£42519 2days/week
About the role
Introduction from the Secretary of State
Dear Candidate
Thank you for your interest in becoming a Member of the Ofcom Board.
Ofcom’s functions and duties are set out in a range of primary and secondary legislation and a new Online Safety Bill giving Ofcom new powers is currently going through Parliament.
As Ofcom deliver video sharing platforms duties and prepare for new online responsibilities, online expertise will need to be built into the Board’s membership. One or more appointee will be expected to have an excellent understanding of the internet, ranging from its policy challenges and its commercial drivers to its governance and architecture. We are also looking for one or more Non-Executive Board Member with knowledge and expertise in other areas of Ofcom’s regulatory remit, specifically Telecoms, Post and Economic regulation.
Ofcom is a forward-thinking, inclusive employer and recognises the value of diversity to truly “make communications work for everyone”. Ofcom and DSIT wish this approach to be reflected at Board level and we will welcome applications from suitably qualified applicants whatever their background, especially women, disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic background candidates as they are currently under-represented on our Board.
If you believe you have the experience and qualities we are seeking to help to lead and support this organisation, we very much look forward to hearing from you.
Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology
Role description
The Ofcom Board currently comprises eleven Directors (including three Executive Directors).
The Ofcom Board has oversight over the fulfilment of Ofcom’s general duties and specific statutory responsibilities and its overall funding and expenditure. The Board is also responsible for approving the strategic objectives and priorities for Ofcom, agreeing an appropriate level of risk appetite, and ensuring management maintains an effective system of internal control.
The Board acts on a collective basis and operates on the principles of collective responsibility, support and respect. It takes decisions after considering recommendations made to it by the Ofcom Executive, which has operational responsibility and answers to the Board. The work of both the Board and Executive is informed by the contribution of a number of advisory bodies.
The Ofcom Board meetings are formally recorded: agendas and notes/minutes of meetings are published regularly on Ofcom’s website. Meetings are usually held at Ofcom’s offices; there are ten Board meetings a year, nine of which are held in London, with the remaining Board meeting held in one of the devolved nations.
Board Members may a be asked to sit on the Risk & Audit Committee, the People Committee and/or the Content Board. The Ofcom Board also has three Members representing Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland respectively.
Organisation description
Ofcom is the regulator for the UK communications industries, with responsibilities across television, radio, telecommunications, wireless communications, radio and postal services. Ofcom took on new duties in 2021 in regulating video sharing platforms and a new role in making sure telecoms networks have adequate cyber security. Ofcom is also preparing for new online duties to help make the internet a safer place. Ofcom is accountable to Parliament but is independent of both the Government and those it regulates.
Ofcom operates at the cutting edge of the digital communications industries in the UK, innovating regulation in this area, with a duty to further the interests of citizens and consumers, encouraging and enforcing competition, and balancing freedom of expression with the protection of the citizen. It has responsibility for regulating broadcasting throughout the United Kingdom including regulating the BBC and ensuring news is reported with due accuracy and presented with due impartiality. In regulating the postal and telecommunications sectors, it takes steps to protect consumers and oversees universal service obligations. It supports the delivery of new network infrastructure through regulation and has further duties in relation to the security and resilience of communications networks. Ofcom also ensures the effective use of spectrum and that a wide range of electronic communications services are available (such as broadband and mobile telephony).
Further information about Ofcom can be found here.
Regulation of appointment
Person specification
Essential criteria
All candidates will need to demonstrate in their application that they meet the majority of the following essential criteria to a high standard:
- the ability to understand the principles and business drivers underpinning technology platforms and, in particular, the wider tech sector and any associated challenges;
- an understanding of issues affecting the communications sector, including an appreciation of the competitive and consumer dynamics in this fast changing area;
- an excellent understanding of how internet technology works;
- sound judgement and decision-making to ensure successful delivery in a highly complex organisation;
- demonstrable senior influencing experience at Board level and be a team player working with the Chair and other colleagues; and
- personal integrity of a high order, demonstrable understanding of Ofcom’s need to make independent and impartial judgements under pressure.
And expertise and experience in one or more of the following areas:
- a comprehension of how internet technology is evolving and the potential of this to impact on Ofcom’s role as regulator
- knowledge of issues relating to the protection of children in a digital environment
- a comprehensive understanding of the importance of free speech and the issues in relation to online safety
- experience of the telecoms industry
- experience of the postal services industry
- experience of economic regulation.
Candidates should be at ease with fast moving high technology environments where innovation is commonplace and markets are constantly adapting.
Candidates will also be expected to understand and participate in all the Board’s discussions across its entire remit including the impact of convergence within broadcasting for consumers and regulation of the BBC, fixed-line and mobile telecoms, postal services and spectrum.