Deputy Chair
Ofcom - London, England
Salary: £70,000 per annum for up to 2.5 days per week
Application Deadline: Feb 23, 2024
Job Description
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. As the regulator for the UK communications industries, it has responsibilities across television, radio, telecommunications, wireless communications, radio and postal services. In 2021, it took on new duties for regulating video sharing platforms and a new role in making sure telecoms networks have adequate cyber security. Ofcom has also been confirmed as the online safety regulator, following the passing of the Online Safety Act.
Ofcom regulates broadcasting throughout the UK, including regulating the BBC and ensuring news is reported with due accuracy and presented with due impartiality. It regulates the postal and telecommunications sectors, taking 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).
Ofcom is accountable to Parliament but is independent of both the Government and those it regulates. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) is looking for a new Deputy Chair to join the Ofcom Board, to make a strong contribution to the Board’s consideration of the range of challenges facing consumers across the UK. As part of their role, which may include standing in for the Chair, the role will include leadership of the Board, setting values and standards, and maintaining a relationship of trust with the Executive, ensuring its effectiveness in all aspects of its role including the setting of the strategic agenda.
To be successful, candidates will be expected to have senior leadership and non-executive experience in a major national body, with experience of chairing of board and committee meetings and an ability to work effectively with the Chair, the executive, and other colleagues as a team player. They will need to bring a demonstrable understanding of the business and economic principles underpinning the communications, broadcasting, news consumption, online content platforms, telecommunications and postal industries in the digital environment, so they can make an effective contribution to Ofcom Board discussions across its regulatory remit. The nature of Ofcom’s work means that the successful candidate will also need personal integrity of a high order and be comfortable with a degree of public profile. They will need excellent understanding of good corporate governance, have sound judgement and knowledge and understanding of the political and constitutional context in which Ofcom operates.
For a confidential discussion please contact our recruitment advisers at GatenbySanderson: Rosanne Sarratt, rosanne.sarratt@gatenbysanderson.com
Closing date for applications: 12 noon on Friday 23 February 2024.
We positively welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds. All public appointments are made on merit following a fair and open competition as regulated by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments.
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