Independent Complaints Panel recruiting for two new members

The alcohol industry’s Independent Complaints Panel (ICP) is now recruiting for two new members to sit on its Panel.

Complaints made under the Portman Group’s Codes of Practice are adjudicated by the ICP, who meet a minimum of six times a year, and represent a wide range of backgrounds and experience.

The membership of the Panel is diverse and independent from the Portman Group, representing a wide range of backgrounds and experience, and is chaired by Rachel Childs.

Recruitment has opened to replace members whose terms of appointment have come to an end, and in order to keep a balance of expertise and experience, we are particularly interested in applicants with:

• a professional background working with young people.
• an insight into youth trends and behaviours (e.g. working in education).
• experience in youth or social work.

Panel members are also 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, applications will be welcome from anyone who believes they would make a useful contribution to the work of the ICP, so there is no required level of experience and we encourage applications from anyone over the age of 18. Applications are particularly welcomed from those based in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

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

Applications close on 2 February 2023 with interviews expected to take place on the 20 and 21 March. Those interested can view the full details and how to apply on the job advert here.

“Over 170 irresponsible and inappropriate alcohol products have either been re-branded or removed from the market as a result of decisions made by the Independent Complains Panel – so this is a really exciting opportunity for the right candidates to join us in continuing to drive industry changes and protecting consumers," said Chair of the Independent Complaints Panel, Rachel Childs.

“To maintain the diversity of the Panel we’re particularly interested in applicants with professional experience in working with young people, but we would fully encourage applications from anyone who can demonstrate the required skillset.”