Chair of Consumer Panel

The CAA is the UK’s aviation and aerospace regulator and recognised as a world leader in its field. Our activities are diverse, enabling the aviation industry to meet the highest safety standards, and we pride ourselves on our ability to adapt to the constantly evolving aviation environment.

The Consumer Panel is a non-statutory body established to act as a ‘critical friend’ to the CAA on consumer matters. The Panel’s overriding objective is to champion the interests of consumers.

By sharing consumer-led intelligence and expertise, the Panel works in partnership with CAA colleagues on a range of targeted projects and is widely seen within the organisation as a key source of independent, trusted consumer-focused input.

Since the current Chair was appointed in 2018, the Panel’s standing, visibility and impact across the CAA and externally has gone from strength to strength. Our current Chair will conclude their term in December 2026, and we are now seeking to appoint their successor, who will guide the Panel’s next phase of development.

This is an exciting opportunity, given the leading role the incoming Chair will play in shaping the Panel’s next programme of work, and given the challenges facing the aviation industry and consumers in the post-pandemic world.

We are seeking an experienced and committed Chair who:

• can demonstrate a broad understanding of, and a deep-seated commitment to, promoting and protecting the interests of consumers;
• brings a strong understanding of regulated markets/regulation and their impact on consumers, as well as of the of the broader consumer landscape and the key strategic and regulatory issues which shape it; and
• is highly credible and constructive ,and has strong chairing and influencing skills and experience.

A background in aviation or transport is not an essential requirement; however, you will demonstrate:

• a capability to quickly get to grips with the intricacies of the Panel and CAA’s work; and
• strong regulatory and consumer experience, including the ability to understand the impact of CAA policy on the aviation market, as well as what this could mean for consumers.

The successful candidate will be genuinely committed to enabling the Panel to shape the CAA’s regulatory and consumer work, ensuring it addresses the needs of current, potential and future aviation consumers, including those engaging with emerging technologies.

The CAA is committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment and welcomes applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds, experiences and ways of thinking. We recognise that effective Chairs come from many career paths and encourage applications from those who meet most, but not necessarily all, of the following criteria and have a passion for consumer issues.