2 Ofcom and the role of the Chairman
5. Ofcom was established by the Office of
Communications Act 2002, bringing together five separate regulatory
bodies—the Independent Television Commission, the Radio
Authority, Oftel, the Broadcasting Standards Commission and the
Radiocommunications Agency. The Communications Act 2003
subsequently established Ofcom's role and duties. These fall into
six areas:
- Ensuring the optimal use of
the electro-magnetic spectrum;
- Ensuring that a wide range of electronic communications
services—including high speed data services—is available
throughout the UK;
- Ensuring a wide range of TV and radio services
of high quality and wide appeal;
- Maintaining plurality in the provision of broadcasting;
- Applying adequate protection for audiences against
offensive or harmful material; and
- Applying adequate protection for audiences against
unfairness or the infringement of privacy.
6. To discharge its duties, the regulator has
an operating budget for the current financial year (2008-09) of
£133.7 million, and a staff of 850. The Chairman of
Ofcom is expected to:[4]
- Provide leadership to the Board
and Ofcom more widely;
- Be the most senior representative of Ofcom to
its various stakeholders, including its licensees, other regulated
entities, the United Kingdom Government and Parliament and the
devolved National Governments of Wales, Scotland and Northern
Ireland; and
- Provide assistance to Ofcom's international activities.
7. The appointment is for five years with the
potential for a further period of service by mutual agreement
and subject to performance. The job specification states that
the appointee must commit to taking on the post as their primary
role. In other words, it is anticipated that they would not hold
a chairmanship or other demanding role elsewhere. The job requires
a commitment of up to three days per week and carries a remuneration
of circa £200,000 per annum.[5]
In addition to chairing meetings of the Board, the Chairman will
be expected to serve on the Audit, Remuneration and Nominations
Committees.
4 Egon Zehnder International, Role Specification-Chair
of Ofcom, September 2008 Back
5
Lord Currie's total remuneration in 2007-08 was £206,134. Back
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