Changes under way at the FSA

Gill Fine, director of the consumer choice and dietary health group, and Andrew Wadge, director of food safety, are to step down and their roles will be merged into one position – director of policy – the FSA announced. Wadge will continue on at the agency as its chief scientist on a part time basis. The changes will take effect from April 2010.

The news follows the announced merger of the FSA and MHS and the creation of a new Operations Group, along with a drive for reduced administrative duplication, which the agency said will result in a more effective and capable organisation that can deliver the 2010-2015 strategic plan.

The FSA will also be advertising for a new director of operations to oversee its new Operations Group, and a recruitment process is also already under way for the appointment of a director of corporate service.

A statement said: "These three directors will work with Terrence Collis, our director of communications and Andrew Wadge, our chief scientist. This team will be responsible for the UK-wide FSA, working with directors of the devolved nations, whose national responsibilities remain unchanged."