maintain the mix of skills, knowledge and experience required to allow the Board to successfully fulfil its duties as a Public Body.  A board member’s responsibilities include:

• setting the strategic and cultural direction of the organisation;
• providing oversight on issues of strategy, performance and resources;
• monitoring the reporting of performance and holding management to account through purposeful and constructive challenge and scrutiny;
• contributing to decision-making and to the work of board committees and advisory groups;
• acting as “ambassadors” for QMS by communicating clearly and effectively and establishing and promoting the work of QMS in the industry and community.

The operational work of the organisation is delivered by around 35 QMS staff led by the Chief Executive, Sarah Millar.

Further information

For further information about Quality Meat Scotland and the roles, please contact the QMS Chief Executive, Sarah Millar at [email protected].  You can also find out more about QMS at www.qmscotland.co.uk/.

REMUNERATION AND TIME COMMITMENT

Members receive £221.36 per day. Expenses incurred as a result of carrying out the duties of the appointment, including reasonable travel and subsistence costs and dependant carer and childcare expenses, will be reimbursed. The appointment is non-pensionable.

The appointment is for a period of four years. The Board meets six to eight times each year with Members of the Board committed to a maximum of 20 days per year. By the nature of a non-executive role, the time commitment will vary from week to week. It involves a mix of activities including preparing for and attending Board meetings and undertaking other duties and responsibilities such as engaging with stakeholders and occasionally attending events.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

The Minister is seeking to appoint four new Board Members across the two roles outlined below: 

• Role 1: Candidates must demonstrate knowledge and experience of pig production (Priority Criterion 1), together with the general board skills set out in Essential Criteria 1-3.

• Role 2: Candidates must demonstrate the general board skills set out in Essential Criteria 1-3.

   

Priority Criteria 

1. Knowledge and experience of pig production

Essential Criteria

1. Understanding of QMS and the wider Scottish red meat sector

2. Ability to contribute effectively to the Board at a strategic level

3. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with a range of stakeholders

How to Apply

For details on how to apply, please ensure you read pages 9-12 in the Applicant Information Pack. The Pack includes further information on the role and additional details on the criteria being assessed. 

Completed applications must be submitted by 5pm on Friday 25 September 2026.

ABOUT PUBLIC APPOINTMENTS 

Public appointments are made by Scottish Ministers. The appointments process is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner you can find out more about the Commissioner here: Public appointments | Ethical Standards Commissioner 

EQUALITY STATEMENT

Scottish Ministers value highly the benefits of diverse Public Body Boards. People from all walks of life are encouraged to apply for public appointments.  

Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.

If you have a disability and require an adjustment at any stage of the public appointments process, please get in touch with the Scottish Government, Public Appointments Team by email at [email protected].

FURTHER INFORMATION 

• FAQ’s about the application process is here: Public Appointments - Frequently Asked Questions

• Guidance to support applicants is here: Public appointments - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)   

• If you experience any difficulties, please contact the Public Appointments Team by email at [email protected].