1. What made you apply for the PCC Chairmanship?

As a barrister with many years’ experience, I have a very strong belief in the kind of independent regulation overseen by the PCC. This is a system of regulation that is independent of government and, while funded by the industry, is crucially not controlled by it. This type of regulation allows freedom of expression, but requires the press to exercise responsibility at the same time.

I was also attracted to the small size of the PCC as an organisation. The flexibility that comes with working in a small team means that we can work pragmatically, and can develop in a way that is responsive to a very fast-moving industry. Unlike government legislation, which is slow and is always behind the curve, the PCC can evolve quickly to respond to changes in markets and technological innovation.

2. You were previously Chief Executive of the Advertising Association. Has the experience you gained in this role proved useful at the PCC so far?

Yes, my experience at the Advertising Association is directly relevant to my role here, given the overlaps in the type of regulation in both industries. My primary role at the Advertising Association was to champion advertising freedom at the same time as encouraging the freedom to advertise responsibly. Both positions require strong engagement with the industries they are regulating, as well as with key opinion formers, policymakers, the government and representatives from all other political persuasions.

3. You have been in the post for 4 months now. What have been your first impressions of the PCC? Has anything surprised you?

I have been really impressed by the calibre and commitment of the small team here at the PCC. In terms of a surprise, I think the extent to which the PCC is effective in its pre-emptive work which helps to protect the interests of the reader - whether they are a celebrity or an ordinary member of the public - is really impressive. I have also been surprised by just how positive and supportive the industry is of the system of self-regulation, and the extent to which they really do abide by what I consider to be a reasonably strong and comprehensive Code of Practice.

4. What are the main issues facing the PCC at the moment?

I’d say the main issue is working out how we do more to demonstrate the effectiveness of the system, given that so much of what we do is by its very nature private. We must do all that we can to persuade both the legislature and the legal profession that there is a great deal of advantage in encouraging as many people as possible to use the PCC when appropriate, rather than going through the courts. As a lawyer myself, I know that very often the law is a very protracted, harrowing and expensive alternative. We must work hard to encourage people to use us and make ourselves even more accessible than we already are.

5. You also sit in the House of Lords as a Life Peer. How are you managing to balance both roles?

My work as Chairman of the PCC takes priority. That said, I do my best to attend the House of Lords on most days it is sitting, and I do want to continue to make a strong contribution there wherever I can.

6. How would you sum up the role of the PCC?

Simply put, it has an amazing role – albeit quite a challenging one! It is important that as the new Chairman, I try to get the balance right between building trust - through engaging with the courts, Parliament, the press and the public - whilst maintaining the strong independence of the Commission.

Baroness Buscombe recently chaired a panel discussion on the PCC’s work at an Open Day and Question Time event in Nottingham. This was her first public appointment since taking up the Chairmanship in April. To read a report in the Nottingham Evening Post, please click here.