Lay Complaint Committee Members

The Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) is currently advertising for a new lay member of its Complaints Committee.

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.

Complaints Committee members play a central role in this work by making decisions on whether there has been a breach of the Editors’ Code of Practice in individual cases. The work is extremely varied and requires Committee members to reach judgements on how the Code applies to many different types of journalism, on many different subjects.

The Complaints Committee consists of twelve members. Seven are lay members, who have no connection to publications that are or could be regulated by IPSO, including its chair, Lord Faulks KC, who is also chair of IPSO’s Board. There are also five editorial members who have recent senior editorial experience within the sectors represented by IPSO.

You can see the Committee’s current membership here: Complaints Committee (ipso.co.uk)

The Committee meets around 10 times per year to discuss and makes decisions on complaints raised under the Editors’ Code of Practice.  Committee members are also required to read and make decisions on cases circulated via correspondence each week.

All Committee members are expected to act fairly and impartially in their decision-making, while contributing their own particular personal and professional perspectives to its work. Successful applicants should have an interest in press standards and the process of balancing freedom of expression with other rights of individuals, along with outstanding analytical skills and verbal and written communication skills.

IPSO is seeking an individual with a background that will complement the experience and perspectives currently represented on the Committee. 

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 and 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

A role description is available at our website via the button below.

Remuneration for Committee members is £1,225.00 per month plus reasonable expenses to attend Committee meetings when required.

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, to recruitment@ipso.co.uk.

The deadline for applications is 23^rd of February 2024.