Regulator recruits for leader to support ‘change and improvement’
The new chief executive of the Electoral Commission will be expected to help the regulator keep pace with a “digital revolution” that is altering the UK’s democratic landscape.
The independent oversight and regulatory body said that the incoming leader will be expected to “promote and deliver critical change and improvement [and] to enable the commission to innovate”. They will join the organisation at a time when technology and online platforms are driving changes in the way the public engages with politics and democratic processes, according to the job advert.
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“The role of the commission has risen in importance – for politics, for the electoral community, and for the voter,” it added. “The electoral landscape is changing, driven by the digital revolution and the way in which voters are engaging with the system. From social media’s impact on political debate to increasing devolution of election powers, our work is at the heart of some of the most passionately discussed topics of the day.”
The new CEO, who will be paid about £160,000 a year, will replace incumbent boss Bob Posner, who is to retire in the spring, after 14 years with the commission and more than three as its leader.
The hiring process is being run by recruitment firm GatenbySanderson. Applications are open until 5pm on 15 October, before which time candidates must submit a CV and supporting statement, each of no more than three sides of A4 in length. Applicants are also asked to confirm that they are not currently a member of a political party, nor have donated to any party a sum in excess of £7,500 in the past five years.
