Pre-appointment hearing · Opened 24 March 2026
Pre-appointment hearing for the Chair of Ofcom
From: Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
What this inquiry is asking
This is a pre-appointment hearing to assess whether Sir Ian Cheshire is fit to chair Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator. The Science, Innovation and Technology Committee examined his background, experience, motivations, and understanding of Ofcom's role and challenges to determine whether to endorse the government's preferred candidate.
Status / emerging findings
- Committee endorsed Sir Ian Cheshire as possessing 'the skills and experience required to chair an independent regulator such as Ofcom'
- Committee flagged a knowledge gap: encouraged ministers to direct Sir Ian to 'quickly improve his knowledge of the UK's online safety legislation' as a priority
- Hearing took place 20 May 2026; formal report published 22 May 2026
- Candidate has extensive private and public sector experience, including previous departmental non-executive director roles
Why it matters
Ofcom regulates the UK's broadcast, telecom and online media sectors; the chair's knowledge, priorities and leadership directly affect how communications, online safety and digital services are overseen for all UK citizens.
Tone arc
Positive and supportive throughout, with a single targeted caveat — the committee endorsed the appointment while naming online safety regulation as a specific area requiring urgent upskilling.
Themes
Key witnesses
Sir Ian Cheshire (candidate for Ofcom Chair), Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT)
Reports & Government Responses
Report · 22 May 2026 · HC 55
Themes & actors
Topics across publication summaries
Top organisations & named entities
- Sir Ian Cheshire·1 reference
- Dame Chi Onwurah·1 reference
- Department for Science, Innovation and Technology·1 reference
- Ofcom·1 reference
- Emran Mian·1 reference
- Susannah Storey·1 reference
- Alison Walker-Fraser·1 reference
Source · parliament.uk inquiry record ↗