OUR GOVERNANCE
SFF’s policy and priorities are determined by an Executive Committee, made up of members from our eight Constituent Associations.
It is chaired by the SFF President, who is appointed at the Annual General Meeting. The President may be supported in his or her role by one or more Vice-President(s). The Executive Committee meets approximately quarterly, and its decisions are informed by a number of Working Groups covering different policy areas, each chaired by a member of the Executive Committee and supported by SFF policy officials.
The Chief Executive is responsible for the day-to-day running and organisation of SFF, and is accountable to the Executive Committee.
Current office-bearers of SFF’s Executive Committee:
I was elected as President in August of 2023. I began working in the fishing sector as a researcher with Orkney Fisheries Association in 2017, before becoming CEO of Orkney Fisheries Association in 2020.
I enjoy working in the fishing sector because it is incredibly dynamic- no two days are the same.
In my spare time I am working on completing my PhD with Heriot Watt University on static fishing gear, as well as learning to play the banjo, or cycling.
Sheila is the Vice-President of SFF, and a long time advocate for Scottish fishing.
Sheila's journey with SFF began in June 2017 when she joined the Shetland Fishermen’s Association (SFA). Fast forward to August 2023, and she now serves as our Vice President.
I was appointed as Chief Executive of both SFF and SFF Services in August 2019, following almost 30 years in the public sector. Growing up in a small fishing community on Mull in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides, fishing was always part of the fabric of my daily life.
I was previously deputy Chief Executive at Food Standards Scotland, leading its work on strategy and policy, and am a science graduate of Stirling and Aberdeen universities. In my spare time, you’ll mostly find me outside – running, riding, or generally stomping around Deeside.
SFF’s Constituent Associations nominate other members to the Executive Committee.
The present members of the SFF Executive Committee are:
— James Anderson, SFA
— Andrew Brown, SWFPA
— Hannah Fennell, OFA
— Ian Gatt, SPFA
— David Gilchrist, ASFA
— Raymond Hall, SWFPA
— Sheila Keith, SFA
— Bill McKenzie, FVAOA
— David Milne, SWFPA
— Mike Park OBE, SWFPA
— Mark Robertson, MNWFA
— George West, SWFPA
— Alex Wiseman, SPFA
There are currently five Working Groups that help inform the Executive Committee’s decision-making and set the direction for SFF’s policy work. These reflect current priorities, which are kept under regular review.
Current Working Groups:
— Marine Spatial Planning - Chair Mike Park, SWFPA
— Marine Safety, Training & Welfare - Chair Sheila Keith, SFA
— Sustainable Fisheries - Chair Bill McKenzie, FVAOA
— Non-Quota Species - Chair Andrew Brown, SWFPA
— Coastal States - Chair Simon Collins, SFA
The Working Groups are wide-ranging in what they do. This ranges from developing proactive ideas and proposals for work in different policy areas through to reviewing government consultations and discussing SFF’s response. The Working Groups also play an important role in ensuring that there is good communication on current and upcoming issues that may impact on the membership.
Working to improve the perception of the fishing industry, attracting new entrants and ensuring professional standards of training and safety.
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Since 1973
