Alternate Complaints Committee member

The Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) is currently advertising for an alternate Committee member to join its Complaints Committee, which rules on complaints alleging breaches of the Editors’ Code. The successful candidate will have recent senior experience in the national newspaper industry, which could be at a “broadsheet”, “mass market” or digital news title, but cannot be a currently serving editor.

In order to ensure that IPSO maintains its independence, members of the Committee are expected to recuse themselves from dealing with complaints where they have a potential conflict of interest, or where there could be an appearance of conflict of interest. This includes members with recent senior editorial experience.

Although the alternate Committee member is only involved in a small number of complaints, they play an important role by helping us to ensure that we have appropriate representation of Committee members with editorial experience in cases where multiple Committee members are unable to participate in decision-making due to concerns about independence.

About the IPSO Complaints Committee

IPSO is the independent regulator of most of the newspaper and magazine industry in the UK. By upholding the highest editorial standards, IPSO protects the public and freedom of expression. The Complaints Committee plays a central role in this work by adjudicating on complaints made to IPSO that regulated publications have breached the Editors’ Code. The Committee comprises 12 members, including seven lay members who have no connection to the industry and five members who have recent senior editorial experience ranging across the different types of publishers that IPSO regulates.

The role of the Alternate Complaints Committee member

The alternate Committee member will receive an appropriate induction and training process and be invited to observe Committee meetings as appropriate in order to prepare them to participate in decision-making. Once inducted, they will be contacted on an ad hoc basis when their participation is required, which could be via electronic circulation of papers or by attending a meeting in person. Due to the nature of the role, we are unable to a precise indication of the amount of time per year that could be expected, but based on recent experience we would generally expect this to be no more than 2-3 times per year.

The alternate member will be expected to act fairly and impartially in their decision-making, while contributing to the Committee’s work through their understanding and knowledge of the industry. Applicants may not be currently serving editors.

Skills and experience

Successful applicants must have:

• An interest in press regulation and the process of balancing freedom of expression with other rights of individuals;
• Outstanding analytical skills;
• The ability to advocate for their position while working collaboratively with other members to achieve rulings by consensus; and
• Recent, senior editorial experience at a UK newspaper, magazine, or news website, while not being a currently serving editor.

IPSO is seeking an individual with a background that will complement the experience and perspectives currently represented within the Committee. Given the purpose of this role, it is also desirable that candidates’ recent editorial experience has been gained at different titles from the Committee’s current members. The Committee’s current membership is here: Complaints Committee – IPSO.

Our commitment to an accessible and inclusive culture

At IPSO, we are creating a culture which recognises, values and respects that people are different. We believe that representing the diversity of the society in which we work is fundamental to our goals of protecting people and promoting freedom of expression.

We are committed to promoting a fair and inclusive workplace where all our people can flourish and reach their full potential. We know diverse teams allow for a more creative and productive environment and we strongly encourage applications from a wide range of people regardless of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender (identity, expression or reassignment), marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief and socio-economic background.

Remuneration

Remuneration for standing Complaints Committee members is £1225 per month plus reasonable expenses, on an invoice basis. The alternate Complaints Committee member will be remunerated at the standard rate for any month in which they are involved in the adjudication of a complaint.

How to apply

A role description is available here.

Candidates are also required to attach a Diversity Monitoring form, which can be found here. Please note that although this form is required for applications to be considered, candidates are free to opt out of any questions.

Applicants should forward a CV and cover letter explaining their interest in and suitability for the role, along with the diversity monitoring form to recruitment@ipso.co.uk by Wednesday 30 April.

IPSO will reimburse reasonable travel costs for attending interviews. If you require a reasonable adjustment, please include that information with your application. In-person interviews are preferred but IPSO conducts interviews by video call where needed and candidates choosing this option will not be disadvantaged.