Public Sector Food Procurement Taskforce: terms of reference

Purpose

The Public Sector Food Procurement Taskforce has been established to make recommendations to Ministers on strengthening local public sector food procurement which supports local economies and wider sustainability objectives. In this context, "local food" means food that is crafted, grown, raised, harvested or manufactured in Scotland. This definition is consistent with our local food strategy.

Membership includes representatives from across the food system, including producers, processors, public sector buyers and relevant stakeholders.

Objectives

The Taskforce will:

• identify and review barriers to local and sustainable food procurement across the public sector
• identify opportunities to strengthen local sourcing and support improved economic, environmental and community outcomes
• consider the capacity, capability and growth potential of Scottish producers, processors, wholesalers, co-operatives and other collaborative supply models to meet public sector demand and identify opportunities to strengthen routes to market for local suppliers
• develop practical recommendations for Ministers by the end of March 2027

Scope

The Taskforce will consider public sector food procurement across Scotland, including central government, local authorities, NHS and other relevant public bodies.

Membership and chairing

The Taskforce has been established by the Minister for Agriculture, Marine and the Islands, who will Chair the inaugural meeting and receive recommendations at the Taskforce’s final meeting. Working meetings will be chaired by Co-chairs appointed by the Minister.  

Members are expected to contribute their expertise and reflect the views of their organisations, memberships and their sectors where appropriate.

Members who are unable to attend a meeting may nominate a deputy to attend and represent their organisation.

Membership is at the invitation of the Scottish Government. The full membership list is available.

 Ways of working

• the Taskforce will meet approximately every six weeks, with the first meeting to be held in August 2026, with a view to making recommendations to Ministers by the end of March 2027
• meetings will be held in-person between Edinburgh and Glasgow, with a hybrid option provided on request where possible
• Scottish Government officials will provide Secretariat support
• agendas and papers will be circulated one week in advance of meetings
• the Taskforce will work collaboratively and at pace to deliver its objectives
• additional expertise may be co-opted to the Taskforce with the agreement of the Chair

Proposed meeting dates

• Tuesday 15 September 2026
• Tuesday 27 October 2026
• Tuesday 8 December 2026
• Tuesday 19 January 2027
• Tuesday 23 February 2027
• Tuesday 23 March 2027

Decision making and recommendations

The Taskforce will aim to reach decisions and agree recommendations by consensus. Where consensus cannot be achieved, recommendations may be made if supported by a majority of the Taskforce.   The Secretariat will record and reflect the diversity of views in advice accompanying the recommendations.

Outputs

The Taskforce will:

• agree a forward work programme at its first meeting
• provide recommendations to Ministers on strengthening local public sector food procurement by end of March 2027
• Ministers will give due consideration to the Taskforce's recommendations and will provide a formal response, including proposed next steps, during the first quarter of the 2027-28 financial year

Quorum

• members agree that their contact details, including email addresses, may be shared with other Taskforce members for the purposes of supporting the work of the group
• Scottish Government officials will take a note of each meeting. Draft minutes will be circulated to members following each meeting for comment and agreement
• minutes, membership (name and organisation) and key documents from the Taskforce will be published on gov. scot

Secretariat

The Scottish Government team will:

• support the Taskforce, including the Chair and co-Chairs, in their work, including arranging and minuting meetings
• draft the agenda for each meeting – in collaboration with Members and Co-Chairs and circulate relevant papers one week in advance of meetings
• act as the primary point of contact for Taskforce members
• identify actions and maintain an action log – ensuring that actions are completed to the agreed timeframes
• provide strategy and policy advice at the request of the Taskforce to help inform its work and recommendations

Duration

The Taskforce is expected to work at pace and operate on a time limited basis, with recommendations to be provided to Ministers by the end of March 2027.

Review

These Terms of Reference will be considered and agreed at the first meeting and kept under review as required.