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SAIC invites Expressions of Interest for new Sector Advisory Committee

A new advisory body to help ensure that the voices, experiences, and priorities of the aquaculture sector continue to shape SAIC’s strategic direction and delivery.

SAIC is inviting individuals from across Scotland’s aquaculture sector to consider joining its Sector Advisory Committee. Up to 12 members will be appointed in 2026, with a tenure of three years.

The call is open now and closes on Friday 19 June 2026.

SAIC has another call open for Expressions of Interest to join its Science Panel. The closing date is 29 May.

The Committee will include representatives from finfish, shellfish, and seaweed production along with the wider supply chain, enabling tech sector and environmental and climate resilience specialists. The Committee’s role is advisory, offering insight, constructive challenge, and sector‑aligned guidance to SAIC’s Board of Directors.

Why join?

Becoming a member of the Sector Advisory Committee offers the chance to:

  • Influence SAIC’s strategic priorities with real‑world sector insight
  • Support a trusted national platform for aquaculture innovation
  • Strengthen transparency, credibility, and collaboration across the sector

SAIC is looking for people with relevant experience, independent thinking, and a commitment to supporting responsible, sustainable growth across Scottish aquaculture. It is important that the Committee has balanced representation across species, disciplines and perspectives, without any one interest group dominating.

What’s involved?

Committee members will:

  • Provide sector insight and strategic advice
  • Offer independent recommendations to SAIC’s Board
  • Support knowledge exchange across industry, academia, and communities

The Committee will meet at least twice per year (likely virtually), with additional meetings as required. This is a non‑remunerated role.

Further details

To submit an Expression of Interest, email info@saic.innovation.org.uk with ‘Sector Advisory Committee’ the subject line. Closing date: Friday 19 June 2026 at 23:59.

In your email please address:

  • Your relevant expertise and experience
  • Your motivation for joining the Sector Advisory Committee
  • Details of any specific areas of interest or technical strength.
  • Please attach a short CV (maximum two pages)

Applications will be assessed against expertise, independence, balance of skills, and alignment with SAIC’s purpose. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an informal discussion with SAIC’s Board of Directors prior to appointment.

Applications will be assessed against:

  • Experience and expertise
  • Independence
  • Balance of representation
  • Alignment with SAIC’s purpose

Shortlisted applicants may be invited to an informal discussion before final appointments are made. 

SAIC Sector Advisory Committee

Expression of Interest: Guidance Notes

To submit an Expression of Interest for the SAIC Sector Advisory Committee, please submit a covering email and supporting documents no later than Friday 19 June 2026. 

OVERVIEW

SAIC’s Sector Advisory Committee brings together individuals from across the aquaculture ecosystem to provide insight, constructive challenge, and advice to Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Cluster Ltd. (SAIC). This is a new body, established under SAIC’s Articles of Association, designed to ensure that diverse voices from across the aquaculture sector actively inform SAIC’s strategic direction, priorities, and delivery.

A maximum of 12 members will be appointed to the Sector Advisory Committee in 2026 to serve a three-year term, with the possibility of reappointment.

NB: The Sector Advisory Committee operates strictly in an advisory capacity. It does not hold decision-making authority cannot bind the Board to any course of action.

PURPOSE

The Sector Advisory Committee plays a vital role in supporting inclusive, transparent, and sector-aligned decision-making, ensuring that SAIC’s work reflects the realities, opportunities, and challenges facing Scottish aquaculture. Applications are welcomed from across the full breadth of aquaculture, including finfish, shellfish, seaweed, and the wider supply chain.

The Committee supports SAIC’s mission to deliver innovation that contributes to responsible, sustainable sector growth and strengthens Scotland’s aquaculture ecosystem.

In line with SAIC’s Articles of Association, the Sector Advisory Committee exists to:

  • Provide a forum for engagement with a broad range of aquaculture stakeholders
  • Ensure diverse stakeholder perspectives inform SAIC’s strategic direction and priorities
  • Advise SAIC’s Board of Directors on sector needs, challenges, and opportunities
  • Provide input on SAIC’s work programme and project priorities
  • Support dissemination of knowledge, innovation, and research outcomes across the sector
  • Enhance transparency and accountability in SAIC’s operations

By joining the Sector Advisory Committee, successful applicants will:

  • Ensure real-world, cross-sector perspectives influence SAIC’s priorities
  • Contribute to a trusted, independent national platform for aquaculture innovation
  • Support transparency, credibility, and confidence in SAIC’s work
  • Help shape how innovation, funding, and collaboration are delivered across the sector
  • Engage with researchers, funders, policymakers, and industry leaders

SCOPE OF WORK

Sector insight and strategic advice

  • Provide practical, evidence-informed input on SAIC’s priorities and delivery
  • Highlight emerging opportunities, risks, and sector needs
  • Reflect perspectives from across the value chain, communities, and wider society

Advisory input to the Board

  • Provide clear, independent advice to SAIC’s Board of Directors
  • Contribute to transparency and accountability in decision-making

Engagement and knowledge exchange

  • Support strong links between SAIC and industry, academia, communities, and supply chain partners
  • Promote open dialogue and knowledge sharing across the sector

The Committee acts with independence, integrity, and respect for diverse perspectives.

GOVERNANCE & OPERATIONS

Appointment and tenure

  • Members are appointed by the SAIC Board of Directors
  • The Board aims to achieve broad and balanced representation across the sector
  • The Board may consult SAIC membership during appointments
  • Members normally serve a three-year term and may be reappointed
  • The Board may request a member to step down with at least one month’s notice

Conflicts of interest will be managed transparently

Composition

Appointments will aim to reflect the diversity of the aquaculture sector, including:

  • Finfish, shellfish, and seaweed producers
  • Supply chain and service providers
  • Academic and research institutions
  • Environmental and conservation organisations
  • Community representatives
  • Other relevant stakeholders

Leadership

Following the appointment of the Sector Advisory Committee members, the Committee will appoint one of its members annually to serve as its Chair.

Meetings

Meetings may be held virtually or in person, and administrative support to meetings will be provided by SAIC staff. The Committee will meet at least twice per year. Additional meetings may be convened by SAIC’s Board of Directors, the Chair of the Sector Advisory Committee, or at least one-third of Committee members.

Reporting and accountability

  • SAIC’s Board of Directors will provide written Terms of Reference, including remit and reporting
  • The Sector Advisory Committee will circulate draft minutes to the Board within one month of each meeting.
  • The Board will formally consider recommendations and provide a written response.
  • The Committee may only make recommendations and cannot bind the Board to a particular course of action.

Conflicts of interest will be managed transparently in line with SAIC governance

ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS

The Sector Advisory Committee may agree additional rules for its conduct in consultation with the Board.

  • The Chair of SAIC’s Board of Directors may attend Sector Advisory Committee meetings but is not a member.
  • Committee members may attend General Meetings of the Company.
  • External contributors may be invited to attend and speak at meetings where appropriate.

ELIGIBILITY & EXPERTISE

SAIC seeks individuals who can make constructive, independent, and strategic contributions, with experience across areas such as:

  • Finfish (salmonids) production
  • Shellfish aquaculture
  • Seaweed cultivation
  • Emerging aquaculture sectors
  • Supply chain and service provision
  • Enabling technologies, e.g., data, AI, robotics, sensor and imaging systems
  • Fish health and welfare
  • Environmental management
  • Climate resilience
  • Community, societal, and economic perspectives

Applicants should demonstrate:

  • Relevant sector experience and insight
  • Ability to engage constructively in discussion
  • Independence of thought and sound judgement
  • Commitment to transparency and accountability
  • Willingness to contribute to a national innovation platform

TIME COMMITMENT

Members are expected to attend at least two meetings per year (likely virtual), participate in additional meetings where appropriate, and contribute actively to discussions and outputs.

This is a non-remunerated role.

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST & NEXT STEPS

To submit an Expression of Interest, email info@saicinnovation.org.uk with ‘Sector Advisory Committee ’ in the subject line. Closing date: Friday 19 June 2026 at 23:59.

In your email please address:

  • Your relevant expertise and experience
  • Your motivation for joining the Sector Advisory Committee
  • Details of any specific areas of interest or technical strength.
  • Please attach a short CV (maximum two pages)

Applications will be assessed against:

  • Experience and expertise
  • Independence
  • Balance of representation
  • Alignment with SAIC’s purpose

Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an informal discussion prior to final Board appointment.

Download the guidance notes