Change at top of farming organisation

Fiona Forrest-Anderson will take up the role as the new independent chair of its remuneration committee.

The committee provides guidance and advice to the union’s top team on staff issues affecting its staff, primarily on issues of pay and the retention and recruitment of staff.

The NFU remains the leading agricultural lobbying and policy organisation in Scotland

Fiona is currently head of employer engagement at Napier University and has been recognised for her specialist skills in inclusion, organisational change, diversity and gender equality.

NFU Scotland Treasurer Rupert Shaw said: “I am thrilled that Fiona has agreed to take on this important role: bringing her perceptive and capable talents to help us professionalise this important aspect of the union’s internal management.

“Continuing to make improvements around recruitment, retention and reward of staff will, in turn, benefit all our farming, crofting and family members by strengthening our team as we face an ever-increasing workload.’’

Hailing from just outside Penicuik in Midlothian, Fiona is a shepherd’s grand-daughter and partner to a former farmer, with two young children. She was previously in the armed forces and before that worked with Scottish Power.

“The union has been part of our family’s way of life for some time and I look forward to bringing my experience to the committee to make decisions that continue to be in the best interests of NFU Scotland’s people,” she said.