Please note that this role will close at 00:01 on Thursday 12 December, and therefore we advise getting your application in by no later than midnight on Wednesday 11 December.

How to Apply

To apply, your application MUST include:

• a CV
• 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.

About the role

We are looking to appoint a new Member for Scotland to the Communications Consumer Panel, who will also act as a Member of the Advisory Committee for Older and Disabled People (ACOD). The successful applicant will also chair the Panel’s Stakeholder Hub for Scotland and act as an observer on Ofcom’s National Advisory Committee for Scotland. 

The core time commitment is four days a month, including one day a month at a formal Panel meeting. The successful applicant will chair the Panel’s Stakeholder Hub for Scotland, which requires an additional six days’ time commitment per year. They will also attend quarterly meetings of Ofcom’s National Advisory Committee for Scotland. The Panel operates on a hybrid-working basis, but the role will include some travel to Edinburgh, London, Belfast or Cardiff. We do accommodate individuals’ needs and adjustments, so do let us know if you have any access requirements. The candidate should be based in Scotland.

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 leading 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 

The new Panel/ACOD member will help the Panel to become more aligned than ever with the needs of consumers, citizens and micro businesses in Scotland.

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 in Scotland, with particular reference to people who may be in more vulnerable circumstances/who have experienced barriers to inclusivity;
• Good knowledge and understanding of the political and constitutional context in Scotland;
• Effective communication skills to make an effective contribution to the discussions and formal policy responses of a high-level public body;
• Knowledge and understanding of the experience of communications services in Scotland’s rural and remote communities;
• The aptitude to learn about the telecoms, postal services, and digital sectors, to form an understanding about the way industry and policy makers’ proposals may impact positively or negatively the lives of consumers and citizens in Scotland; and
• The ability to work as part of a committee.

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

Further Information

The salary is £14,704 per annum. 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.

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.