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Search starts for new Sheep Sustainability Framework chair

Sheep Central, September 9, 2021

Australian Sheep Sustainability Framework steering group chair Professor Bruce Allworth.

AUSTRALIA’S Sheep Sustainability Framework is looking for a new leader, with Professor Bruce Allworth ready to stand down as inaugural chair of the SSF steering group.

An SSF statement today said “after an impactful two-year term” Professor Bruce Allworth will retire upon the appointment of his replacement.

The statement said expressions of the interest are being sought for the position that is “an opportunity to shape the future direction of the Australian sheep industry.”

“I’m really proud to have worked alongside the sheep industry to deliver the world’s first Australian Sheep Sustainability Framework with a set of metrics to track progress in key sustainability areas,” Professor Allworth said.

“This evidence base will help ensure continued access to markets and capital for Australian sheep enterprises.

“It will also support continuous improvement across the industry, so it’s an exciting opportunity for a new chair to lead the steering group and ensure that Australia can demonstrate we are a global leader in sustainable sheep production,” he said.

“I look forward to working with the new chair on a seamless transition into the role.”

The SSF was initiated by Australia’s peak sheep meat body Sheep Producers Australia and peak grower body WoolProducers Australia, with secretariat and support services provided by Meat & Livestock Australia and Australian Wool Innovation. Its aims are to demonstrate sustainable practices, identify areas for improvement, and better communicate with customers and consumers.

Professor Allworth has launched the SSF ship

SPA chair Chris Mirams said Professor Allworth has been a fantastic dedicated leader of the steering group.

“Bruce has done a fantastic job launching the ship.

“He’s got a fantastic ability to draw the best out of the individuals from all different perspectives, make sense out of it and come up with a conclusion by consensus,” he said.

“The inaugural chair is always a tough role because you are inventing a process as you go along.”

Mr Mirams said his unique insight into the sheep industry, in particular the health and welfare components, have been really valuable.

WoolProducers Australia president Ed Storey said the Australian sheep and wool industry has been extremely well-served by having Professor Allworth with his skills, experience, knowledge and integrity in the role for the past two years.

“He has done the industry a great service.”

Mr Mirams said Professor Allworth’s replacement would need a clear mind and a passion to make a difference in the sheep industry.

“So whoever is appointed they have got to want to be there, because it is a demanding role.

“They have got to have real empathy for data and its collection, because the framework is about collecting and making sense of data and evidence and presenting it in an independent way to industry,” he said.

“They’ve got to be able to create a collaborative and safe environment for a range of stakeholders to contribute from whatever their perspective is.

“And they’ve got to be a really great communicator because they are the public face of the framework, communicating in a clear and concise way.”

The SSF statement said the framework measures and tracks industry performance against key priorities to present evidence that Australian sheep meat and wool has been produced responsibly to build trust and confidence in the industry. It demonstrates that Australia has a commitment to improvement and a clear path towards more sustainable practices where needed.

The SSF also helps industry better understand its opportunities, challenges, and impacts in key areas such as animal care, the environment, economic resilience, and people and community to ensure that Australia can demonstrate that we are a global leader in sustainable sheep production.

Expressions of interest close on 1 October this year

To effectively perform in the SSF working group chair position, the estimated time commitment is 16 hours per month. This includes steering group and board meetings, consultative committee workshops, industry forums and discussions with the SSF secretariat. The term of the role is 2 years.

Interested applicants are required to provide a summary of no more than 750 words outlining skills, knowledge, and experience and motivations for taking on this leadership role.

For more information and to register an expression of interest, please contact Sarah Hyland, Manager – Sheep Sustainability at [email protected] by COB Friday, 1st October 2021. Click here to view the full role description and criteria.

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