Community Radio Fund Panel
Section 359 of the Communications Act 2003 makes it possible for a fund for community radio operators to be set up, and for Ofcom to administer it and “make such grants as they consider appropriate” to community radio licensees.
Government (specifically, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport) provides some funding to be distributed to community radio stations through such a fund. Only holders of a community radio licence can seek a grant from this Fund.
Ofcom has established the Community Radio Fund Panel to meet as required to examine applications and make awards from the Fund.
Terms of reference for the Community Radio Fund Panel (PDF, 155.3 KB)
Ofcom has announced changes to its Terms of Reference for the Community Radio Fund Panel, available in full above.
Ahead of the next round of funding for community radio, published on 28 May 2021, and following an administrative review, Ofcom’s Project and Management Board has approved an amendment to the existing Terms of Reference removing the requirement for the Panel to include a trade body representative.
This means that the Panel for the next funding round will comprise two members (Wendy Pilmer and Olu Bankole). We will immediately begin the process of recruiting a third Panel member, whom we expect to be in place for the next funding round to take place later this year.
The existing term of the Panel’s Chair (Wendy Pilmer), currently due to be expire on 31 December 2021, has been extended to 31 March 2022.
The Panel is scheduled to meet on the following dates. (Meetings to be held at Ofcom’s offices in London unless otherwise indicated):
TBC
Meeting agendas will be published here.
It is our policy to keep board and committee minutes on our site for two years only. Older minutes can be accessed via the National Archives.
Notes of previous Panel meetings will be published here.
It is our policy to keep board and committee notes on our site for two years only. Older notes can be accessed via the National Archives.
The Community Radio Fund Panel comprises two Non-Executive Members and one Executive Member. Its members are:
Wendy Pilmer
Wendy is a consultant who works with the world's leading broadcasters in implementing strategy and managing change. She delivers training in leadership skills and journalistic ethics, particularly for public service broadcasters in emerging democracies. She also offers specialist radio consultancy services based on 21 years working at senior levels of the BBC including BBC Radio 4, 5Live and Radio One.
Wendy joined the Board on 1 January 2009. Her appointment runs until 31 March 2022.
Olu Bankole
Olu is the Finance Business Partner for Income in Ofcom's Corporate Group. Her role involves a combination of financial and non-financial analysis to ensure that Ofcom’s funding complies with statutory requirements, and she has direct involvement in calculating and setting Broadcasting Act Fees. She has an interest in promoting activities that build on community spirit and a passion for contributing to a more diverse and inclusive society.
Olu joined the Panel on 1 April 2021. Her appointment runs until 31 March 2024.