PackUK, the Scheme Administrator for Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR), is committed to working with experts from across the packaging value chain to guide it in its work.

The Scheme Administrator Steering Group plays a key role in supporting this close working relationship and brings together skilled professionals from across the packaging value chain who are passionate about recycling and environmental sustainability.

The Steering Group provides valuable perspectives and recommendations to the Scheme Administrator Executive Committee (SA ExCo) on the operational functions of the Scheme Administrator, supporting it to:

• deliver a system that creates maximum environmental benefits through knowledge sharing and collaboration
• deliver maximum efficiency and effectiveness of the collection and packaging system

These recommendations play a central role in shaping PackUK as it grows and develops. While the group is not directly involved in decision-making, it serves as a trusted source of insight comprising members who will have a wealth of operational and policy expertise from a variety of both public and private sector organisations.

Expressions of interest for the role of Steering Group Member now open

We are delighted to announce that we are now welcoming expressions of interest (EOI) for the appointment of members of the Scheme Administrator Steering Group.

This voluntary role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to one of the most significant environmental reforms of our time: making a direct contribution to the UK’s achievement of decarbonisation and net zero by 2050.

As a member, you’ll provide valuable feedback, recommendations, and technical advice that will contribute to the UK’s first pEPR scheme, a key milestone in the transition to a circular economy.

Applications will close 11th August. Applicants must be able to demonstrate a variety of skills, experience and knowledge from across the value chain and will be subject to a fair and open competitive application process.

Further information on how to apply can be found below.

Details on the steering group

In line with international best practice for EPR Schemes, the Steering Group will be producer led. The makeup of the seats on the Steering Group is as follows:

The Steering Group will consist of 10 individuals from producer organisations and trade association representatives (1 designated seat for the food sector and 1 designated seat for packaging manufacturing) and 11 other members, representing Local Authorities (LAs) in each of the four nations, waste management organisations, environmental Non-Government Organisations (NGO), compliance schemes, and an independent chair.

How to apply

More information can be found in the following documents:

• Introduction to the SASG (PDF, 64 KB, 1 page)
• SASG member role specification and candidate information (PDF, 289 KB, 7 pages)
• Diversity information and conflicts of interest form (MS Word Document, 59.1 KB)

To apply for this voluntary role, your CV and supporting statement should be returned to SASteeringgroup@defra.gov.uk by mid-day on 11 August 2025, marking the email as ‘Member of Scheme Administrator Steering Group’ in the subject field.

All candidates are also required to submit the following:

• Diversity information and conflicts of interest form

• CV of no more than two sides of A4 outlining your experience, any professional qualifications and employment history

• a supporting statement demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria, providing specific examples (750 words maximum)

Please indicate in the email which Steering Group seat you are applying to (for example, Producer, Waste Management Organisation, e-NGO, Compliance Scheme).

If you have any queries, please email SASteeringgroup@defra.gov.uk.