Board Member Selection for PrimeSafe
PrimeSafe is the Victorian statutory authority responsible for the regulation of production and provision of safe food standards for the red meat, poultry, seafood, and in addition, the regulatory management of the pet meat and pet food industries. PrimeSafe came into existence on 1 July 2003, replacing the Victorian Meat Authority (VMA).
PrimeSafe regulates Victoria's meat and seafood industry by setting standards, licensing operators and auditing quality assurance programs across a diverse portfolio of businesses - from producers and processors to retail outlets.
The PrimeSafe Board has responsibility for over viewing activities throughout the red meat, poultry and seafood value chain. The PrimeSafe Board is thereby instrumental in maintaining Victoria's reputation as a producer of clean, safe and fresh food. The industries engaged with and regulated by PrimeSafe represent a significant part of the state's economic activity. Total economic value of activities PrimeSafe influences exceeds $6 billion.
The PrimeSafe Board Size and Composition
The PrimeSafe Board consists of between 8 and 10 members including the Chairman. With the exception of the Chairman, the term of office of the other 9 current Board members expires on 30 June 2012. The Chairman's term has already been reconfirmed.
Under the legislation, the PrimeSafe Board Selection Committee recommends seven Board members. These Board members are required to have expertise in one or more of the following 13 areas:
- Livestock Production
- Poultry Production and Processing
- Seafood Production and Processing
- Meat Processing for Human Consumption
- Meat Processing for non Human Consumption
- Quality Assurance Management
- Consumer Matters
- Public Health
- Retailing
- Finance
- Accounting
- Industrial Relations
- Business Management
The Selection Committee is seeking applications from outstanding candidates with expertise in one or more of the above areas and the capability to effectively contribute to the delivery of PrimeSafe's mission and objectives.
PrimeSafe Board Member Skills and Attributes
In order to contribute to an effective, productive Board in a relatively short time, the selected individuals will need to be able to work effectively and quickly with people from different backgrounds and areas of expertise.
To be effective in their role, Board members will need to be able to address issues outside their immediate area of expertise or industry background and have sufficient levels of commercial acumen and judgment to balance relevant policy, economic, environmental and public safety requirements.
It is therefore desirable that Board members have relevant Skills and Personal Attributes such as:
Skills
- High competence or knowledge in the specific and relevant skill or industry background
- Strong analytical and problem solving skills
- Ability to think strategically
- Well respected with high quality relationships
- Able to influence, persuade and express ideas clearly
- Ready to listen to others points of view without prejudice
- Capacity to consider the operational consequences of decisions
- Ideally experienced on Boards with team based decision making style
Attributes
- Highly successful track record
- Ability to accept accountability
- Demonstrable independence, be more than a single issue representative
- Diligent in use of time and effort
- Have courage to challenge status quo
- Understand personal limitations
- Hold a firm belief in the role of PrimeSafe
- Attuned to and a contributor to community values
PrimeSafe Board Member Remuneration
A Board member of PrimeSafe is primarily valued for his or her exemplary service on PrimeSafe as the peak body of its type in the very significant meat, poultry and seafood industries - encompassing primary producers, processors, wholesale and retail activity in Victoria. The societal contribution of board members is respected.
In addition, remuneration for Board members of statutory authorities is established under Government guidelines. The current rate for members of PrimeSafe is a sitting fee of $9,502 per annum (subject to current revision and confirmation). Present industry members of PrimeSafe undertake their Board role with a high degree of altruism and their enthusiasm for assisting industry has carried over to the other specialist members of the Board. Board Members are expected to attend a minimum of 75% of meetings held.
Travel and personal expenses are also fixed in accordance with the Appointment and Remuneration Guidelines for Victorian Government Boards, Statutory Bodies and Advisory Committees.
PrimeSafe Board Member Selection Panel and Processes
The Selection Committee consists of five members, including the Chairman of PrimeSafe, Mr Bill Bray and one each nominated by livestock producers, meat processors, poultry processors and the seafood industry. To assist the committee, the advisory firm Horton International Pty Ltd, which has expertise in Board Search and Selection, has been retained.
Applicants are advised that prior to appointment, selected candidates will be required to complete a declaration of private interests form and a summary CV. In addition, selected candidates must consent to a National Police Records check by the Victoria Police. Other probity checks include the ASIC register of persons prohibited/disqualified under the Corporations Act (Cwlth) and the ITSA National Personal Insolvency Index (Cwlth). These checks are arranged by the Department of Primary Industries at no cost to applicants.
Application process
Candidates wishing to be considered for selection need to:
- Submit a Resume,
- Complete and sign an Expression of Interest Form
- Complete and sign a Diversity Information and Privacy Consent Form.
Resume submission
Candidates are requested to forward their resume to melbourne@hortoninternational.com.au by 13 January, 2012 quoting "PrimeSafe Application" in the subject line.
Expression of Interest and Diversity Information and Privacy Consent Forms
These forms can be completed on line via the following links:
Alternatively both forms and resume can be forwarded to:
Mrs Kathryn Harper or Mr Robin Billen
the Consultants assisting PrimeSafe Selection Committee
Horton International Pty Ltd
Level 9, 52 Collins Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Any queries can be addressed to Kathryn Harper or Robin Billen on (03) 9650 2555.
For more information about PrimeSafe please visit the PrimeSafe website.
