Job Description

Details

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Reference number

419340

Salary

42,593 - 48,245
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
GBP

Job grade

Senior Executive Officer

Contract type

Fixed term

Length of employment

until October 2026

Business area

ICO - Policy

Type of role

Policy

Working pattern

Full-time

Number of jobs available

1

Contents

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Location About the job Benefits Things you need to know Apply and further information

Location

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Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, London, Wilmslow

About the job

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Job summary

Senior Policy Officer - Adequacy - Fixed term contract until October 2026

Full time / Part time

Salary

: 42,593

-

48,245

, with potential for further progression to

54,317

with our pay progression scheme.

Location: Flexible



Contracted to our Wilmslow, London, Edinburgh, Cardiff or Belfast office, however, through hybrid working we offer flexible home and office-based working opportunities. There will be times when you will be expected to attend the office to collaborate with colleagues or travel due to business need.

Why work for the ICO?

Pay progression scheme. Hybrid and flexible working options. 25 days' paid holiday per year, plus privilege and public holidays. Flexi leave (up to 24 additional days' leave per year). Pension (employer contribution around 28.9%). Online discount scheme to save money at major supermarkets, retailers, gyms, restaurants, insurance providers and many more. Health Cash Plan. Fantastic development opportunities to learn and progress.


Further details can be found on the benefits section of our website .

About Us

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) is the independent regulator of information rights. In a data-driven world, we provide advice, guidance and support to organisations enabling compliance with their obligations, as well as protecting individuals and their personal data.



As an employer, we are passionate about making a positive difference to the lives and careers of our people, and we empower you to be curious, impactful, collaborative and respectful.

Job description

In an increasingly digital world, the responsible use of personal data is an issue which transcends national borders. As such, to effectively protect the UK public's personal information in this digital global environment, the ICO cooperates and acts internationally, and recognises the need to be agile in an ever-changing world.


The International Regulatory Cooperation Directorate is responsible for promoting ICO's information rights policy internationally. It plays an important role in influencing both national and international stakeholders, and deals with some of the most high profile data protection and privacy issues in society, from compliance matters of strategic importance to major public policy initiatives.


The Directorate is also responsible for responding to statutory consultations by the UK Government on new UK data adequacy regulations under article 36(4) GDPR and section 182(2) DPA 2018, making it easier for organisations to send data internationally. This work is set out in Memoranda of Understanding with the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT, formerly DCMS) and the Home Office for general processing and processing for law enforcement purposes respectively.



The UK Government consults the Commissioner at various stages in its process. Working under the direction of the Group Manager, the successful candidate will undertake timely and thorough reviews of information provided in support of a new data adequacy assessment, providing advice and guidance, both verbally and in writing, to internal and external stakeholders throughout the process. While the ICO does not make its own assessment of another country, territory or international organisation, it provides independent assurance on the process followed and the factors UK Government officials have taken into consideration.


The post holder will be required to draft responses to consultations by DSIT and the Home Office in accordance with internal and external timelines, as well as an Opinion issued by the Commissioner to Parliament to consider alongside any new regulations.


The post holder will contribute to the development and maintenance of the ICO's internal procedures and record management. The role also demands development of good working relationships across the International Regulatory Cooperation Directorate, other ICO departments and with UK Government departments to ensure both visibility of the Government's plans for UK adequacy assessments and to enable the ICO to fulfil its role. There may also be opportunity to contribute to the ICO's wider work on international transfers policy and guidance.

Key Responsibilities

Reviewing and producing written reports on adequacy assessments in line with developed processes and procedures. Contributing to, or leading where appropriate, the refinement and implementation of procedures to enable the ICO to review UK Government adequacy assessments in an efficient manner. Reviewing and providing comments or advice in relation to questions or issues concerning UK Government adequacy assessments and processes. Collaborating with team colleagues to progress and deliver key outputs. Corresponding and liaising with internal and external stakeholders, providing advice and guidance on established adequacy processes as appropriate. Attending meetings with a range of stakeholders. Assisting with updating ICO templates, procedures and knowledge base relating to adequacy processes. Liaising and working with cross-departmental colleagues in relation to adequacy processes and procedures. Providing advice to decision-makers regarding possible solutions, options and issues necessary to ensure compliance with processes and procedures when complex or novel issues arise. Assisting with preparation of input for briefs for ICO attendees at external meetings and conferences. Contributing to the ICO's work programme in relation to international transfers. Contributing to the development of the ICO's strategy and departmental business plan.

Person specification

Essential criteria assessed at application stage

Experience relevant to the role requirements, as described in the role responsibilities and person specification, and accumulated through any combination of academic or vocational qualifications or experience. Around five years' work experience at a graduate level in a policy related role. At least two years' experience of working in data protection or a regulatory environment. Experience of working with legal and regulatory requirements. Knowledge of, or experience of working within, the global data protection landscape and/or data protection law in different countries. Excellent written communication skills. Excellent organisational skills, ability to prioritise and manage own workload effectively.

Essential criteria assessed at interview stage

Excellent intellectual and analytical ability, including knowledge of data protection law, with the ability to rapidly develop expertise. Ability to assimilate and digest large volumes of information. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including dealing with technical and legal professionals. Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to negotiate and maintain professional working relationships. Good judgment, with the ability to make considered decisions. Experience of successfully liaising with senior staff in external organisations and representing your organisation.

Benefits

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Alongside your salary of 42,593, Information Commissioner's Office contributes 12,339 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
Please visit ico.jobs for full details, including salary and benefits.

Things you need to know

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Selection process details

Equality, diversity, and inclusion

The ICO is committed to promoting and enhancing equality, diversity, and inclusion. We are focused on developing a workforce that is representative of the communities we serve and together we are building an inclusive workplace where all of our colleagues have the opportunity to make a real difference. We are championing this through our Equality Diversity and Inclusion Board together with a number of staff networks. Read more about our commitment on our website.
If you have a disability or impairment and have difficulty using our online application system, please email the HR team at recruitment@ico.org.uk who can arrange for you to submit an application via an alternative method.

Closing Date

Please submit your CV and cover letter by

23:59 on Sunday 10th August 2025

We reserve the right to close this vacancy before this date should we receive sufficient applications. Please apply as soon as possible to ensure your application is considered.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Medical

Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:


UK nationals nationals of the Republic of Ireland nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020 Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements

Working for the Civil Service

Please note this Post is NOT regulated by the Civil Service Commission.
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy .

Apply and further information

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Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

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Job contact :

Name : recruitment@ico.org.uk Email : recruitment@ico.org.uk
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Recruitment team

* Email : recruitment@ico.org.uk