Independent Finance Non Exec for Food Network for Ethical Trade

The Food Network for Ethical Trade (FNET) is a collaborative network of supply chain partners established in 2017. We currently have 61 supplier members and the 10 biggest UK food retailers and are at pivotable moment of the organisational development where we need to grow and evolve to meet our members growing need for support. Working with talented board of member directors and FNET lead this is a great opportunity to influence the UK food, hospitality and horticultural sector and to drive positive change in working conditions for workers in UK and overseas.

As Finance INED this is a key leadership role in the organisation providing financial oversight and commercial support to help FNET deliver its growth strategy. Individual responsibilities will include chairing and leading the FNET Audit and Risk Committee, oversight of financial statutory accounts, budgets, and forecasts; and an active role in commercial business development.

FNET is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all individuals regardless of personal characteristics or background.

Mission

The Food Network for Ethical Trade (FNET) is a collaborative network of supply chain partners established in 2017 which aims to use the collective leverage of suppliers and retailers to bring about improved livelihoods and working conditions in global food, beverage and horticulture supply chains by providing guidance, common practical tools, training and facilitating collective action on systemic issues.

Position

This role is part of the FNET Board, which includes 8 individuals elected from FNET supplier and retailer members, and an independent chair. The Finance INED will be a key leadership role provide financial oversight and commercial support to help FNET deliver its growth strategy. Helping to set the behavioural and cultural tone of both the board and the wider organisation, with an emphasis on collaboration, support and transparency

This roles key responsibilities include; 

• To chair and lead the FNET Audit and Risk Committee, working in collaboration with the FNET Secretariat and Exec Lead and in accordance with the Audit Committee Terms of Reference.
• To be the liaison for financial statutory accounts and make resulting recommendations to the Board.
• Provide scrutiny into financial statements, budgets, and forecasts, as required by the Board.
• To play an active role in commercial business development identifying new revenue and funding streams.

Board terms

FNET’s Finance INED will serve a two-year term to be eligible for re-appointment for one additional term. Board meetings will be held quarterly and sub-committee meetings will be held in coordination with full board meetings.

Benefits of taking on this role

This role offers an opportunity to work with 71+ major companies in the food industry with operations and supply chains reaching millions of workers globally. FNET members are dynamic and passionate, committed to improving their organisation’s approaches to human rights and improving the lives of workers in their supply chain.

Qualifications, expectations and renumeration:

• Desired skills: Strong financial acumen, all round business experience
• Desired qualifications: Degree level, CIMA, ACCA or ACA qualified
• Desired experience: Strong financial background with reputable organisations including Audit Committee and  funding application experience. An interest in global food supply chains and sustainability and Human rights. 
• Personal qualities: Credibility; professionalism; confidence to challenge; strategic outlook

Service on FNET’s board of directors for this role is remunerated at £400/day up to 10 days maximum, plus administrative support, travel, and accommodation costs in relation to board members’ duties. The Finance INED will be appointed as a non-Executive Director of FNET.

The Finance INED will be expected to plan and prepare for the 4 days for Board meetings and for 4 Audit and Risk committees. In addition be willing to contribute up to 2 further days per year to represent the organisation, support the FNET team and attend FNET events.

Interested parties should share a covering letter and CV by the 22nd April 2024 with admin@foodnetworkforethicaltrade.com