Closing Date: 08/10/2026 Group: Online Safety Group Management Level: Senior Associate Job Type: Permanent Job Description: Please note that this advert will close at 00:01 on Thursday 8 October, so we advise getting your application in by no later than midnight on Wednesday 7 October. About Ofcom As the UK’s communications regulator, we’re delivering vital work that helps keep the UK connected and shapes the future of how we’ll stay connected with each other. Our work covers everything from phones and broadband, through to TV, radio, the postal service, and wireless devices. We’re also taking on the challenge of making the online world a safer place. And we need people of all backgrounds, skill sets, and experiences to help us achieve our goal of making communications work for everyone. About the team you’ll be part of The Online Safety Technology team (OS Tech) provides an advisory role supporting wider multi-disciplinary work areas and teams, comprising of policy specialists, technologists, economists, lawyers and others across Ofcom, working collaboratively on associated deliverables. In addition, the OS Tech Team conducts research to build knowledge and understanding in subject areas fundamental to online safety. This includes, for example, age assurance, AI and machine learning, digital identity, privacy enhancing technologies, decentralisation, user experience, gaming, network infrastructure, and digital forensics. The purpose and scope of the role We are looking for a technically strong and strategically minded Senior Age Assurance and Digital Identity Technology Advisor to provide expert guidance on the technical aspects Age Assurance and Digital Identity as they relate to online safety. The role holder will have an opportunity to work alongside existing team members, carrying out desk research and more technical work to ensure that the OS Tech Team has the most up to date technical knowledge of this fast moving and exciting area. The team work alongside other OSG areas to support the development of policy positions. This role will be a great opportunity for someone with a technical aptitude and ideally a background in Digital Identity, Age Assurance or Identity and Access Management, to work in this key area but we are interested to hear from candidates with a wide range of knowledge and experience on technology related to the Online Safety context. This role would also suit some who has previous experience of providing technical advice in a regulatory context who is interested in this area of Online Safety. Content information and safeguarding Applicants should be aware that whilst these roles should not involve direct exposure to illegal content, they could include working time spent on distressing content, material, and themes. Ofcom is committed to safeguarding our colleagues who undertake this type of work and offers a range of tailored support options, including training, annual psychological assessments for those regularly doing this work and 24-hour access to counselling services. Your Key Responsibilities Technical Advisory & Policy Support Provide expert guidance on Age Assurance and Digital Identity technologies to policy, supervision and enforcement teams. Advise on the technical feasibility and risks of proposed regulatory interventions. Translate complex Age Assurance, Digital Identity and wider technology concepts into actionable recommendations for senior leaders, policy experts, and external stakeholders. Have a good understanding of the Ofcom guidance on Age Assurance and also other areas where Age Assurance and Digital Identity are involved e.g. ICO Age Appropriate Design Code Research Independently lead research projects—ranging from literature reviews of publishable standard to experimental studies — on new capabilities, system performance, safety, and effectiveness, often in collaboration with multidisciplinary internal teams (e.g., lawyers, economists, data scientists). Explore novel and emerging Age Assurance developments that may impact online safety, such as decentralised ID, new and novel Age Assurance products, standards and political developments in this space e.g. Digital Verification Services Trust Framework. Develop an evidence base to inform policy decisions and support regulatory innovation. Evaluation of Age Assurance and Digital ID Systems Support work to assess Age Assurance implementation in accordance with Ofcom HEAA Guidance, and Digital ID implementations relating to Ofcom’s regulatory duties. Technical Communication & Engagement Prepare and present technical briefings, white papers, and demos to technical and non-technical audiences. Host internal knowledge-sharing sessions and represent Ofcom in external technical working groups and conferences. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to influence regulatory thinking. Horizon Scanning Monitor the Age Assurance, Digital Identity and wider technology landscape to identify emerging trends and anticipate regulatory challenges. Contribute thought leadership to ongoing debates around Age Assurance and Digital Identity and their use in online services. Maintain strong relationships with academia, industry, and public bodies to strengthen external research partnerships. The skills, knowledge and experience you’ll need for success To be successful in this role, you will be able to demonstrate: Practical or theoretical expertise in Age Assurance, Digital Identity or related areas e.g. Identity and Access Management. structured and evidence-based evaluations of the AA mechanisms. Or a demonstrable ability to research, understand and explain these technologies. The ability to understand and articulate the potential regulatory implications of technology. Experience working in a technical advisory role, in a regulatory context, is desirable. Articulating ideas: The ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, actionable insights for non-technical audiences, including internal and external stakeholders, consumers, and policy areas. Harmonising work: The ability to work across organisational boundaries in multi-disciplinary project teams of policy professionals, technologists, data specialists and lawyers to understand requirements and their mapping to technical specifications and delivering business outcomes. Forming relationships: Strong interpersonal skills and evidence of an ability to interact effectively with, and influence, a range of internal and external stakeholders. Scanning horizons: The ability to take a strategic view by identifying emerging trends, risks, and opportunities, and aligning decisions and actions with long-term goals to inform effective policy and delivery outcomes. Qualifications Educated to at least degree level (or equivalent) in a relevant engineering or science subject but candidates with evidence of equivalent demonstrable skills and experience in required specialist knowledge areas will also be considered. Inclusive hiring at Ofcom At Ofcom, our mission is clear: to make communications work for everyone. To achieve that, our people must reflect the diversity of the UK, in background, identity and experience. We believe innovation thrives when difference is valued and everyone feels empowered to contribute their ideas and perspectives. That’s why we welcome colleagues of all ethnicities and races, sexes, genders and gender identities, sexual orientations, ages, faiths and beliefs, and those with apparent and non‑apparent disabilities. We value socio‑economic diversity, life experience and neurodiversity too. Whether you’re a carer, a parent, a veteran, or re‑entering work after time away, your voice and perspective matter here. Flexibility is at the heart of how we work because we want you to thrive in a way that suits you best. Most roles can therefore be adapted for part‑time hours, job shares, or other flexible arrangements. Learn more about our Rewards, Benefits and Wellbeing on our careers page. Our recruitment process is intentionally designed to be open and accessible. If you need adjustments, information in a different format or an alternative way to apply, contact us at resourcing@ofcom.org.uk or 0330 912 1378. As a proud Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee interviews for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for a role. You can read more about this commitment here. Whoever you are, whatever your story, you belong at Ofcom. We make communications work for everyone. As the UK’s communications regulator, we’re delivering vital work that helps keep the UK connected and shapes the future of how we’ll stay connected with each other. Our work covers everything from phones and broadband, through to TV, radio, the postal service, and wireless devices. And we need people of all backgrounds, skill sets, and experiences to help us achieve our goal of making communications work for everyone. Ofcom’s remit is huge – we keep UK citizens and consumers safe from harm and ensure they receive the best possible service from their communications providers. Find out more about Ofcom, where we operate, and the different types of work we do to keep the country connected. At Ofcom we are determined to do all we can to promote diversity and equality inside our organisation and in the wider sectors we regulate. Diversity and equality are fundamental to achieving our purpose to make communications work for everyone. We need to make the best decisions for all UK consumers and citizens. To do this, it is essential that all levels of our organisation are diverse and foster an inclusive culture.

Following on from the post where I decide to change my DJ name to cubicgarden. Here is the whole mix live from EMFCamp 2026. I am just transcoding it for Peertube but uploaded the full 8.6gig cut to Youtube (very surprised its not been flagged…yet?) Enjoy the incredible lasers and even fire balls! Heck the firestarter is back? The null sector organisers are incredible and the audio isn’t straight from the desk, so you can sense how crystal clear the sound system was. Even some of the videos friends recorded, with a phone are pretty clear. The whole set was done on the Pacemaker device, but I’ll certainly be using the Drift Zero if I’m back in 2 or 4 years time.

I almost fell for the recruitment agency scam… I was unsure but just had a some useful interaction with a recruitment agency. Back on 7th July I revived an email on my gmail address, not the one I mainly use for linkedin and lots of sites. Regardless I thought maybe they got it another way. Here’s the email… > Hello, > > I hope you’re doing well. > > I’m currently supporting several leadership and specialist searches, and your background stood out as potentially well aligned with a few of them. > > Before sharing details, I’d be interested to understand what you’re looking for in your next career move. That way, I can determine whether there’s genuine alignment rather than simply sending over a job description. > > If there’s a strong fit, I’d be happy to share more. > > Would you be open to exploring opportunities that align with your experience and future goals? > > > > Best Regards, > > S************* > > Recruiter > > B********** Now looking at it, I should have spotted the genericness of it but I was more interested in the name and company. A name and company I looked up online and on linkedin. The thing which stood out was they were in America not the UK. I remember having a conversation with my partner about the what kind of opportunity they could be offering, and not wanting to work in the USA. Plus the agency is based in Washington DC. With that I tried to arrange a video call, which of course I got knocked back. I wrote something back saying I want to stay in the UK or western Europe for family and values. Thinking there would be a proposal for something state-side. I also made clear I was working on things which matter for the public rather than giant corporates money. A few days later, I got an job proposal back a hybrid position as AI Innovation Director in the UK Cabinet Office in London. I scratched my head and beard with a salary of up to 180,000 gbp, I browsed through the detail and it felt unhuman but then again its from a job spec (I thought). The recruiter kept asking me to provide my CV and cover letter. > I hope you’ve been doing well. > > I just wanted to follow up on the AI Innovation Director opportunity I shared. I appreciate that you’re likely busy, so I simply wanted to check whether you’ve had a chance to review it. > > If it still aligns with what you’re looking for, I’d be happy to review your resume against the mandate and determine the most appropriate next step. > > I look forward to hearing your thoughts when you have a moment. But I wasn’t sure about it, so pushed back and then they provided an alternative job a day later > Thank you again for your thoughtful response. I really appreciated the additional context you shared, particularly your interest in opportunities centered on the ethical use of technology, AI, open data, and responsible innovation. That gave me a much clearer picture of the type of mandate that would genuinely resonate with you. > > Based on that, I came across a role that I believe is a much stronger fit. > > Director, AI Ethics & Responsible Use > Marriott International | Remote > > This executive leadership role is focused on shaping the organization’s Responsible AI strategy by establishing governance frameworks, guiding the ethical adoption of AI across the business, and partnering with executive, legal, technology, and product leaders to ensure AI is deployed responsibly, transparently, and in line with emerging regulations. The position also offers a highly competitive compensation package, including a six-figure base salary, annual bonus, and equity. > > Given your background in ethical technology, emerging technologies, open source initiatives, and your passion for driving meaningful societal impact through responsible innovation, I thought this opportunity aligned much more closely with what you described. > > If this resonates with the direction you’re looking to take, I’d be glad to share the full job description. This is when I did what I should have done much earlier. I messaged the named recruiter on linkedin. It was a early message and I was 3 degrees away but they replied. > Hi Ian thank you for making me aware of this. That is NOT me. Please do not continue to respond to them. My legitimate email is ****************** It all clicked then and I realised I should have done this right at the start. The email was from the company, not a gmail. It also matched the recruiter company domain. We talked for a bit and I shared all the emails with them, as they wanted to share it with their company security. This also made me think knowing this is a scam, I should share it with the NCSC, which I have done too. Lastly because I am very aware of the social pressure to bury this stuff, I decided to write this blog to warn others of this scam and how easy it is to be tricked. Be-careful out there!

Inside the heart of this anti-aircraft bunker lies the telecommunications systems. These 1950s systems were part of Scotland's Cold War defence network. The small room is set up with switching modu...