Independent Complaints Panel Member – Public Health

The Portman Group is the social responsibility body and self-regulatory body for alcohol packaging and promotion in the UK.  As the alcohol industry watchdog, we regulate various forms of alcohol marketing through our Codes of Practice on the Naming, Packaging and Promotion of Alcoholic Drinks and Alcohol Sponsorship.

Independent Complaints Panel Member

Complaints under these Codes of Practice are adjudicated on by an Independent Complaints Panel.  The membership of this Panel is diverse and independent from the Portman Group, representing a wide range of backgrounds and experience.

We are seeking one new Panel member to replace a member whose term of appointment has come to an end.

In order to keep a balance of expertise and experience, we would like applicants with a background as a public health professional or with public health policy experience.  We would also welcome applicants with knowledge and understanding of how insights from behavioural science are used in a public health policy context.

Please note that anyone who is or has been directly employed by an alcoholic producer is ineligible to apply for these vacancies. 

Panel members are required to have sound judgement; good communication and listening skills; a reasonable awareness of alcohol issues; a balanced view of alcohol’s role in society; and to be genuinely independent and objective in their thought and approach. 

To ensure that the Panel is diverse we welcome applications from anyone with the required skillset and we encourage applications from those over the age of 18.  Applications are particularly welcomed from those based in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The Independent Complaints Panel meets a minimum of six times per year.  The dates are agreed before the beginning of the calendar year.  The meetings usually take place at the Portman Group’s offices in central London or a venue close by.  Meetings usually fall on a Thursday and run from 10:30 – 12:30. Prior permission for absenteeism from Panel meetings must be gained from the Chair of Independent Complaints Panel (Chair).

Members receive an annual honorarium of £4000 and are reimbursed for reasonable expenses.

Members may serve up to two terms of three years per term (six years maximum).  The length of each term is at the discretion of the Chair and varies depending on other member contracts.

As a member of the Independent Complaints Panel, you agree to be a Director of the limited company; and, your directorship will be notified to Companies House. 

You also agree to sign a non-disclosure agreement meaning that any information the Portman Group shares with you is confidential and you agree not to disclose or share this information with anyone else without first gaining permission from either the Portman Group or the Chair.

Candidates should enclose a full CV along with a covering letter explaining clearly how they meet the requirements of this role and submit it to people@portmangroup.org.uk.

If you have any additional questions please contact people@portmangroup.org.uk.   

Please note that applications without a covering letter will not be considered.

Closing date: 5pm 23 August 2024

Interviews: 16 and 19 September at the Portman Group’s London Borough office

The Portman Group is committed to equal opportunities; applications are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates who meet the stated criteria.