Communications Consumer Panel and ACOD Member

Please note that this role will close at 00:01 on Monday 20th May and therefore we advise getting your application in no later than midnight on Sunday 19th May.

We are looking to appoint two new Members for the Communications Consumer Panel, who will also act as Members of the Advisory Committee for Older and Disabled People (ACOD). 

How to apply

To apply, your application must include a CV and a covering letter – in written or equivalent accessible format.  

Your application must specifically explain how you meet the key competencies for the role which are detailed in the Essential Competencies section above, have an understanding of the role and demonstrate that you have relevant transferable skills. Covering letters should be no more than four sides of A4 in length.

About Ofcom

Ofcom is the regulator for the communications services that we use and rely on each day. We make sure people get the best from their broadband, home phone and mobile services, as well as keeping an eye on TV and radio.

Our culture is clear – we live by our values: Empowerment; Excellence; Collaboration; Agility and Respect. These define how we work to deliver our purpose, now and in the future. The behaviours which support these values set the path for a fully inclusive and innovative culture at Ofcom.

We focus not only on what we do, but how we do it. We pride ourselves on being an organisation of people who genuinely care about helping others.

Purpose of the role

The Communications Consumer Panel ensures the citizen and consumer voice is represented in communications policy development, highlighting the interests of those who may not always be heard by the industry.  Our job is to ensure that the sector works for consumers, citizens and micro businesses - and in particular for people who may be more vulnerable to being excluded from using communications services.

The Panel is a statutory body, established under the Communications Act 2003. Its Members are appointed by Ofcom with the approval of the Secretary of State. The Panel’s remit covers the UK and, by statute, it has strong representation from the devolved nations.

When we anticipate consumer detriment, or identify it occurring, we work with those who can make a difference – Ofcom, communications providers and UK and national governments. Our sector specialism and expertise mean we can challenge in a constructive environment, offer comprehensive advice and influence the development of policy so it delivers for consumers and citizens.

The Panel’s main role is to challenge and advise Ofcom to ensure that the interests of consumers, including micro businesses, are central to regulatory decisions.  We act as a “critical friend” to Ofcom, rather than a campaigning organisation.  We proactively influence decisions by making early, robust, high-quality interventions to ensure that consumer and citizen interests are at the heart of Ofcom’s thinking throughout. 

The Panel works collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders to inform the advice that it gives and to help protect and promote consumers’ interests across the sector. We give insight to businesses, regulators and Government and encourage them to look at issues through the eyes of people who use – or are excluded from using - communications services. ACOD advises Ofcom about the interests and opinions of older and disabled people living in the UK. 

Essential competencies 

To apply to join the Communications Consumer Panel and ACOD you will need to show in your covering letter how you meet the competencies below. No previous experience of being a non-executive member is necessary.

• The ability to understand and articulate the varied needs and views of citizens and consumers, with particular reference to people who may be in more vulnerable circumstances/who have experienced barriers to inclusivity;
• Strong communication skills to make an effective contribution to the discussions and formal policy responses of a high-level public body; and
• The ability to work as part of a committee.

We are particularly interested to hear from people who have skills and experience in any of the following areas:

• fixed and mobile telecoms 
• telecoms network/power security and resilience
• online safety
• spectrum/AV

Please indicate if you have previous experience in advocating for, or working with, consumers or citizens or micro businesses. 

Further Information

Panel Members are part-time and drawn from a range of diverse backgrounds. We are seeking applications from people who can contribute relevant experience and help create a diversity of perspective and background on the Panel. The core time commitment is three days a month, including one day a month at a formal Panel meeting. The Panel operates on a hybrid-working basis but the role will include some travel to London.  However, we do accommodate individuals’ needs and adjustments.

The combined annual fee for the appointment as a Member of the Panel/ACOD is £9,784. This is based on a time commitment of three days per month and an expectation of eleven meetings of the Panel each year, together with appropriate preparatory work and attendance at some relevant functions. 

Members must not be directly employed by Ofcom or organisations that Ofcom regulates or licenses or derive the majority of their employment income from such a company even if not so employed.  Members cannot be engaged in active politics.  This includes holding, or being a candidate for, political office at a national, regional or local level, active political campaigning in support of a political party and making a donation or donations to a political party in a calendar year in excess of £7,500.  Working full time for any central government department or as an official in the civil service (including in the devolved nations) or for local government is also not acceptable.

Potential or actual conflicts of interest from a financial or business perspective must be declared and discussed at interview. Applicants must have personal integrity of a high order and ensure that their conduct accords with the 7 principles of public life.

Please note that anonymised, aggregated diversity information will be shared with Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) in relation to all candidates.  For those candidates who are interviewed, please note that personal data and evidence relating to your application may be shared with DSIT.

At Ofcom we prioritise inclusive and diverse recruitment in order to truly reflect the society we represent.

Where positions are listed as full time, we remain open to reduced hours, part-time arrangements, job shares and other flexible working options from day one of employment.  We warmly welcome applications from candidate returning to work after a break – for whatever reason.

As a disability confident employer, we offer interviews to any disabled applicant who meet essential criteria for advertised roles.  Learn more about the scheme here.

If you need information in an alternative format or have specific preferences, please contact our recruitment team.

Type:

 

Contract, Part Time