Purpose of the Role

Ofcom is the independent regulator and competition authority for the UK communications industries, with responsibilities across television, radio, postal services, telecommunications and wireless communications services. We have recently taken on the regulation of video-sharing platforms, and we are preparing for a broader role protecting people from online harms under the UK Government's proposed online harms regime.

We wish to appoint one Member to the Advisory Committee for Scotland with a starting date in February 2023.

Members of the Advisory Committee for Scotland provide advice to Ofcom about the interests and opinions of people living in Scotland across the range of issues for which Ofcom is responsible.

The Committee strives to ensure that Ofcom's work is informed by the widest possible understanding of the experience of consumers and citizens in Scotland, capturing the distinctive needs of people living in different parts of Scotland.

Committee 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 Committee.

On this occasion, we would be interested in receiving applications from candidates with experience of working on consumer issues, particularly considering the needs and interests of vulnerable consumers.

Essential Skills/Experience

Applicants will be able to demonstrate:

• Relevant knowledge and understanding of the changing nature of the consumer advocacy and advice landscape in Scotland and the UK;
• A sound understanding of the challenges involved in delivering telecommunications, postal and wider communications services to rural and remote communities in Scotland;
• An understanding of the needs of vulnerable consumers and the issues and challenges they face engaging with the communications sector;
• Knowledge and/or experience of one or more of the communication sectors Ofcom regulates;
• Understanding of Ofcom's role and responsibilities in a complex political landscape;
• Understanding of Scotland's diverse economy, society and culture;
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written in order to lead on responses to consultations;
• The ability to work as part of a committee representing the interests of consumers and citizens in Scotland; and
• An interest in developing knowledge across all areas of Ofcom's responsibilities.

We want the Committee's membership to reflect the range of diverse areas and communities in Scotland.

Further Information

The Committee meets formally 4 times per year, usually in Edinburgh. A significant proportion of the Committee's work is carried out through sub-groups and additional informal meetings throughout the year. There are also other stakeholder meetings, conference calls, and preparation of consultation responses. Members are asked to commit to 12 days per year, for which Ofcom pays an annual fee.

Members must exercise careful judgement to ensure that their position on this Committee is not perceived to conflict with any other activities, professional or otherwise. Potential or actual conflicts of interest 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.

Advisory Committee Members are required to act in accordance with the Code of Conduct for National Advisory Committees, which applicants are encouraged to read. No Member of the Committee may be directly employed by organisations that Ofcom regulates or licenses or derive the majority of their employment income from such a company, even if not directly employed.

To comply with Ofcom's status as an independent regulator, it is inappropriate for any Member to engage 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 candidate/political party and making a donation or donations to a candidate/political party in a calendar year in excess of £7,500. Working full time for any Government department or as an official in the civil service (including in the devolved administrations) or for local government is also not acceptable.

Applying for the role

To apply, your application must include a CV and a covering letter. Your covering letter must give evidence of how you meet the key competencies for the role which are detailed in the Essential Skills/Experience above. Your letter should be no more than four sides of A4 in length. We would also ask you to complete the Diversity Monitoring Form.

The sifting process will be based on a consideration of the totality of the evidence provided. Failure to demonstrate how a candidate successfully meets each of the competencies will have a direct bearing on whether an individual will be shortlisted to interview stage.

Interviews are expected to take place in early January 2023. The first Committee meeting for the appointee will take place on 22 February 2023.