Supply Chains Co-operat ion
Technology
Collaborat ion
Innovat ion Dat a
update Summer ‘24
SAOS Council - a Critical Link to and from Members Our Chief Exec, Tim Bailey, emphasises its importance and calls for new recruits With 2025 fast approaching, we have begun the process of a review and ‘refresh’ of the SAOS business strategy. Like any business, this ‘roadmap’ is critical to ensure that we review our purpose and our vision: why we exist and what our ambitions are. It also sets out what our key strategic priorities are for the years ahead in the context of the world we now operate in and the future drivers impacting on it. In the development of a co-op strategy it is crucial that we remain true to the co-op business model of operating for the benefit of the members who own and govern us. This strategy must also be underpinned by the core co-operative values including self help, self responsibility, openness and democracy. It is in the context of both member governance and democracy that the critical role of the SAOS Council plays out. It’s fair to say that there remains a degree of ignorance (even mystery perhaps) about what the SAOS Council does and why it exists, so we must do a better job of promoting its pivotal role and how members can contribute. “I find being on the SAOS council At its simplest, the SAOS Council is a representative forum of our members and enthralling! Joining with the leaders of other key industry stakeholders. The Council so many different industries - all (mainly) has 16 elected members, with provision for a with the common goal of food production, maximum of three additional co-opted members. and such a wealth of experience and It functions as an interface between members, diversity of thoughts - it’s an inspiring the Board of Directors, and the executive team. group to be a part of and contribute to.” Through this, it enables representatives to Dave Bell, Tayforth Machinery Ring highlight their business priorities, needs, and challenges, and to help identify areas where “Being on the SAOS Council means that I can possible action by SAOS could be taken in help contribute towards shaping the response. The Council elects six Directors to the future strategy of the organisation. SAOS Board. As an industry representative I ensure In addition, the SAOS executive team uses the that members voices are being heard, Council to share relevant industry information especially when addressing key such as SAOS business updates, and to consult challenges facing the sector.” and seek feedback on new initiatives. Recent Angela Porchez, Angus Growers examples of this have included discussions on future SAOS Training Development planning, “In an ever changing environment, it’s Co-op policy ‘asks’ for the future Agriculture Bill, a real opportunity to help shape the and Supply Chain opportunities and challenges industry along other key stakeholders, for co-ops following the Ukraine invasion. as well as to advance your own business As such, SAOS Council will be the first ‘port of through mutual co-op learning.” call’, as we get our strategy planning underway, Anne Rae MacDonald, HBS Ring and when combined with wider membership engagement, will provide us with our own ‘appraisal’ and an invaluable feel for what we need to do next, do more of, and even stop doing if applicable. Without an active and responsive Council, SAOS cannot effectively function as a vibrant co-op, responding to the needs of its members. We shouldn’t underestimate this fortunate position we are in of having a transparent and democratic mechanism helping to ensure that the views of farmers, and their wider farming and rural supply chains, can help to shape our evolving workstreams. This means SAOS can truly be ‘of farming, by farming, for farming’. Every year, there are two to four new vacancies on SAOS Council, and we always welcome expressions of interest from potential new members. The commitment is important but not onerous with just three half-day meetings each year two in person and one online. Please get in contact with me or any of the team if you would like to find out more.