http://www.ofcomconsumerpanel.org.uk/news/151007.htm

Colette Bowe, Ofcom Consumer Panel Chairman, To Stand Down In 2008

15 October 2007

Colette Bowe, chairman of the Ofcom Consumer Panel, said today, Monday October 15, that she would be standing down from the chairmanship of the Panel in the first half of 2008.

“After four years during which the Panel has gone from a standing start to a well-established part of the consumer scene, I feel it is the right moment to stand down and for some new thinking to lead the Panel into the next stage of its life”.

"We alerted the Government and others to the dangers of the digital switchover going wrong for socially isolated people as early as mid 2004, and I am very pleased that Digital UK has taken many of our recommendations on board. We will be watching this week’s launch at Whitehaven very carefully to see if what is delivered on the ground really works.

"We have worked to advise Ofcom on the consumer interest in huge new developments such as the use to which the Digital Dividend should be put; and the necessity for a rapid roll out of the next generation of broadband.

"We have carried out some pioneering research into the communications issues arising for older people; and are now turning our attention the issues for children who may not have access to the internet. “

And we have developed a completely new method for holding the regulator to account for its conduct of its own consumer policy. The Consumer Interest Toolkit is now attracting strong interest elsewhere in the European Union.

"It has been a privilege to work with a talented group of people on the Consumer Panel, in Ofcom itself, and on the Consumer Forum for Communications.


Ends

NOTES FOR EDITORS AND CSEs

The Consumer Panel was established to advise Ofcom on the consumer interest in the markets it regulates. The Panel is independent and sets its own agenda. Visit www.ofcomconsumerpanel.org.uk for more information.
The Panel’s members appointed by Ofcom are:
Colette Bowe, Chairman
Ruth Evans, Deputy Chairman
Fiona Ballantyne
Roger Darlington
Simon Gibson
Graham Mather
Kevin McLaughlin
Jeremy Mitchell
Kate O'Rourke
Bob Twitchin
Allan Williams


CONTACT

Ofcom Consumer Panel Media Adviser Siân Evans

media.consumerpanel@ofcom.org.uk

(+44) (0) 7713 997510

(+44) (0)20 8674 8921