IPSO Chair Jenny Watson said: “I’m delighted to welcome Sarah, Richard and David onto the board. Their collective and diverse experience will help us to strengthen our value to the public across the United Kingdom. As the industry we regulate, continues to navigate enormous change, our new board members will help us to ensure IPSO regulation continues to be a mark of high-quality and accountable journalism.”
Sarah Norman has no connection to the newspaper and magazine industry and will be a lay member, says IPSO. She brings high-level experience across a range of sectors including online retail for Amazon, strategy for Nike’s supply chain and chief operating officer for Hello Fresh in the UK.
Her current role as director of operations for Helsing Europe has given Sarah insight into the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence.
Sarah said: “I strongly believe in upholding high editorial standards while also protecting the principle of a free press.”
Richard Neville has more than 32 years’ experience in Scottish newspapers, 20 of them at senior editorial level.
Most recently, he served as head of news brands for DC Thomson, overseeing Scottish and UK newspaper operations. Richard left the role in 2022 and currently runs a strategic communications consultancy.
Richard said: “There can be considerable legal, regulatory and social differences between Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom, as well as divergence in areas such as criminal and civil law and local and national government.
“I look forward to being able to bring a Scottish voice to these issues, as well as an understanding of the differences in the news marketplace in the nation.”
David Wooding is a former journalist with nearly 40 years of experience in the industry, culminating as editor of the Sunday Express.
David said: “I have long been a supporter of upholding press standards while protecting freedom of expression and I am keen to be able to contribute as a board member by drawing on my own background in the industry.” David is currently an alternate member of IPSO’s Complaints Committee – a role he will resign to join the board.
The board provides oversight, setting IPSO’s strategic direction. It offers advice, support and constructive challenge to help ensure IPSO meets its objectives. The board is responsible for appointing members of the Complaints Committee, which independently considers complaints about the press. Board members do not take part in complaint adjudications.
Made up of 12 members, including the chair, the board is appointed by the independent Appointment Panel. A majority of board members have no connections to the newspaper or magazine industry, helping to ensure IPSO’s independence, while others bring recent senior-level experience and expertise in press standards.
Sarah Norman, David Wooding and Richard Neville will join the board from September.
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