Communications Consumer Panel

Description:

We are looking to appoint a new Member for Northern Ireland 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 Northern Ireland and act as an observer on Ofcom’s National Advisory Committee for Northern Ireland.

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 Northern Ireland, which requires an additional six days’ time commitment per year. They will also attend quarterly meetings of Ofcom’s National Advisory Committee for Northern Ireland. The Panel operates on a hybrid-working basis, but the role will include some travel to Belfast, London, Edinburgh, or Cardiff. We do accommodate individuals’ needs and adjustments, so do let us know if you have any access requirements.

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.