Lay Board Member

About IPSO 

Find out more about this role by reading the information below, then apply to be considered.

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

After over a decade in operation, IPSO has established itself as an independent, authoritative regulator that engages closely with a range of stakeholders.  Its five-year strategy explains how it pursues its aim of making independent regulation by IPSO a mark of credible and accountable journalism.  It regulates more than 1800 titles  and has dealt with over 165,000 complaints. It has also issued more than 500 privacy notices, working proactively and confidentially to protect members of the public from intrusion and unwanted press attention. It has published formal editorial guidance on issues ranging from suicide to sex and gender identity, alongside information sheets for the public themed around topics such as reporting on children and dealing with the press after a major incident. In just the last five years, it has trained more than 1200 journalists.

In 2023 an independent review led by Sir Bill Jeffrey found that IPSO was “well led and managed” and had “influenced the industry for the better”.

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.

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.

Who we are looking for

To help us build upon our success and deliver our strategy, we are seeking a new independent member to join our lay-majority Board.

The successful applicant will be demonstrably independent and may not have recent ties to a publisher that is or could be regulated by IPSO. Nonetheless, it is essential that they should have an understanding and interest in the way news content and commercial models are changing and the challenges this presents.

Candidates for this role will bring:

• a clear commitment to IPSO’s purpose of upholding high editorial standards;

• a strong belief in freedom of expression and understanding of its role in a free society;

• a demonstrable record of personal integrity and independence that aligns with IPSO’s role as an authoritative, impartial body acting in the public interest;

• 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;

• experience of strategy, governance, and risk management gained through a senior position in public or commercial life;

• an understanding of the responsibilities of a board director and the demonstrable ability to act fairly and impartially in discharging them.

We are seeking a candidate who will complement existing experience and skills on the Board.

In particular, we are interested in candidates who would bring senior commercial experience in a highly regulated environment.

Experience of navigating systems and digital change, which could be from an executive or non-executive perspective, is also desirable.

To protect IPSO’s independence, Board members may not be serving members of the House of Commons, the UK 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

A full role description is available here.

Candidates are 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.

To apply, please send your CV and cover letter explaining your interest in the role and relevant experience and skills, along with the diversity monitoring form to 

The deadline for applications is 5 June 2026.

Panel interviews for shortlisted candidates will be held on one of the afternoon of 22 June 2026 or the morning of 26 June 2026. xwzovoh

The appointments will be made by IPSO’s Appointment Panel.