Dear
Candidate,
Thank
you for your interest in joining the Board of Ofcom as the representative for
Scotland.
Ofcom
is the UK’s communications regulator, responsible for overseeing broadcasting,
telecommunications, spectrum and postal services, and ensuring that these
sectors serve the interests of people and businesses across the UK. As we
continue to navigate rapid technological change and shifting patterns of media
consumption, the importance of strong, independent and forward-thinking
regulation has never been greater.
Scotland
is an integral part of Ofcom’s remit. The Board Representative for Scotland
plays a vital role in ensuring that Scottish perspectives, priorities and needs
are fully reflected in Ofcom’s decision-making. You will bring insight into
Scotland’s political, cultural, economic and social landscape and work closely
with colleagues across the UK to ensure we regulate in a way that supports and
serves the people of Scotland.
This
is a high-profile and influential appointment. We are looking for individuals
with strong strategic judgement, a deep understanding of governance, and a
passion for public service. You do not need to be a communications specialist,
but you will bring a strong connection to Scotland and a demonstrable interest
in the sectors Ofcom regulates. You will work closely with fellow Board Members
and senior executives to help shape Ofcom’s direction and hold the organisation
to account for the delivery of its duties.
We
are committed to attracting candidates from a wide range of backgrounds, and we
welcome applications from across Scotland’s richly diverse communities.
I
hope this opportunity excites you as much as it does us. Thank you once again
for your interest, and I look forward to the possibility of welcoming you to
Ofcom.
Yours
sincerely,
Lord
Michael Grade
Ofcom is seeking to recruit a
Non-Executive Member to join its main Board as a representative for Scotland.
The individual will be appointed by Scottish Ministers (following consultation
with the Secretary of State) and will have the same UK-wide responsibilities as
other Non-Executive Members of the Board; they will also meet with Scottish
stakeholders, including those from the Scottish Government. There are also members of the Board appointed
by the devolved administrations to represent Wales and Northern Ireland.
The appointee will have an understanding of, and interest in, the areas Ofcom
regulates which span the broadcasting and telecommunications sectors and video
sharing platforms, as well as a range of regulatory responsibilities in
connection with online safety. Ofcom is
also responsible for the management and allocation of spectrum in the UK.
The appointee will be expected to
participate in the Board's discussions across Ofcom’s remit and be able to
reflect and represent issues of particular
relevance to
Scotland and Scottish consumers. A strong understanding of issues affecting
Scotland and Scottish consumers in the areas regulated by Ofcom will be
essential, including the challenges that face less well served consumers, such
as those living in remote rural areas. The appointee should also be familiar
with engaging with Parliaments and Governments, including in a devolved
context.
We are looking for applicants with
knowledge and expertise in one or more areas of Ofcom’s regulatory remit and to
support its governance requirements.
Ofcom strives to be a
forward-thinking, inclusive employer and recognises the value of diversity to
truly “make communications work for everyone”. Ofcom and the Scottish
Government wish this approach to be reflected at Board level
and we will welcome applications from suitably qualified applicants whatever
their background, especially disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic
background candidates as they are currently under-represented on our Board.
Ofcom
is the regulator for the UK communications industries, with responsibilities
across television, radio, telecommunications, wireless communications and
postal services.
In 2021 Ofcom took on new powers in
regulating video sharing platforms and a new role in making sure telecoms
networks have adequate cyber security. With the enactment of the Online Safety
Act 2023, Ofcom has taken on 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. It has a wide range of duties under the Online Safety Act 2023. 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).
The
Ofcom Board currently comprises eleven Directors (including two Executive
Directors).
The Ofcom Board has oversight of
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 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 for the running of the organisation and the
implementation of strategy set by the Board. The work of both the Board and
Executive is informed by the contribution of a
number of
advisory bodies.
The Ofcom Board typically meets ten
times a year, including a strategy day and an annual visit to one of the
devolved nations. Other Board meetings are generally held at Ofcom’s
headquarters in London.
Board Members may be asked to sit
on the Risk & Audit Committee, the People Committee and/or the Content
Board.