Back to search
The Portman Group is the social responsibility body and self-regulatory body for alcohol packaging and promotion in the UK. As the alcohol industry watchdog, we regulate various forms of alcohol marketing through our Codes of Practice on the Naming, Packaging and Promotion of Alcoholic Drinks and Alcohol Sponsorship.
The Independent Complaints Panel
The Portman Group operates an open and accessible complaints system allowing anyone to make a complaint against any product, promotion or alcohol sponsorship that they consider is in breach of the Codes of Practice.
It is not the role of the Portman Group to decide whether a product/promotion/sponsorship agreement is in breach of the Codes. All complaints are considered by an Independent Complaints Panel (Panel), currently chaired by Rachel Childs.Â
Members of the Panel represent a diverse range of backgrounds and experience in order to provide perspectives across society. The Panel’s role is to weigh up the arguments put forward by the complainant and the drinks producer; to evaluate these against the rules of the Code; and to decide whether the Code rules have been breached. All Panel decisions are published and effective sanctions are in place to ensure that these decisions are enforced. The Panel is a company limited by guarantee.
Position vacant
We are seeking two new Panel members to replace two members whose terms of appointment will be coming to end.
In order to keep a balance of expertise and experience, we are particularly interested in applicants with either:
- Alcohol industry experience; an applicant who was directly employed by an alcoholic drinks producer or has sound knowledge of the UK alcohol self-regulatory marketing framework.
OR
Adjudicatory or relevant regulatory experience. This could also include those who do/have worked for trade associations in the food or beverage industries.
To ensure that the Panel is diverse we welcome applications from anyone with the required skillset and we encourage applications from those over the age of 18. Applications are particularly welcomed from those based in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Restrictions
No Panel member or their immediate family may be employed by The Portman Group, any alcoholic drinks company or Drinkaware.
Commitment required
The Independent Complaints Panel meets a minimum of six times per year. The relevant meetings dates for 2026 are:
- 15th January
- 12th March
- 7th May
- 2nd July
- 24th September
- 26th November
The meetings usually take place at the Portman Group’s offices in central London. Meetings usually fall on a Thursday and run from 10:30 – 12:30. Prior permission for absenteeism from Panel meetings must be gained from the Chair of Independent Complaints Panel (Chair).
As a member of the Independent Complaints Panel, you agree to be a Director of the limited company; and, your directorship will be notified to Companies House.
You also agree to sign a non-disclosure agreement meaning that any information the Portman Group shares with you is confidential and you agree not to disclose or share this information with anyone else without first gaining permission from either the Portman Group or the Panel Chair.
Duration of term
The successful candidate will be appointed to serve a three or two-year term depending on the needs of the Panel. Panel members may be re-appointed for an additional term at the discretion of the Chair. No Panel member shall serve more than six years in total. Â
Training
There is initial induction training for new Panel members.
Remuneration
Panel members are paid an honorarium of £4000 per annum plus the reimbursement of reasonable expenses.
Power of appointment
Appointments to the Panel are made by the Chair following an open recruitment process. In choosing Panel members, the Chair aims to achieve a complement of skills and background. All members of the Panel are different and bring differing experience, knowledge and abilities.
The decision on appointments is final and no correspondence will be entered into once the decision is made.
Role Requirements:
- Analytical skills and judgement
Candidates should be able to demonstrate experience in analysing arguments and exercising sound judgement.
- Communication and listening skills
Candidates should be able to put a case persuasively in a small meeting, while taking on board the perspective of others.
- Awareness of alcohol issues
Candidates should be able to demonstrate reasonable awareness and understanding of current issues of concern about alcohol.
- Balanced viewpoint
Candidates should have a balanced view of alcohol’s role in society and should not have any strong leaning or vested interest that might be perceived to prejudice their decision-making.
- Independent thinking
Candidates should be genuinely independent and objective in their thought and approach.
How to apply
Candidates should enclose a CV along with a covering letter explaining clearly how they meet the requirements of this role (above) and send this by e-mail via the button below.
Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.
Closing date: 5pm 17 October 2025.
Interviews: 18, 19 and 20 November at the Portman Group’s London Borough office.
The Portman Group is committed to equal opportunities; applications are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates who meet the stated criteria.
