Sheep Sustainability Framework seeks wool processing expertise

The Sheep Sustainability Framework (SSF) has put out the call for business professionals with experience in wool processing and retail to join the Sustainability Steering Group (SSG).

The independent SSG guides the Framework in its role of monitoring, measuring, and reporting on the performance of the Australian sheep and wool industry against sustainability priorities.

SSG Chair, Dr Scott Williams, said members actively support the Australian sheep and wool industry in demonstrating its commitment to sustainability through the reporting and activities of the Framework.

“We aim to have all sectors of the industry represented in the Sustainability Steering Group and we are seeking a businessperson with a comprehensive understanding of the Australian wool supply chain, particularly processing and retail,” Dr Williams said.

“The successful candidate will be aware of the challenges and opportunities in meeting consumer demands for sustainable product and have a strong knowledge of issues affecting the sustainability of wool businesses in Australia.”

The SSG is responsible for the design, development and delivery of the Framework, monitoring progress against the Strategic Plan and providing feedback on relevant issues related to sustainability reporting and stakeholder engagement.

Data and trends gathered through the SSF help to identify opportunities on-farm, in transport, processing, and at the customer interface, where practices can be improved by both the industry and individuals.

“As an SSG member you will be part of a forward-thinking and collaborative committee that strives for continuous improvement and to be at the forefront of industry sustainability reporting,” said Dr Williams.

“Understanding of standards in sustainability reporting is also desirable, but not essential.”

The successful candidate will have:

• a detailed understanding of the Australian wool supply chain, particularly wool processing and retail
• in-depth knowledge of issues affecting the sustainability of wool businesses operating within Australia
• strong interpersonal and communication skills
• the ability to analyse complex issues and work with others to collaboratively arrive at sound decisions
• willingness and availability to attend committee meetings and key events.

Members of the SSG are required to commit approximately 60 hours per year over a three-year tenure and to represent and promote the Framework in the sectors of the value chain in which they are actively involved.

Interested applicants should prepare a cover letter (of no more than two pages) that addresses the key skills and qualifications required, to be submitted to Courtney Nelson at cnelson@mla.com.au.

The Sheep Sustainability Framework is owned, designed, and developed by the Australian sheepmeat and wool industry through the peak national policy and advocacy bodies Sheep Producers Australia (SPA) and WoolProducers Australia (WPA).

The sheep industry Research and Development Corporations (RDCs), Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) and Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) provide resources in support of the SSF.

A copy of the Expression of Interest can be found here. Expressions of interest will close COB Friday 5 July 2024.