ISSUE 52 | JUNE 2022
FSA
AWARDS SUCCESS A standing ovation for our Field Ops colleagues who triumphed at our awards event
PAGE 3 Internal Quarterly Survey shows support for our 2022-27 strategy
PAGE 5 Out and about answering your questions about the OTP
PAGE 9 New campaign helping us to work securely during unsettling times
WELCOME
WELCOME TO THE JUNE EDITION OF BETWEEN THE LINES Where have the last two years gone? I joined the FSA in June 2020 and it’s fair to say that my career within the food industry has not been exactly as planned. My intention was to be out and about, to be visible, meeting with teams and stakeholders. However, COVID-19 has meant that we all had to adapt. Despite the challenges, I am extremely proud to have been part of an organisation that has such an important role in delivering ‘Food You Can Trust’ and helping to give consumers confidence in the food industry and the work that we do. My time with the FSA comes to an end on 1 July. I’m excited about being the Chief Operating Officer of a Primary Care Network in the West Midlands – however, I say goodbye to a great organisation and many fantastic colleagues who work hard to deliver our mission. The challenges of COVID-19 and the end of the EU Exit Transition Period meant that my induction was very much ‘on the job’. But, as a
team, we’ve achieved targets and maintained delivery of the Official Controls during unprecedented times. There have been significant pressures on all teams, but together we have risen to the challenges and upheld the values of the FSA. Undertaking the role of Acting Director of Operations since December has enabled me to gain a more detailed understanding of the important work of the Directorate, outside of Field Operations. The Incidents and Resilience Unit continues to adapt to dealing with food and feed incidents following the end of the EU Exit Transition Period and adapt to new norms postCOVID-19. The National Food Crime Unit continues to grow and develop, undertaking complex investigations securing their first court convictions as well as working to prevent food fraud. We also continue to deliver critical assurance activities in areas such as audit and animal welfare, as well as our modernisation agenda
FSA BOARD VIRTUAL COFFEE WITH STAFF Frances Moreno attended the Board’s virtual coffee with staff on 8 April and found it to be a very positive experience.
effect that both the pandemic and Brexit have had on our operations. It was very encouraging to see the interest taken by our Board members and to be able to express our views After a brief initial presentation on the key areas of concern, not only chaired by our Chair Susan Jebb around veterinary recruitment but we moved into our subgroups of also veterinary retention. two vets – myself and Laureano It was a pleasant and really Garcia-Munoz – along with two Board informative experience and I would members for a very pleasant chat. encourage anyone who has the We described the different lines of chance, to attend these occasions work we are engaged in and the when they arise.
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– reviewing the way we deliver the Official Controls in a way that is more proportionate and riskbased. I would encourage everyone to contribute to the Operational Transformation Programme and share your thoughts. As I say goodbye, I wish you all well. I am grateful for your hard work, commitment and support and I feel very proud to have led such as dedicated team. Thank you. Simon Tunnicliffe Acting Director of Operations
CONTENTS News
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FSA Awards
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Working Securely
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Dyslexia Network
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In conversation with… 11 Last word
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NEWS
STRATEGY
2022-27 Earlier this year we launched our strategy for 202227. It continues our mission for a food system in which:
We also ran the latest Internal Quarterly Survey (IQS) in March which asked colleagues how they felt about the strategy. The survey received a healthy 342 responses, including 97 (28%) from Operations. ACROSS ALL AREAS, THE IQS TOLD US:
Food is safe Food is vital and we all have the right to expect that the food we eat will not make us ill.
67%
of respondents agreed they can see how the strategy as a whole could apply to their area of work
68%
of people understand how they need to apply the guiding principles to shape their work – an increase from 45%
78% Food is what it says it is When people buy food, they should be confident that it is what it says it is.
Food is healthier and more sustainable We want to play our role in helping to ensure that food is healthier for people and more sustainable for the environment. Our strategy responds to changes in the world requiring us to adapt and recognises that we work in partnership with many others in the food system. It reflects the need for us to ensure all are working together to ensure food people can trust.
agreed or strongly agreed they are familiar with our guiding principles, an increase from 56%
81%
Eight out of 10 agree or strongly agree they are familiar with our vision OTHER RESULTS FROM THE IQS:
80.5%
On Leadership, 80.5% agree or strongly agree senior managers are sufficiently visible in FSA
83.2%
agree or strongly agree with the statement they have confidence in the decisions and actions of senior leaders.
47%
On pay and benefits, 47% agreed or strongly agreed they understand how the annual pay award process works
The IQS will return later this year with the new name Pulse Survey.
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NEWS
WELCOME JUNIOR JOHNSON Junior Johnson has joined us as new Director of Operations. He shares his reflections on his first few weeks I’ve been working in the Civil Service for 30 years now, across various different departments from the DWP to the Number 10 policy unit, where I worked on the social mobility white paper. I also worked at the MoJ in policy roles involving rehabilitation, prison and probation officers, and led the team responsible for setting performance outcomes by working closely with independent bodies who regulated the custodial system. In my first few weeks here I’ve been absolutely blown away by the enormity of what the FSA does and consistently impressed by how wide-reaching our impact and influence is across people’s everyday lives. When I was preparing for the interview for this role and researching the organisation, I concluded that the FSA was somewhat of a hidden secret. I
really didn’t appreciate all the things that have to happen in order to make sure the food that reaches people’s plates is safe to eat including the work we do on food crime and incidents management as we’ve recently seen on contaminated chicken and sunflower oil. Seeing some of that work first hand while out on visits over the last few weeks has highlighted even more what an asset to food and feed safety the FSA is. I have been particularly struck by everyone’s commitment to public safety and the professionalism with which you go about your day-to-day work. I am also in awe of the huge amount of knowledge you need to do your jobs. On my visit to an abattoir during my first week, for instance, among other fascinating insights, I learned there is a difference between the carcases of cows who were bred for dairy and those fed on grass or barley!
“In my first few weeks here I’ve been absolutely blown away by the enormity of what the FSA does” I’ve felt very welcome and supported since joining. I’m keen to get out and speak to more people across the business and to keep learning and building my knowledge of all the functions we deliver and to work with you as well the industry and FBOs to ensure we continue to work together to protect people’s plates.
THE WELFARE ASSURANCE TEAM – WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO! The Welfare Assurance Team (WAT) is made up of 12 MHIs covering an area each across the three Field Operations regions. The team’s purpose is to complete risk-based themed inspections and provide support to welfare incidents. Following a delay during COVID-19, we have finally reintroduced welfare visits this year – much to the team’s relief, satisfaction and professional
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responsibility to animal welfare. We’re a very passionate team and this shows in everything we do. Since restarting, our inspectors have been catching up on inspections and getting back out on the road. We’ve identified key themes in plants, such as CCTV that needed adjusting, and are working our way through our list of plants to update risk ratings. We’ve lost some very experienced and valued members of the team, so
we’ve recruited three replacements. Our 12th replacement passed her Animal Welfare courses with Bristol University in May 2022. Congratulations to all three members on joining this dedicated team! We’ll soon be creating posters of the team so that everyone in plant knows who we are. If you’d like to know more about the great work that we do or to attend one of our meetings, please email Rachael.Heard@food.gov.uk
OPERATIONS TRANSFORMATION
PROGRAMME It’s been a busy few weeks for the team. We’ve been out and about attending MHI engagement days across the country to update on the Programme and answer questions from MHIs on OTP We want to thank all those who have attended a session so far and look forward to seeing more of you at the last few sessions. If you have anything further you’d like to raise, please send us a message via OTP@food.gov.uk Going digital As you may be aware, our processes for approvals are undergoing a digital transformation, changing from emailed forms and complex spreadsheets to a fully online case management system which will track the entire process from application to approval and beyond. Through our Digital Approvals project which launched on 16 May, we’re modernising the process. FBOs will be able to track the progress of their applications and caseworkers will be able to easily access relevant documentation relating to approvals. The online case management system will also modernise the approvals process, and provide staff with more time and resource for other elements of the role. If you have any questions on the new process, please contact approvals@food.gov.uk Pilot launch We’re also shortly launching a pilot programme to look at segmenting meat FBOs by utilising data and evidence to determine audit
frequency. The Segmentation Pilot offers an opportunity to explore working in a more agile way, better leveraging data relating to compliance to identify those areas and businesses that pose the highest risk. This will help to ensure that emerging risks in the food system can be more easily identified and to enable the appropriate resources to be directed to those areas. Get involved Finally, the OTP Technical Panel will soon launch to provide technical and subject matter expertise to specific projects under the Operational Transformation Programme. We’re looking for MHIs and Veterinary colleagues who would like to provide advice to the project team on specific field operations issues relating to the projects. Keep an eye out for further details of how to get involved.
NEWS
A LOOK BACK AT LEARNING AT WORK WEEK Learning at Work Week 2022 took place from the 16 to 20 May and – wow! – what a week it was. A big thank you goes to our Learning Advocates and all those who arranged and participated in events and activities throughout the week. The theme for this year was ‘Learning Uncovered’ and we focused on learning from each other by uncovering and sharing skills and expertise across the agency. Twelve events took place during the week on a diverse range of subjects including meat hygiene inspection, judicial reviews and digital skills. Don’t worry if you missed any of the sessions: recordings are available alongside learning blogs and team conversation packs. For more information about learning, you can view the Learning and Development pages on the intranet, contact one of our Learning Advocates or email the Learning, Development and Talent team at HR.Capability. Development@food.gov.uk
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FEATURE
Field Ops colleagues were met with a standing ovation as they made their way to the stage to collect the award. Competing against 46 nominations from across the organisation, this was no easy win but was given in recognition of the directorate’s incredible effort – particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic – to ensure the food supply was maintained and food was safe to eat. Rob Locker, who accepted the award on behalf of Field Operations, says: “It’s a great honour to win this award and accept it on behalf of all colleagues in Field Operations. The work we have undertaken over the last two years has been exceptional and makes me very proud of everyone within the Field Ops team. “From everyone across the FMG, thank you all once again – this award is for ALL of you – including the Field Ops Veterinary Community, the dairy and wine teams, the local management teams and the Inspection teams, and we hope you are as pleased and proud as we are for this recognition.” Field Operations awards success didn’t end there. Matthew Dalton-Placzek from our Wine Inspection Team was presented with the individual award in the Above and Beyond category for his work on our environmental sustainability. Trevor Spears from Wales and West 3 was shortlisted in the Hidden Heroes (individual) award category for his consistent leadership and support for the team throughout the pandemic. And Phil Hendley, Nigel Sadler and Damien Dawson were shortlisted for the Outstanding Leadership award for their work as an ITL team in E2. It was also great to see our MHI and Vet of the Year Award winners, Stephen Holden and Collin Willson, officially presented with their trophies by previous title holders, Graham Beverley and Laureano GarciaMunoz, respectively.
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FSA AWARDS FIELD OPS
SUCCESS There was lots of love in the room for Field Operations at the FSA Awards ceremony where the directorate was announced winner of the Above and Beyond Award
FEATURE
Huge congratulations to everyone. You can see more pictures and videos from the ceremony on the FSA Awards intranet page. 07
INITIATIVES
WORKING SECURELY During unsettling times
ON ON SOCIALS SOCIALS On social media... • L imit information about your work and never share sensitive information. • Review who is able to view your profile(s) and interact with you. Remove and block unknown connections. • Report suspicious accounts and requests to our security team and IT Service Desk. • Download the CPNI Think Before You Link app (available on our App Store) which is full of useful information, online courses and videos to help you stay secure.
ON ON DEVICES DEVICES On devices… • L ook out for suspicious emails, text messages and calls – trust your instincts and report suspicious approaches to the KIMS Team. • Create strong passwords – combining three random words that each mean something to you is a great way to create a password that is easy to remember but hard to crack. For example, “BearRedChair8!”. • Don’t use the same passwords for personal and work accounts. If your account is compromised, change your password and report it to the KIMS Team. • Install the latest software and updates that are available to you – updates fix weaknesses that attackers could exploit and include protection from viruses and malware. Applying updates is one of the most important (and quickest) things you can do to keep yourself safe online.
Please Pleasecontact contactyour yourdd team teamfor forfurther furtherguida guida 08
INITIATIVES
Throughout May we have supported a government-wide campaign on working securely during unsettling times. Against the backdrop of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the campaign reminds us of the increased need to be vigilant about our security and provides guidance on how we can make a difference by following good practice.
WORK At AT work… AT WORK
• S hare information at the right classification and on a ‘need to know’ basis. The more people who have access to information, the greater the risk of its compromise. • Speak up – let your line manager, colleagues or security team know if something doesn’t look or feel right. • Report incidents, however big or small. A security incident could or may lead to a security breach and the KIMS team are on hand to help rectify any issues you may have.
IN PUBLIC PUBLIC InIN public… • Be on the lookout for any suspicious behaviour and do not have sensitive conversations or work on sensitive documents in public places. • Always keep your work devices and documents safe, especially when travelling. Keep all sensitive information secure to prevent loss or theft. Never leave such items locked in a car overnight. • Remember to wear your security pass visibly while in the office but remove it when you leave the building. You must not let anyone else use your pass to access official premises or restricted areas.
departmental security epartmental security dance. ance. Please contact InformationManagement@food.gov.uk for further guidance 09
VOICES
DYSLEXIA GREAT PROGRESS The Dyslexia Network was born from a meeting held in York in early 2019. Prior to this, awareness of Dyslexia in the workplace had been raised by Mark Haylett and Bob Hall
Both had looked into the processes we had in place, and together, they created awareness events and challenged senior management about how things could be improved. The Network was formed as a group of staff who either had dyslexia or had an interest in looking for ways to provide awareness and support to colleagues. Bob says: “As a group we were already aware of some of the limitations that dyslexia and co-occurring conditions can cause, which can prohibit staff taking a leadership role in the group. We decided we wouldn’t have a Chair of the group, but share ownership of the group and that chairmanship would be rotated. We’d build our own selfconfidence within the network knowing that we were in a safe place and that there was support when chairing.
Please contact the network for information.
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“As the network grew stronger and stronger, we won a business case for network staff to complete a Level 3 accredited award for supporting staff with dyslexia and specific learning difficulties. We also have one member of the network who is doing the Level 5 specialist teacher diploma. This will give managers someone to turn to for support and advice for their team. “The plan for the future is to grow the network and expand on our knowledge and understanding of dyslexia and the co-occurring conditions. The network’s ethos is to welcome everyone – whether you feel you may have some of the symptoms of dyslexia, because you have someone in the family who could benefit from support and information, or you are a manager who has concerns about staff who show signs of dyslexia.”
IN CONVERSATION WITH…
MATTHEW DALTON-PLACZEK Our Wine Inspector and passionate CEAG founder writes I joined FSA in 2014 as a Wine Inspector and founded the FSA Climate & Environment Action Group (CEAG) in late 2019 when I noticed that the FSA did not have an environmental policy. Climate change is the fundamental challenge of our time and I felt strongly that the FSA should prioritise it with immediate action. After a meeting with Emily Miles in London the CEAG was formed and our small but dedicated network has successfully implemented a new environmental policy and successfully achieved ISO 14001 accreditation in Environmental Management. Sustainability can be difficult to define but I believe it is about scrutinising all aspects of our business in order to reduce negative impacts on our ecosystems. We have an important role providing evidence and guidance to support our food system and the UK consumer, such as robust examination for plant-based diets and nutrition, plant-based food products, lab-grown meats and innovative sustainable food contact materials. There are practical things we can all do immediately to help: 1. Official travel and commuting: please use the lowest carbon transport as a default – ie. prioritising
The FSA has an important role providing evidence and guidance to support our food system and the UK consumer train travel over flying or hire cars. This is the single biggest impact that we can have in our operations. 2. In our offices: conserve our water and energy wherever possible 3. Procurement: if you need equipment or a service, prioritise the greenest option. 4. Sweat the small stuff: habitual practices such as printing fewer documents, sorting your waste into the recycling/ food waste bins, utilising our smart technology for meetings, using hand dryers, taking the stairs rather than the elevator, can all reduce your carbon footprint.
QUICK-FIRE Q&A My job in three words: Complex, passionate, rewarding. What keeps me sane: The ability to work flexibly. How would your colleagues describe you? Passionate, customer driven overthinker! Career highlight? Two: Passing my WSET Diploma and winning the individual “Above & Beyond” award at the FSA Awards 2021. What makes me proud to work at the FSA? Knowing that our organisation protects and serves millions of UK consumers every day.
If you would like to get involved with the CEAG, please email matthew.dalton@food.gov.uk 11
LAST WORD
CARERS’ WEEK Around a fifth of civil servants are carers for loved ones.
REMEMBERING GLEN PORTMAN Glen Portman joined FSA as Head of Delivery in the Wales and West region in the Summer of 2018 and put 100% effort into everything he did He was a self-confessed workaholic, and really loved his job. After a brief period of absence from work, in March 2020, we received the sad news that Glen lost his short battle against cancer and passed away. This impacted everyone who knew and worked with Glen. Chris Jones, HOD for Wales and West, received the blessing of Sue, Glen’s wife, to undertake a fundraising hike in memory of Glen on Saturday 28 May and raised £1,100 for Cancer Research. The event as a whole has so far raised £78,000. We want to say a big well done to Chris who completed the 35-mile trek over mountain ranges doing 68,500 steps on the day! You can still donate to his fundraising site the Llangollen Round Challenge which also features a little more about Chris’s story.
A carer is anyone who cares (unpaid) for a friend, partner or family member with an illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction. During Carers Week, which takes place from 6 to 12 June, we’ll have an online event, podcast, Yammer posts and a blog so look out for those. Our Carers Charter is on the intranet and there’s a Line Manager’s toolkit, Carers’ Passport and Carers’ sources of support. We’re also setting up a Carers’ Network. For lots more information, please search for ‘Carers’ on the intranet or contact Keela.ShackellSmith@food.gov.uk
PRIDE MONTH
There will be a gathering to remember Glen on 16 July at The Drum Inn, Cockington, Torquay, TQ2 6XA from 12pm – we invite friends and colleagues who would like to attend to come and join us.
Do you have a story for Between the Lines? Email us at internalcommunications@food.gov.uk
June is Pride month and it’s 50 years since the first Pride march in the UK, an incredibly important moment in the journey for equality for all. It’s an important time for LGBT+ people and allies to join forces under the theme of equality. Pride is a time to bring the community together, make memories and share stories. Pride events happen across the UK and in the FSA so check out our events page on the Intranet for more information.
