The COT is an Advisory Non-Departmental Public Body providing independent expert advice on toxicological risk to humans. The Committee’s advice has consistently provided the sound scientific basis for the development of policy on issues that have major implications for public health, the economy and consumer confidence in food safety.

Position of specialist members

Applications are invited from experts in Epidemiology and Endocrinology / Reproductive biology 

Candidates must be strong team players, with effective communication, negotiation, judgement and influencing skills combined with strong analytical and problem solving skills.  As a COT member you must be able to weigh issues outside your own specialist areas and to appreciate the impact that COT decisions may have on public health, consumers and the environment.  You must be able to work in a committee structure to arrive at sound, balanced and timely decisions.

Appointments

Appointments will initially be for a 3 year term, and may be renewed subject to satisfactory performance reviews, which will be carried out annually. There are normally 7 meetings a year in London.  A nominal attendance allowance and reading payment will be paid and all legitimate expenses will be fully reimbursed.

Although these appointments do not come within the remit of the Commissioner for Public Appointments, they are being made using a process which takes into account the Commissioner's Code of Practice as best practice. Selection will be in accordance with the Government's Equal Opportunities policy.

The Food Standards Agency is committed to providing equal opportunities for all, irrespective of race, age, disability, gender, marital status, religion, sexual orientation, transgender and working patterns and to the principle of public appointments on merit with independent assessments, openness and transparency of process.

Please note that these positions do not offer employment.

Application details

If you are interested in applying for the specialist member of the COT, the information pack is available on the COT website, http://cot.food.gov.uk/cot-membership

If you would like an application form please e-mail: cot.@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk or write to Hetty Gbormittah, COT Secretariat, Food Standards Agency, Aviation House, 125 Kingsway, London WC2B 6NH.  Further information on the work of the COT may be obtained by consulting the committee’s website at http//:cot.food.gov.uk

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 11 September 2017.