The Secretary of State for Health has recently appointed Timothy Riley as the new deputy chair of the Food Standards Agency (FSA). His appointment, which commenced on January 1st, 2024, is set to last for three years. Riley, who has been a board member since 2019, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He has previously chaired the FSA’s Audit and Risk Assurance Committee (ARAC) and has been a member of the FSA Advisory Committee on Animal Feedstuffs.
Riley’s background in molecular immunology and his experience as a senior civil servant, including roles as head of NHS Public Health Policy and of Clinical Standards, make him exceptionally well-qualified for this position. The FSA notes that he also brings operational leadership experience, having served as the chief executive of three NHS Primary Care Trusts from 2001 to 2011.
In addition to his public service roles, Riley also operates a commercial beef and lamb farm in West Yorkshire. With over 30 years of experience in farming, he has a keen interest in sustainable and nature-friendly agriculture. He currently serves as the president of the UK Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society, the board member and ARAC chair to the Defra Veterinary Medicines Directorate, and a member of the UK Genetics of Livestock and Equines Committee.
Professor Susan Jebb, chair of the FSA, expressed her excitement about Riley’s appointment, stating, “I am delighted that Timothy, who has made an outstanding contribution as an FSA board member since 2019, will now become deputy chair of the Food Standards Agency. Timothy’s experience as a board member across a range of public and private bodies, combined with his scientific background and knowledge of the food and farming sector, make him exceptionally well qualified to take up this role. I look forward to working closely with him.”
Riley also expressed his enthusiasm for his new role, stating, “I value highly the role and work of the FSA in ensuring that our food is safe and is what it says it is. The FSA’s contribution to Public Health and to consumer confidence is vitally important and so I am really pleased to take up the role of deputy chair and to support the FSA going forward.”
With Timothy Riley’s extensive experience and expertise, his appointment as the new deputy chair of the FSA is expected to further enhance the agency’s efforts in ensuring food safety and consumer confidence.
