Are you interested in privacy and transparency?
Do you think information about people should be protected properly?
Do you have excellent analytical and communication skills?
Can you lead a team to make a positive difference to information rights?
About us
As an independent regulator serving the public, the Information Commissioner upholds information rights for all. The ICO does this by promoting openness in public bodies, as well as data privacy for individuals, using our powers to enforce the law where necessary.
About the role
The Policy Directorate is responsible for the ICOs information rights policy including how we interpret the laws we enforce. It plays an important role in influencing stakeholders, writing guidance, providing internal training and making available clear and consistent lines and advice on the legislation regulated by the ICO. It deals with some of the most high profile issues of the day from compliance issues of strategic importance to major public policy issues. It is also forward looking analysing intelligence and undertaking research and policy development in key information rights areas. And with information rights more important than ever with the strengthening of our data protection laws, our Group Managers lead their teams’ work focussed on the key information rights issues of the day.
About you
The role requires excellent analytical ability and strong communication skills. We need people who can prioritise competing issues and tasks in a very varied workload and contribute effectively as part of a team often with demanding deadlines. You need to be able to lead a team and ensure it achieves its objectives often in fast moving and challenging environments. Degree educated or equivalent, you will have a strong interest in the information rights landscape. Whilst knowledge of information rights laws would be desirable we would also welcome applications from those who can demonstrate experience of applying similarly complex legislation and the ability to adapt quickly.
The focus of the work is not just on leading a team but also taking responsibility for our engagement with important and senior level stakeholders, developing the ICO’s policy positions, producing influential guidance and undertaking projects aimed at developing our information rights laws further. You will need to get to the heart of some of the most complex issues we deal with at pace developing practical outcomes. This can involve taking significant decisions with far reaching effects. You will need to be a clear and confident communicator both with the written and spoken word.
Our posts are mainly based in our Wilmslow Head Office but we have a post leading a new team with staff in central London aimed at strengthening our engagement with parliament. You may be required to travel to engagements throughout the UK, sometimes further afield. Therefore, your ability travel and willingness to work outside of normal office hours is essential.
Why work for us?
- Flexible working hours, including flexi leave;
- Civil Service Pension;
- 25 days paid holiday a year with options to buy, sell, and bank days;
- Extra ‘privilege’ days in addition to normal public holidays;
- Compressed working-hours options;
- Part-time working and job sharing;
- Excellent learning and development opportunities;
- Health cash plan;
- Colleague assistance scheme;
- Access to many discounted products and services;
- Welfare and family friendly policies;
- Childcare voucher scheme;
- Staff medical scheme and eyesight testing;
- Home working possible (after probationary period).