Lay Member, Appointment Panel

The Independent Press Standards Organisation are seeking a Lay Member to join our Appointment Panel.

The Appointment Panel plays a fundamental role in upholding high editorial standards, protects the public, and supports a free and responsible press. It appoints IPSO Board members, including the Chair, and lay members of the Editors' Code Committee. Chaired by Dame Julia Unwin, the panel ensures IPSO is led by a diverse group of individuals with a broad range of talents, experience, and expertise.

IPSO (the Independent Press Standards Organisation) regulates most of the UK's digital news sites, newspapers and magazines.

We are looking for someone who:

• has no connection to IPSO regulated publishers;

• understands the challenges facing modern UK journalism;

• brings senior-level experience, integrity and independence;

• has strong governance insight and experience working on committees;

• and, values diversity, inclusion and public accountability.

This is a rare opportunity to influence key appointments and strengthen trust in independent press regulation.

Attributes:

• experience of working at the highest level of public or commercial life;

• unimpeachable reputation for personal integrity and independence; and

• wholehearted commitment to freedom of expression and IPSO's role in upholding the highest editorial standards.

The post-holder may not have any personal or professional connection to the newspaper or magazine industry, or to any organisation that is or could be regulated by IPSO.

Knowledge and experience of governance processes will be an advantage.

The postholder has occasional duties when vacancies on the Board arise. Panel members are remunerated by the half day for duties undertaken; the time commitment varies but can be estimated at 2-5 days per year.

How to apply

If you have questions about the role or process you can write to and we will do our best to help.

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 read the full job description and forward your CV with a cover letter outlining why you are interested in the role and how you are suitable, along with the Diversity Monitoring form to by 12 April 2026.

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.

The candidate brief for the position can be found on our website here .