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Ofcom Returners Programme 2021 – Archive

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Location: UK: London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Cardiff, Belfast and Baldock

Opportunity: 6-month returnship

Start Date: November 2021

Apply by: 10 October 2021 EXTENDED

Applications have now closed

Following on from earlier successful returner programmes, Ofcom is partnering once again with Women Returners to offer their third Ofcom Returners Programme. Ofcom is seeking to attract, support and retain high calibre professionals who are returning to work after a career break of two years or longer.

About Ofcom

Ofcom is the regulator for the communications services that we use and rely on each day. Ofcom makes sure people get the best from their broadband, home phone and mobile services, as well as keeping an eye on TV and radio. They also oversee the universal postal service, look after the airwaves used by wireless devices, and help to make sure people don’t get scammed and are protected from bad practices.

Ofcom has recently taken on the regulation of video-sharing platforms, and they are preparing for a role in protecting people from online harms.

Protecting consumers is at the heart of what they do. Their culture is clear – they live by their values: Empowerment; Excellence; Collaboration; Agility and Respect. These define how they work to deliver their purpose, now and in the future. The behaviours which support these values set the path for a fully inclusive and innovative culture at Ofcom.

They focus not only on what they do, but how they do it. Ofcom prides itself on being an organisation of people who genuinely care about helping others.

Ofcom is a forward-thinking, inclusive employer and believes in attracting applicants from a wide talent pool. It is a Carer Confident and a Disability Confident employer and has been recognised by The Times as one of the top 50 employers for women in 2021.

About the Ofcom Returners Programme

The programme offers successful applicants a six-month, fixed-term contract, with the possibility of transitioning into a permanent role. Roles can be based in any of Ofcom’s UK locations. A range of flexible working options is available, and as standard, you will have the freedom and technology to enable you to work outside of the office regularly.

As part of the returners programme you will be supported back into the workplace through:

  • a competitive package of pay and benefits during the programme
  • coaching from Women Returners to help you transition successfully back into the workplace
  • ongoing support from a mentor, buddy and Ofcom programme manager
  • opportunities to network across the organisation
  • flexible working options

Read about the experiences of two previous Ofcom returners here:

Who Ofcom is looking for

Ofcom is keen to hear from candidates who have had a career break of at least two years for childcare, eldercare, to relocate or any other reason. You may have been working on a small-scale basis to fit around your other commitments or have not done any paid work for a number of years.

Ofcom has a range of roles available for experienced professionals who have mid-to-senior level experience in any of the following areas:

  • Policy
  • Enforcement
  • Economics
  • Engineering
  • Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
  • Industry expertise from within the communications sector, especially telecoms, television, spectrum

Click on the links below to learn more about the type of roles available as part of the returners programme. The descriptions are provided as a guide to the nature of each role so that you can assess your interest. Returners who are interested and feel they meet some, but not all, of the criteria are still encouraged to apply. You can apply to any or all roles that you find suitable.

How to apply                                  

Please apply by uploading your CV, using the relevant link below. As part of your application, please tell us about the duration and dates of your career break.

The closing date for applications is 10 October 2021.

Ofcom aims to hold interviews mid October.

Depending on the position for which you apply, there might be some pre-interview preparation to complete. This will be detailed in the individual job specification.

If you have any questions, please email Sejal.Quraishi@ofcom.org.uk with ‘Ofcom returners’ in the subject box.