ASA seeks new Council members

29 January 2007

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) is seeking to recruit three new independent members of its governing Council.  The new members, who will be appointed by ASA Chairman Lord Borrie QC in consultation with Chairman-designate Lord Smith of Finsbury, will adjudicate on complaints about breaches of the advertising codes and oversee the work of the ASA Executive.

The ASA Council comprises 15 members, two-thirds of whom are independent of the advertising industry.  Members can be asked to deal with both non-broadcast and broadcast ads.  In 2005, the Council adjudicated on nearly 2,000 advertisements, following investigation by ASA staff.

The ASA Chairman, Lord Borrie QC said that Council members had to make judgements on a wide variety of issues and concerns: “The role is a demanding one, with objections to ads ranging from offensiveness to misleading small print.  An upheld adjudication can lead to an advertising campaign being withdrawn in its entirety and Council members must consider all the evidence before reaching their decision.”

Council members serve a maximum of two three-year terms.  One of the new Council members is expected to join the Council from April 2007, the other two new members will begin work next year.  Applicants for these appointments must not be, and never have been, engaged in the business of marketing communications.  Anyone wishing to be considered for the vacancies should apply via the ASA’s website at www.asa.org.uk/appointments.  The closing date for applications is 28 February 2007.