Editorial Board Member(S)

The Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) is currently seeking two new editorial Board members to join our lay-majority Board led by our Chair, Lord (Edward) Faulks KC:

One member with recent senior editorial experience within the magazines sector

One member with recent senior editorial experience within the national “broadsheet” newspaper sector (digital or print).

IPSO is the independent regulator of the majority of the newspaper, magazine and digital news industry in the UK. Its purpose is to uphold the highest editorial standards to protect the public and freedom of expression.

Over its nearly ten years in operation, IPSO has established itself as an independent, authoritative regulator that engages closely with a range of stakeholders with an interest in high editorial standards. In 2023 it published a new five-year strategy that set out how it will achieve its aim that independent regulation by IPSO is a mark of credible and accountable journalism.

Who we are looking for

The new members will join a twelve-strong Board, comprising seven lay members with no connection to publishing and five members with recent senior editorial experience, including the two posts advertised. The Board’s current membership is published here: Board (ipso.co.uk) to support IPSO’s independence, editorial members may not be currently serving editors at a publisher that is or could be regulated by IPSO.

Editorial members play an essential role in IPSO’s work, ensuring that its regulatory approach is informed by a current understanding of industry challenges and practices, and that its standards-raising work is relevant and focused on the right areas.

We are seeking candidates who will complement existing experience on the Board and would welcome applications from diverse backgrounds not currently represented.

Role description

The Board is responsible for oversight of IPSO. Board directors will support the Chair to:

• set the vision and strategic direction of IPSO
• provide oversight of IPSO’s activities, finances and operations, ensuring that it performs effectively and efficiently
• show leadership and provide oversight of IPSO’s work to become an ever more inclusive organisation that is open, accessible, and fair
• provide support and constructive challenge to IPSO’s leadership team, including evaluating, setting goals for and providing feedback to the Chief Executive, and
• appoint new members to IPSO’s Complaints Committee as vacancies arise.

IPSO’s Board also has a direct role in considering concerns about potential serious and systemic breaches of the Editors’ Code of Practice, and where appropriate it has the power to launch a Standards Investigation and appoint an external Standards Investigation Panel to conduct the investigation.  In cases of serious and systemic wrongdoing, it will have the power to levy fines or require other remedies.

Board members are expected to uphold IPSO’s Code of Conduct for Board members and to manage properly any conflicts of interest which may arise in relation to outside appointments and current or previous professional roles.

Person specification

Candidates for this role will bring:

• recent senior-level editorial experience within the relevant sector, either magazine or broadsheet newspaper (without being a currently serving editor)
• an understanding of IPSO’s purpose and strategic context, and a personal commitment to the importance of upholding high editorial standards
• a strong commitment to freedom of expression
• an appreciation of the changes taking place in the media environment and the challenges and opportunities they pose for the maintenance of high editorial standards in journalism, and
• an understanding of the principles underlying good governance.

IPSO benefits from the expertise of those on its Board with editorial experience, which helps guide its strategy and improves its understanding of the industry it regulates. It expects all Board members to act and form judgments independently, regardless of whether they have experience working in the publishing industry.

A director of IPSO may not be a serving editor of a publication that is or could be regulated by IPSO.  S/he also may not be a serving member of the House of Commons, the United Kingdom Government, the Scottish Parliament, the Scottish Government, the Welsh Assembly, the Welsh Government, the Northern Ireland Assembly or the Northern Ireland Executive.

Term of office

Members of the Board will be appointed for terms of three years, renewable once.

Remuneration and expenses

Board members are paid £615 per month for their services plus reasonable expenses, for approximately 12 days of work per year.

Equal opportunities

IPSO is committed to the promotion of equal opportunities within the organisation through the way we manage our work and provide services to the community.

We want to create 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. We strongly encourage applications from a wide range of people regardless of disability, ethnicity or sexual orientation, age, gender/sex, gender identity or expression, religion, belief, or social background.

Details and how to apply

To apply, please visit our website via the button below.

To apply, please send your CV and cover letter explaining your interest in the role, relevant experience and skills, and where you saw this advert or learned of the vacancy by an email.

The deadline for applications is 19 February 2024.

The appointments will be made by IPSO’s Appointment Panel, chaired by the Rt Hon Lord (David) Triesman.

For informal enquiries, please contact Michelle Kuhler, Officer Manager: michelle.kuhler@ipso.co.uk