As we say a heartfelt thank you and goodbye to our board member, Fiona Wheatley, we thought we’d ask some questions about her experience of being on the Food Network for Ethical Trade’s (FNET) board. Fiona, the Responsible Sourcing Manager at Bakkavor, served on FNET’s board between 2022 and 2025. Let’s hear from Fiona herself…
How has being a member of FNET supported your work on human rights?
While each company is responsible for developing and implementing its own human rights strategy, FNET provides a strong foundation of tools, resources, and an invaluable human network. It offers a ‘brave safe space’ where members can openly discuss non-competitive issues and share practical solutions.
When I joined Bakkavor in 2022 I had a firm grounding in global human rights but my experience in supply chain ethical management was limited. FNET’s membership network and resources enabled me to learn quickly, grow professionally, and develop plans to strengthen our business’s contribution to human rights protections across our supply chain.
Could we have achieved this without FNET? Yes—but it would have been slower, more challenging, and likely marked by setbacks. I’m profoundly grateful to FNET for providing not only excellent technical guidance but also fostering incredible relationships and a lifelong network of committed experts.
Have you or your company changed your approach as a result of FNET membership?
Bakkavor adopted the FNET human rights risk assessment framework to enhance our existing supplier engagement processes. This enabled us to build on insights from a previous third-party programme that assessed suppliers’ human rights management systems. The FNET framework’s consistent, industry-wide methodology was an ideal fit for this goal.
I’ve always been a huge advocate for industry and multi-stakeholder collaboration on non-competitive topics like human rights and sustainability. The scalability and widespread adoption of the FNET framework across sectors and supplier types align perfectly with this personal mission and supports Bakkavor’s objectives for simplification and alignment.
Can you share an example of human rights impact you’ve seen through the network?
FNET spearheaded the development of a serious incident escalation process that fundamentally changed how the UK food industry responds to human rights concerns.
Many FNET members share suppliers, particularly downstream producers and manufacturers of raw materials and ingredients. Previously, when potential human rights risks were flagged—often to retailers—each company responded individually. This created duplication of effort and sometimes slowed down information gathering and resolution.
The UK Food Supply Chain Serious Incident Escalation and Management Protocol was designed to harness and amplify the efforts of supply chain companies, external agencies, and expert third parties to achieve the best outcomes for affected workers. Its collaborative design and extensive consultation ensured the guidance reflects real-world practices, increasing the likelihood of adoption as standard business practice. This is a powerful example of FNET’s focus and expertise in action.
Any reflections on your time as an FNET Board member?
I’ve served on boards before, both as an industry representative and in an individual capacity. I’ve been impressed by this Board’s unwavering commitment to FNET’s vision of a fair and equitable food system where people can realise their human rights. But what truly distinguishes the FNET Board is its pivotal role in bringing together highly competitive organisations to drive positive change, supported by a commitment to provide tools, resources, and networks that turn vision into reality.
I’m proud of the progress made during my tenure and pleased to leave knowing the organisation now has a clearer vision, a stronger strategy, and is better resourced to deliver meaningful impact.
It’s important to acknowledge Bakkavor’s willingness to support my involvement in the board. This role requires a significant investment of time and energy, and such contributions are vital to the success and sustainability of the organisation. Without the backing of employers, it would be impossible to deliver the outcomes that benefit the wider community. Bakkavor’s support demonstrates a strong commitment to collaboration and professional development that is deeply appreciated by me, other board members and the wider FNET community.
Is there one area of your board work you’re particularly proud of?
When I joined the Board, I took on the role of Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee. At that time, FNET was maturing as an organisation, bringing increased financial complexity and risk exposure. While solid foundations had been laid by the previous committee, it was clear that more needed to be done to achieve governance standards aligned with the organisation’s growth ambitions.
I’m proud to have secured Board support to recruit an independent Finance Director (INED) and establish a new Finance Committee. These steps have strengthened governance and safeguarded the organisation’s future. I leave confident that these matters are now in the capable hands of Finance INED Chris Sutton.
What would you like to see FNET achieve in the future?
FNET’s Theory of Change sets an ambitious impact goal: improving the livelihoods and working conditions of people within, and communities affected by, members’ operations and supply chains. To make this a reality, the Board and Executive Team must continue to provide resources and expertise, build networks and collaborations, and—most importantly—engage and inspire members.
FNET plays a unique role in the food industry, and I’m confident in its ability to help members achieve this shared goal through continued focus and delivery. The vision and strategy are clear; now it’s all about implementation.
We want to say a huge thank you to Fiona for her phenomenal contribution to the Food Network for Ethical Trade These achievements during Fiona’s tenure speak for themselves. We wish Fiona the best of luck for her next endeavours.
If you’d like to find out more about how FNET supports human rights in the food industry, or to get involved, please get in touch.