Sarah Andrew
About Sarah Andrew
Sarah Andrew serves as the Head of Online and On Demand Standards at Ofcom and is the Legal Director at Avaaz. With extensive experience in legal compliance across various media organizations, she possesses significant expertise in the online social and gaming industries.
Current Role at Ofcom
Sarah Andrew serves as the Head of Online and On Demand Standards at Ofcom, a position she has held since 2012. In this role, she oversees the regulatory framework for online content and on-demand services, ensuring compliance with established standards. Her tenure at Ofcom has spanned over a decade, during which she has contributed to the development of policies that address the evolving landscape of digital media.
Experience at Avaaz
Since 2019, Sarah Andrew has been the Legal Director at Avaaz, an organization focused on global activism. In this capacity, she provides legal guidance and oversight, ensuring that the organization's initiatives align with legal standards. Her role involves navigating complex legal landscapes while advocating for social change.
Previous Positions in Media Law
Prior to her current roles, Sarah Andrew held various legal positions in the media sector. She worked at Channel 5 as Head of Legal Compliance and Programmes from 1997 to 2000. She also served as Head of Compliance at BBC/UKTV from 2000 to 2012. Additionally, she was a lawyer at Channel 4 from 1994 to 1997 and began her career as a solicitor at Goodman Derrick LLP from 1990 to 1994.
Educational Background
Sarah Andrew has a strong academic foundation in law and media studies. She earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Law and Politics from the University of Nottingham from 1983 to 1986. She furthered her education with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Art and Media from the University of the Arts London from 2000 to 2004. Additionally, she obtained a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Audio Visual Culture from University College London (UCL) from 2005 to 2007.
Industry Influence and Advocacy
Sarah Andrew possesses extensive knowledge and influence within the online social and gaming industries. She has engaged with various government departments, regulators, NGOs, and charities, facilitating industry-led solutions through policy development and research projects. Her advocacy for new technology reflects her creative background and commitment to advancing industry standards.