Ofcom Board Representative for Northern Ireland

Ofcom is the UKs independent regulator and competition authority for the communications sector. It regulates telecommunications, wireless communications and spectrum, television and radio broadcasting, video-sharing platforms and postal services, and has taken on significant new responsibilities to help make the internet a safer place following the enactment of the Online Safety Act 2023. Ofcom is accountable to Parliament but operates independently of both government and the industries it regulates.

The Ofcom Board currently comprises eleven Directors (including three Executive Directors). The Ofcom Board has oversight of the fulfilment of Ofcoms 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.

Ofcom is seeking to recruit a Non-Executive Member to join its main Board as a representative for Northern Ireland. The individual will be appointed by the Minister for the Economy and will have the same UK-wide responsibilities as other Non-Executive Members of the Board; they will also meet with stakeholders, including those from the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly.

The appointee will be expected to participate in the Board's discussions across Ofcoms remit and be able to reflect and represent issues of particular relevance to Northern Ireland and consumers in Northern Ireland. A strong understanding of issues affecting Northern Ireland and consumers in Northern Ireland 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 successful candidate will be expected to play a key role in respect of Ofcoms Advisory Committee for Northern Ireland and be willing to chair it if called upon, in addition to attending meetings. We are looking for applicants with knowledge and expertise in one or more areas of Ofcoms regulatory remit and to support its governance requirements.

• Demonstrable experience of contributing effectively, preferably as a Non-Executive Director, or as a senior manager in an organisation, providing constructive challenge and support across a broad and complex range of responsibilities.
• A strong and current understanding of issues affecting the communications sector in Northern Ireland.
• The ability to understand, consider and clearly articulate the diverse needs and views of citizens and consumers in Northern Ireland, including those who may be less well served or vulnerable.
• A knowledge and understanding of the political and constitutional context in Northern Ireland together with the ability to engage effectively with government, elected representatives and a wide range of stakeholders while maintaining independence and political impartiality.
• The ability to understand and engage with the commercial, economic and regulatory principles underpinning Ofcoms remit, and to develop an informed understanding of unfamiliar or emerging issues across the communications and online sectors.
• Evidence of sound and independent judgement, including the ability to evaluate complex evidence, consider risk and contribute to collective decision-making in a complex organisation.
• A clear commitment to the highest standards of personal integrity, independence, confidentiality and public service.

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 Minister for the Economy 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.

This appointment is for up to 4 years. The successful candidate must be prepared to commit up to two days per week. In addition to attending meetings of the Board, the new member will be expected to serve on and / or Chair one or more Board Committees.

Board Members must avoid any perception of, or actual, conflict of interest that cannot be managed and must declare any such actual or potential interests before taking up their appointment. The successful candidate will be expected to avoid conduct that might bring Ofcom into disrepute or create a perception of bias/lack of independence and impartiality. Board Members are required to comply with the Board's Code of Conduct, as well as the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies.

The fee for the role for up to 2 days a week is £42,519 per annum. All reasonable and properly documented expenses incurred in performing the duties of this role will be reimbursed in accordance with Ofcoms expenses policy.

Lucas Executive Search has been appointed to support this recruitment. The Appointment Panel will be chaired by Ciaran McGarrity (Director of Economic Infrastructure, Department for the Economy), the other panel members will be Sir Ian Cheshire (Chair, Ofcom Board) and Angelina Fusco (Independent Panel Member).

To apply for the role, you must submit a CV and cover letter, which demonstrates how your experience meets the criteria laid out above. Your cover letter should not exceed two sides of A4. Applications must be sent using the reference OFNI426 before the closing date of 23:59 on 28 September 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.