At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the Advisory Committee to advise on communications regulation in Northern Ireland.
- Company: Ofcom is the UK's independent regulator for communications industries, ensuring safety and fairness.
- Benefits: Earn £3,000 annually for up to 12 days of part-time work, with flexible arrangements.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on online safety and represent diverse community voices in Northern Ireland.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just a passion for communications and understanding of local needs.
- Other info: Meet in Belfast up to 5 times a year; inclusivity and accessibility are top priorities.
Closing Date:
01/09/2025
Group:
Corporate Group
Management Level:
Job Type:
Non-Executive Director (Fixed Term)
Job Description:
Please note that this role will close at 00.01 on Monday 1 September 2025, and therefore we advise getting your application in by no later than midnight on Sunday 31 August.
How to Apply
To apply and be considered for interview stage, your application must include a CV and covering letter. Your covering letter must give evidence of how you successfully meet the key skills and competencies. Your letter should be no more than four sides of A4 in length. You are able to upload multiple documents at the point where you are asked to upload your CV.Should you require any adjustments to be made, please do contact us directly at resourcing@Ofcom.org.uk. Final interviews will be held on Thursday 18 September in person at the Ofcom offices in Belfast.
We are planning to appoint one Non-Executive Member to Ofcom’s Advisory Committee for Northern Ireland with a starting date of 15 November 2025.
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 regulation of online safety to make online services safer for the people who use them.
The Advisory Committee for Northern Ireland provides advice to Ofcom colleagues about the interests and opinions of people living in Northern Ireland and its diverse communities across our regulatory responsibilities. The Committee strives to ensure that Ofcom’s work is informed by the widest possible understanding of the experience of consumers and citizens in Northern Ireland, capturing the distinctive needs of people living across different parts of the country.
Committee Members are part-time and drawn from a range of backgrounds. We want to attract a wide variety of applicants to provide a good balance of skills and relevant sector experience, so we have a diversity of perspective and background on the Committee. In addition, we want the Committee’s membership to reflect the range of Northern Ireland’s regions and communities to give as wide a geographical and social view as possible.
Essential Skills/Competencies
To apply to join the Committee you will need to show in your covering letter how you meet the competencies below. No previous experience of being a non-executive member is necessary.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate:
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Recent knowledge and/or experience in one or more of the communications sectors Ofcom regulates.
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An understanding of Ofcom’s role and responsibilities in a complex political landscape.
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An awareness of Northern Ireland and their local region’s economy, society and culture.
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The ability to appreciate and articulate the diverse needs and views of citizens and consumers in Northern Ireland.
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Effective communication skills and the ability to work as part of a committee.
On this occasion, we would be interested to receive applications from people with experience working in one or more of the following sectors: telecommunications and/or postal.
Further Information
The Committee meets up to 5 times per year, in Belfast. Some of the Committee’s work may be 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. The time commitment is a total of up to 12 days per year and the annual fee is £3,000.
Potential or actual conflicts of interest must be declared and discussed at interview. 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 so employed. Applicants must have personal integrity of a high order and ensure that their conduct accords with the Seven Principles of Public Life.
Inclusivity Statement
Ofcom has a clear mission: to make communications work for everyone. To be able to deliver on this, we want our organisation to reflect the diversity of background, experience, upbringing and thought that exists across the UK. We aim to recruit from the widest pool of candidates possible – no matter your social background, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, or disability.
Where positions are listed as full-time, we remain open to reduced hours, part-time arrangements, job shares, and other flexible working options. From day one, we champion flexible work arrangements to accommodate individual needs.
We also warmly welcome applicants who are returning to the workforce after a break – for whatever reason. If you have taken time away and are ready to rejoin, we look forward to reviewing your application.
Our recruitment processes prioritise accessibility and inclusivity. If you need adjustments, information in an alternative format, or prefer to apply in a different way, please contact us at resourcing@ofcom.org.uk or call 0330 912 1378.
As a Disability Confident Leader, we offer interviews to disabled applicants who meet essential criteria for advertised roles. Learn more about this scheme here. https://careers.ofcom.org.uk/careers/how-we-hire/
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Member - Advisory Committee Northern Ireland employer: Ofcom
Contact Detail:
Ofcom Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Member - Advisory Committee Northern Ireland
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Ofcom's role and responsibilities, especially in relation to Northern Ireland. Understanding the regulatory landscape will help you articulate your insights during discussions and interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with local communities and stakeholders in Northern Ireland to gain a deeper understanding of their needs and perspectives. This will not only enrich your application but also prepare you for meaningful contributions to the committee.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the communications sectors that Ofcom regulates. Building connections can provide you with valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations that strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your communication skills and experiences in collaborative settings. Being able to demonstrate how you've effectively worked in teams will be crucial during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Member - Advisory Committee Northern Ireland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the role of a Non-Executive Member on the Advisory Committee for Northern Ireland. Familiarise yourself with Ofcom's responsibilities and how they relate to the communications sectors.
Tailor Your Covering Letter: Your covering letter should specifically address the essential skills and competencies listed in the job description. Use clear examples from your experience that demonstrate your knowledge of the communications sectors and your understanding of Northern Ireland's unique context.
Keep It Concise: Remember that your covering letter should not exceed four sides of A4. Be concise and to the point, ensuring that every sentence adds value and directly relates to the competencies required for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, take the time to proofread your CV and covering letter. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure that your documents are well-structured and easy to read. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ofcom
✨Understand Ofcom's Role
Make sure you have a solid grasp of Ofcom's responsibilities and how they operate within the complex political landscape. This will help you articulate your understanding during the interview.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
In your covering letter, highlight any recent knowledge or experience you have in the communications sectors that Ofcom regulates. Be specific about how this experience relates to the role.
✨Demonstrate Local Awareness
Be prepared to discuss your awareness of Northern Ireland's economy, society, and culture. This will show your commitment to representing the diverse needs of its citizens.
✨Prepare for Committee Dynamics
Since the role involves working as part of a committee, think about your effective communication skills and how you can contribute to group discussions. Be ready to share examples of past collaborative experiences.