Job Description
Ofcom is the independent regulator and competition authority for the UK’s communications sectors. We regulate TV and radio broadcasting, including the BBC, landlines and mobile phones, broadband and postal services, including the airwaves over which wireless devices operate. We recently took on regulation of video-sharing platforms such as Tik Tok and later this year we’ll gain powers to regulate tech platforms through the government’s new online safety regime. The sectors we regulate have seen, and continue to see, rapid change – and they are central to the modern digital economy. Our work on Broadcasting and Media is critical to Ofcom’s work and has never been more important.
Ofcom is looking for an exemplary candidate to be appointed as Group Director, Broadcasting and Media, to lead Ofcom’s regulation of broadcasting and media. This role provides a unique opportunity to shape and influence the modern broadcasting and media industry for the UK over the next 5-10 years, in particular supporting the growth, development and diversity of public service media. The role includes oversight of Ofcom’s regulation of the BBC; its work to ensure media plurality; broadcasting and radio licensing and policy; and compliance with the broadcasting code. The person appointed to this role will ensure Ofcom makes all decisions with scrupulous independence on the basis of evidence, recognising the importance of freedom of expression and with audiences and listeners at the fore. The role reports to Melanie Dawes, Ofcom’s Chief Executive.
We are looking for a highly experienced executive who can lead the Broadcast & Media Group (c.120 people), inspiring and motivating the team by putting audience insight centre-stage. They will set high standards to ensure that our regulatory duties provided by parliament linked to Broadcasting and Media are effectively met and will work in collaboration across Ofcom including with our Board and professional functions.
The individual in this role will use consistent and superior levels of judgement and senior editorial management experience, to ensure that Ofcom’s decisions on broadcasting and media standards and policies are in line with our statutory requirements and wider strategies. They will ensure decisions are evidence-based, robust and credible and can withstand a high degree of scrutiny from a wide range of stakeholders. The person in this position will bring with them a deep understanding and experience of the broadcast and media industry in the UK. It is essential they are politically independent and have the highest standards of integrity.
The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon, Friday 16thJune.
Ofcom is a forward-thinking, inclusive employer and recognises the value of diversity to truly “make communications work for everyone”. Ofcom welcomes diversity in all its forms and encourages applications from qualified candidates irrespective of ethnicity, age, disability or long-term conditions, gender/gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, working patterns or religious beliefs.
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.
We also oversee the universal postal service, which means Royal Mail must deliver and collect letters six days a week, and parcels five days a week, at an affordable and uniform price throughout the UK.
We look after the airwaves used by wireless devices like cordless phones, walkie talkies and even some car keys and doorbells.
We also help to make sure people don’t get scammed and are protected from bad practices. This is particularly important for vulnerable or older people.
Our duties come from Parliament. Our priority is to look after you, and we sometimes do this by promoting competition among companies we regulate.
We provide advice and information to thousands of people each year, through our website and call centre. We register complaints from people and businesses, which helps us to take action against firms when they let their customers down. Parliament has not given us powers to resolve people’s complaints about their broadband, home phone or mobile phone. Instead, these can be considered by alternative ‘dispute resolution’ services.
We also help to make sure people across the UK are satisfied with what they see and hear on TV and radio, and that programmes reflect the audiences they serve. We consider every complaint we receive from viewers and listeners. Often, we investigate further and we sometimes find broadcasters in breach of our rules.
We are independent, and funded by fees paid to us by the companies we regulate.