Welsh Ministers today appointed Sir Clive Jones CBE as the Ofcom Board Member for Wales.
The Welsh Government has today confirmed the appointment following consultation with the UK Government’s Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology.
Sir Clive Jones has been a prominent figure in the broadcasting industry for much of his career. He was CEO of Central Television and then of the Carlton Television Group, before taking Carlton into the merger with Granada to create ITV plc. He trained as a journalist with the Yorkshire Post after graduating from the LSE. Clive chairs Sightsavers, the UK’s third biggest charity, and the Runnymede Trust, the UK’s leading race equality think tank.
I am extremely pleased to be joining Ofcom as its Board Member for Wales at such an exciting time and I look forward to contributing to the work of the Board. Ofcom has an enviable reputation as a regulator and has seen its responsibilities increase over time. The Online Safety Bill imposes significant new responsibilities on Ofcom and will soon be followed by the Media Bill. I will ensure that the concerns and priorities of consumers in Wales are clearly heard at the Board.
Sir Clive Jones
I am delighted Clive has been confirmed as the new Ofcom Board member for Wales. He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will prove hugely valuable.
His appointment will ensure that the Board continues to have a strong voice representing Wales and will build on the good work done by his predecessor, David Jones.
Lord Grade, Ofcom’s Chairman
Congratulations to Sir Clive Jones on his appointment. I look forward to us working closely to ensure the interests of Wales are fully represented on the Ofcom board.
The recent report by the Expert Panel on Broadcasting recognises the importance of a strong and effective relationship between the Welsh Government and Ofcom, and we look forward to building and developing this already positive relationship as the communications landscape across Wales and the UK changes at an ever-increasing pace.
Our continued dialogue will help to ensure the public receives the services it deserves, that are fit for purpose, safe and regulated to the highest standards.
Deputy Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Dawn Bowden
Note to editors:
- Ofcom is the independent regulator and competition authority for the UK communications industries. We have responsibilities across television, radio, video on demand, online safety telecoms, wireless communications and postal services.
- As noted in the Memorandum of Understanding between the UK Government, Welsh Government, Senedd Cymru and the Office of Communications[1], section 1 of the Office of Communications Act 2002, as amended by section 68 of the Wales Act 2017, provides that Welsh Ministers have the power to appoint a member of the Ofcom Board.
- The St David’s Day Agreement made clear this should be a person who can represent the interests of Wales. The appointee will have the same UK-wide responsibilities as other non-executive members of Ofcom.
- As Ofcom is a UK-wide public body, the appointment is made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments.
- Remuneration for this role is £42,000 for up to two days a week. The term of appointment will last for four years, commencing 29 February 2024.