Member Advisory Committee Northern Ireland – Ofcom in Belfast

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.

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.

• Recent knowledge and/or experience in one or more of the communications sectors Ofcom regulates.
• An understanding of Ofcom’s role and responsibilities in a complex political landscape.
• An awareness of Northern Ireland and their local region’s economy, society and culture.
• The ability to appreciate and articulate the diverse needs and views of citizens and consumers in Northern Ireland.
• 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.

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.

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 or call 0330 912 1378.

As a Disability Confident Leader, we offer interviews to disabled applicants who meet essential criteria for advertised roles.

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. 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.