In-Sites from SCI

On this episode of the SCI Podcast, host Dom Burch speaks with Duncan Parkinson, Agriculture Client Manager at SCI and lifelong farmer. Duncan shares his experience across arable, dairy, beef, lamb, pigs and his background in quality assurance. As both a farmer and assessor, he emphasises empathy, practical knowledge, and continual improvement on farms .

🌊 What’s happening in UK rivers?

Duncan explains increasing public and regulatory scrutiny on river pollution — especially in areas like the River Wye where intensive poultry farming and population pressures meet ageing water infrastructure .

Key causes:

• Water companies: ageing sewage systems, extreme weather, overcapacity
• Agriculture: not deliberate pollution, but diffuse runoff from manure, soil and nutrients during heavy rain

Nutrients like phosphate and nitrogen fuel algae growth, reducing oxygen and harming river ecosystems (eutrophication) .

✅ What does good practice look like?

Farmers should follow basic agricultural rules:

• Soil health monitoring
• Manure and fertiliser planning & storage
• Nutrient management plans (e.g. AHDB RB209)
• Right input, right time, right amount
• Equipment maintenance & weather-aware spreading decisions 

Many farms use FACTS-qualified advisors for nutrient planning, and water companies offer support grants for pollution control and infrastructure upgrades .

🛡️ Role of assurance

Rules exist, but enforcement is often reactive. Duncan helped create a proactive assurance scheme aligned to Farming Rules for Water, giving farmers and brands independent evidence of compliance and improvement .

This protects:

• Farm reputation
• Retail and brand supply chains
• Consumer trust

⚠️ Reputational risk rising

Public expectations and legal pressure are increasing. Cheap food expectations clash with demands for sustainability — retailers and integrators are expected to know their supply base and demonstrate environmental responsibility .

🚀 Innovation & future solutions

Promising developments discussed:

• Pelletising manure for transport & use in arable regions
• Biochar production from poultry litter
• Technology to remove phosphate from manures
• Better slurry handling and application systems
• More mixed-farming models to recycle nutrients locally 

🧠 Key Takeaway

Protecting rivers is not just about compliance — it’s about future-proofing farming, safeguarding brand reputation, and staying ahead of regulatory and public expectations.

Get in touch

In this episode of the Supply Chain Insights podcast, Dom Burch sits down with Shaun Kokott, Head of Retail & Supply Chain at SCI, to explore the facts, myths, and shifting narratives around what we eat. With decades of experience in food safety, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance, Shaun is known for demystifying complex industry topics — from food labelling to nutritional science — and bringing common sense back into the conversation.

Shaun shares the story behind his viral LinkedIn post, I Was a Tartrazine Kid, recalling the days when industry insiders relied on physical reference books like E for Additives to decode E numbers. He explains that E numbers themselves aren’t inherently bad — they’re simply a European classification for approved additives — but stresses the importance of transparency so consumers know exactly what they’re buying.

The conversation moves into sugar and sweeteners, where Shaun highlights how misleading claims like “no added sugar” can mask the presence of natural sugars or alternative sweeteners. He urges consumers to read labels critically and understand that “too much of a good thing” — even fruit — can have negative effects.

Drawing on history, Shaun reflects on how selective research, like Ancel Keys’ famous Seven Countries Study, shaped decades of dietary advice around cholesterol and fat. He shares his own experience of lowering cholesterol by moving away from low-fat, highly processed foods and embracing whole, high-fat foods like eggs, full-fat yoghurt, and quality meats. His message: be curious, question received wisdom, and use moderation rather than fear to guide food choices.

On misinformation, Shaun advises consumers to look beyond marketing claims — for example, asking what replaces fat in “0% fat” products — and to be aware that replacing one nutrient often means adding another, which may not be healthier.

Looking ahead, he sees growth in “functional foods” that offer tangible health benefits, such as kefir for gut health. He notes encouraging signs that both consumers and the industry are moving back toward cooking from scratch, while still valuing convenience through meal kits and healthier quick-service options.

Shaun also weighs in on trends like high-protein snacks and even protein sodas, warning that protein quality matters as much as quantity. For gym-goers and health-conscious consumers, he recommends focusing on whole food sources over heavily processed bars and drinks.

The episode closes with a reminder that while innovation has its place, there’s much to learn from looking back — whether it’s traditional diets, basic nutrition, or simple, balanced meals. In a world of fortified snacks and functional beverages, sometimes the best choice is still the simplest: whole, minimally processed food.

Get in touch

In this thought-provoking episode, host Dom Burch speaks with Trista Li, SCI’s Head of Innovation, about the human-first challenges of ESG, sustainability, and supply chain transformation. From grassroots food distribution in underserved Chicago communities to cutting-edge AI adoption in manufacturing, Trista shares her fascinating journey and what it taught her about solving real-world problems.

Together, Dom and Trista explore:

• Why adoption, not technology, is often the biggest hurdle in ESG transformation.
• How peer-to-peer learning is emerging as a key lever in supply chain innovation.
• The importance of designing ESG systems with farmers, not just for them.
• How Trista's background in AI and computer vision is influencing SCI’s approach to low-carbon agriculture and compliance.
• The insights coming out of SCI’s rice project in Thailand—and what 32 different fertilisers can teach us about shared best practice.

Plus, Trista reveals the three technology areas she’s most excited about:

1. On-farm AI and surveillance tech for real-time insight.
2. Biotech and seed innovation that reduce emissions at the source.
3. Operational innovation to scale ESG outcomes across supply chains.

Key Themes:

• ESG strategy & Scope 3 emissions
• Human-centred innovation
• Technology adoption curves
• Smallholder farmer engagement
• Peer-to-peer learning in agriculture
• AI, machine learning & supply chains
• Behaviour change & ROI in sustainability

Quotable Moment:

Resources & Mentions:

• SCI's rice farming pilot in Thailand
• "Crossing the Chasm" by Geoffrey Moore
• Peer-to-peer learning models
• Applications of computer vision in agriculture
• ESG frameworks (Scope 3, carbon footprint, deforestation)

Follow & Subscribe:
If you’re working on ESG, adoption, sustainability, or supply chain transformation, this episode is for you.

Subscribe to SCI In-Sites wherever you get your podcasts—and share your thoughts with us on LinkedIn.

Get in touch

In this episode of the SCI In-Sites Podcast, Dom Burch is joined by SCI’s CEO, Rob Chester, for a no-nonsense conversation about ESG, Scope 3 emissions, and why it’s time to stop polishing the dashboard and start fixing the engine.

What began as a benchmarking request from a leading Asian retailer quickly escalated into a full-scale pilot project — tackling the biggest source of their emissions: rice. Within just six months, SCI worked with 30 farmers, built a simple but effective tech tool, and proved a 36% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, without compromising on yield or quality.

🎧 Tune in to hear:

• Why 93% of food emissions come from supply chains — and why most ESG reports still miss the point
• How greenwashing regulation is forcing retailers to shift from assumptions to actionable evidence
• A behind-the-scenes look at SCI’s five-stage methodology and how it’s empowering farmers through real-time feedback
• What it takes to scale from 30 to 1,000 farms — and beyond
• Rob’s frank advice to sustainability leads feeling overwhelmed: "I’ve been in your shoes."

Whether you’re wrestling with Scope 3, tired of theoretical models, or looking for real impact at scale — this episode is for you.

🔗 Links & Resources:

• Read the full blog: [Link to blog post]
• Learn more about SCI’s sustainable rice project: [SCI website]
• Get in touch: [Contact page]

Get in touch

In this episode of the In-Sites podcast, host Dom Burch reconnects with Rob Chester, CEO of SCI, for a thought-provoking discussion on how businesses can reduce costs without sacrificing integrity or effectiveness—especially in compliance-heavy sectors like certification and supply chains.

Rob draws from his extensive experience, notably his time in China where he slashed compliance fines through root cause analysis and sustainable solutions. Instead of treating symptoms, he focused on long-term fixes that enabled reinvestment in compliance functions, proving that smart cost-cutting can be self-funding and impactful.

He critiques the “chainsaw” approach to cost-cutting popularised in some sectors, advocating instead for precision, analysis, and reinvestment. Real savings come not from blanket cuts but from strategic improvements that prevent recurring problems.

SCI’s approach goes beyond traditional audits by embracing real-time assurance and technology integration, creating a broader toolbox for managing risk efficiently. Drawing inspiration from industries like aviation, SCI promotes real-time data feeds and predictive systems over backward-looking audits.

A key differentiator for SCI is its people-first ethos. Instead of investing in overheads like office space, the company channels resources into hiring top talent and enhancing employee benefits annually—an intentional counter to the declining value many employees have experienced since the 2008 financial crisis. SCI even offers equity to team members who stay over a year, fostering long-term engagement and shared success.

Rob also reflects on leadership lessons from Sam Walton, founder of Walmart, emphasising the value of balancing frugality with innovation. Like Walton, SCI keeps costs low while strategically investing in what matters most—people, tools, and trust.

This episode is a masterclass in ethical efficiency, proving that with the right mindset and culture, businesses can thrive while doing right by their people and their partners.

🎧 Listen now to learn how sustainable thinking, people investment, and tech innovation can transform your cost strategy.

Get in touch

In this episode of In-Sites, Dom Burch sits down with SCI CEO Rob Chester to explore how businesses can stay ahead of the curve in compliance, certification, and supply chain management.

As SCI marks its fourth anniversary, Rob reflects on the evolution of the business and shares how the organisation is moving beyond traditional audits to become a strategic intelligence partner. At the heart of this shift is a focus on early visibility—helping clients detect risks and trends before they escalate into issues.

Dom and Rob dive into the value of real-time insights, customer feedback, and the power of acting on behavioral indicators. They discuss the critical role of agility, trust, and transparency in today's fast-changing environment and how SCI is equipping clients with actionable intelligence, not just data.

Whether you're looking to improve your compliance strategy or gain a competitive edge through smarter supply chain insights, this episode is packed with forward-thinking perspectives on the future of certification and risk management.

📌 Topics covered:

• Why early visibility is becoming a business essential
• Moving from audits to actionable intelligence
• How customer feedback is shaping SCI’s approach
• The role of behavioural economics in compliance
• Trust and transparency as competitive advantages

Tune in for a candid and insightful conversation that redefines what it means to partner with a modern compliance organisation.

Get in touch

In this insightful episode of the SCI Foresight Podcast, host Dom Burch sits down with Rob Chester, CEO of SCI, to discuss his inspiring journey, the mission of SCI, and the disruptive impact they aim to bring to the compliance industry.

Key Highlights:

• Rob Chester's Journey: Rob reflects on leaving a secure corporate career at companies like Tesco, Walmart, and NSF to found SCI. Turning 50 inspired him to take control of his destiny and address systemic issues he observed in corporate capitalism, such as diminishing employee benefits and rigid structures.
• SCI’s Unique Approach: SCI distinguishes itself with:
  • Employee Equity: Everyone at SCI gets a stake in the business after a year, fostering a sense of ownership.
  • Healthcare from Day 1: Acknowledging the importance of health security for employees and their families.
  • Flexible Working: Emphasising outcomes over rigid schedules to accommodate diverse needs like childcare.
• Disruption in Compliance: Rob highlights the outdated nature of traditional compliance tools and SCI’s commitment to developing innovative solutions that better serve clients' needs, even if it disrupts existing business models.
• Balancing Innovation and Reliability: SCI's tagline, “Reliable Partner for Today, Innovative Partner for Tomorrow,” captures their mission to offer stability while embracing forward-thinking approaches. They focus on customer trust and work closely with early adopters who value innovation.
• Building Relationships: Rob credits SCI's success with high-profile clients to deep industry understanding, proactive engagement, and a customer-first mindset. He emphasises the importance of personal relationships and maintaining trust through actions like face-to-face meetings and understanding client operations firsthand.
• Retention Success: SCI boasts an incredible retention rate, having lost no employees or customers since its inception. This achievement stems from making and keeping promises, recognising critical moments, and maintaining a strong "bank of goodwill."
• Vision for the Future: Rob envisions SCI reconnecting the compliance industry with its core purpose: safeguarding lives and fostering innovation. He emphasises the power of storytelling to demonstrate the tangible impacts of SCI's solutions and the need for proactive thinking to stay ahead of emerging challenges.
• Advice for Founders: Rob concludes with three key lessons for disruptors:
  1. Be Brave: Challenge the status quo.
  2. Be Rational: Recognise when and where to innovate.
  3. Find Early Adopters: Collaborate closely with those open to new approaches.

Get in touch

In this episode of Foresight, host Dom Burch catches up with Malcolm Catlin, Project Director at Plant Healthy. Together they delve into key themes surrounding biosecurity in horticulture and the importance of plant health management.

Key discussion points include:

Background and Role of Plant Healthy: Malcolm Catlin shares his journey from food industry roles to leading Plant Healthy. He emphasises the organisation’s formation to address biosecurity by creating the Plant Health Alliance and establishing the Plant Health Management Standard and certification scheme, designed to recognise robust biosecurity practices within the industry.

Biosecurity Threats and Regulatory Frameworks: The conversation highlights significant threats from non-native pests, including ash dieback and Dutch elm disease, and the impact of global trade and climate change. Malcolm discusses the International Plant Protection Convention and other regulatory measures for managing plant imports and exports, stressing the importance of rigorous phytosanitary measures and proactive pest risk analysis to mitigate threats.

Voluntary Biosecurity Measures: The Plant Health Management Standard encourages businesses to exceed regulatory requirements with proactive biosecurity strategies. Voluntary measures, such as pest risk analysis and supply chain monitoring, aim to prevent risks before plants reach borders, offering a framework for consistent biosecurity practices that can reduce costly interceptions.

Future Challenges and Technological Innovation: Dom and Malcolm explore how data-driven technology could enhance risk assessment, helping regulators focus on high-risk imports. The potential of technology in risk management, certification, and real-time analysis is seen as essential for future biosecurity advancements.

Public Awareness and Economic Impact: Malcolm underscores the economic, environmental, and social benefits of trees and plants, valued at £16 billion annually in the UK alone. He advocates for increased public awareness of plant health, positioning biosecurity as a core responsibility within the horticultural sector.

This episode emphasises that biosecurity and sustainable practices are essential in managing the globalised horticulture trade and protecting the natural environment against escalating risks from pest invasions and climate change.

Get in touch

In this special episode of the Foresight podcast, host Dom Burch kicks off Grown in Britain Week with an in-depth conversation featuring Rachel Lawrence and Dougal Driver from Grown in Britain. As this year’s Grown in Britain Week begins, they celebrate certificate holders and explore the innovations driving sustainable forestry in the UK. Rachel and Dougal dive deep into the challenges and opportunities surrounding British woodlands, focusing on the importance of certification in fostering consumer trust and ethical choices in timber procurement.

Key themes include the need to reduce the UK's reliance on imported timber, with Dougal pointing out that "we need to be more self-sufficient" by managing under-utilised UK woodlands more effectively. They also explore how technology, such as remote sensing and drones, is revolutionising forest management. "The ability to see more, more quickly, more forensically, has got to be a good thing," Dougal explains as he highlights the role of cutting-edge tools in identifying risks and improving woodland health.

Rachel emphasises the role of consumers and retailers in making sustainable choices, particularly during Grown in Britain Week, which is themed around "creating change through certification and collaboration." She encourages listeners to make informed decisions about their timber purchases, stating, “Consumers can make a difference with their choices of timber products, and demand that they know the product...is sustainable and from the UK.”

The episode also touches on the ethical questions surrounding timber importation, with Dougal arguing that “beyond and above regulation, what right do we have to demand natural resources from another country when we neglect having that same product available here?” The conversation expands into public education, with Rachel drawing parallels to the early days of the organic food movement, stressing that "there's a big educational message that needs to get out there about what's right and what's wrong" when it comes to sustainable timber.

This episode offers valuable insights into how Grown in Britain is paving the way for a prosperous future for British timber, emphasising the importance of collaboration, education, and innovation. Released on the first day of Grown in Britain Week, this is a must-listen for anyone passionate about forestry, sustainability, and supporting local woodlands.

Tune in now to learn how you can make a difference by supporting British woodlands and making ethical timber choices!

Get in touch

In this episode of the Foresight podcast, host Dom Burch speaks with Anje van Wyk, Scheme Manager at Supply Chain Insights (SCI). Anje shares her journey from a finance background to becoming a key figure in the food industry, emphasising the importance of compliance and auditing in African agriculture, food manufacturing and retail. 

The discussion covers several key themes:

• Journey into Compliance and Auditing: Anje details her transition from finance to the food industry, highlighting the skills and knowledge she acquired along the way.
• Challenges in African Agriculture: The conversation explores the unique challenges African farmers face, particularly in meeting international standards for exports.
• Opportunities and Growth in Africa: Anje expresses her excitement about the potential for growth in Africa, emphasising the continent's readiness to adopt new technologies and improve efficiency.
• The Importance of Personal Relationships in Business: Anje underscores the value of building strong, personal relationships with clients as a core aspect of her work.
• Vision for the Future: Looking ahead, Anje discusses her ambition to build a strong team in Africa that can serve both the continent and the world, focusing on mentorship and personal growth.

This episode provides valuable insights into the complexities and opportunities within the African agricultural sector, as well as Anje’s vision for the future of SCI in the region.

Get in touch