Really independent, really

The BBC Board is looking for two editorial advisers to work for them for 15 days a year, on a 'competitive' salary.  But the ad is clear that they must be 'independent', with 'significant experience outside the BBC'. 

To make it even clearer, they list these criteria (which, if applied at Ofcom, would exclude 75% of the current Content Board). 

The criteria by which independence will be assessed will include whether a candidate:

• Has been an employee of the BBC, or BBC Group within the last five years
• Has or has had within the last three years a material business relationship with the BBC either directly, or as a partner, shareholder, director or senior employee of a body that has such a relationship with the BBC
• Has received or receives additional remuneration from the BBC apart from a Director’s fee or an appearance fee for media interviews; or has close family ties with any of the BBC’s advisers, directors or senior employees