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Ofcom appoints new members to its Advisory Committees for England, Northern Ireland and Scotland

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Published: 1 March 2023
Last updated: 16 March 2023

Ofcom has today announced the appointment of new members to its Advisory Committees for England, Northern Ireland and Scotland

Caroline Gardner joins Ofcom’s Advisory Committee for England. Caroline has 18 years’ experience of teaching and delivering media-related courses at a further education college in North-West England.

Dr Colm Murphy joins Ofcom’s Advisory Committee for Northern Ireland. He is a multi-award-winning journalist and academic leader.

Colm holds a PhD in public policymaking for digital media growth, an MA in interactive media, and a degree in finance.

He was made a UK National Teaching Fellow, one of the highest accolades in UK university teaching, for his contribution to the development of journalism education internationally. He is also a Principal Fellow of the UK’s Higher Education Academy.

As Subject Leader in Media at Ulster University he teaches media law, regulation, investigative journalism and digital media strategy. Earlier in his career he worked a business editor for The Sunday Tribune and as a business, news, investigations and data journalism editor with The Sunday Times.

Polly Tolley joins Ofcom’s Advisory Committee for Scotland. Polly is Director of Impact at Citizens Advice Scotland, where she leads a research, policy and campaigning team. This includes work to directly tackle digital exclusion and ensure access to safe and affordable telecommunications services.

She is currently a member of the Bank of England’s Central Bank Digital Currency Engagement Forum, and the Open Banking Data Expert Panel.

Polly has had an extensive career in a range of communications roles, both at Citizens Advice Scotland, and with Tesco Bank and RBS in the retail banking sector.

All three appointments are for a three-year term, beginning 1 March 2023.

Caroline brings a strong background in media education and is in daily contact with young people at Bury College that have grown up in the internet age. She will be a strong asset to the Committee.
Paula Carter, Chair of the Advisory Committee for England
I’m looking forward to working with Colm on the Advisory Committee for Northern Ireland. He has a wealth of experience in broadcasting and digital media and will have a great deal to contribute to our work in this and other areas over the coming years.”Carrie Matchett, Chair of the Advisory Committee for Northern Ireland
I am delighted to be welcoming Polly to the Advisory Committee for Scotland. Her experience of working with vulnerable consumers will be invaluable and will complement the wide range of skills and expertise held within the committee.”Elizabeth Partyka, Chair of the Advisory Committee for Scotland

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