Job Description
Reference number
447520
Salary
£44,297 - £49,813
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
GBP
Job grade
Senior Executive Officer
Contract type
Permanent
Fixed term
Length of employment
up to 12 months
Business area
ICO - Policy
Type of role
Policy
Working pattern
Full-time
Number of jobs available
2
Contents
Location
About the job
Benefits
Things you need to know
Apply and further information
Location
Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, London, Wilmslow
About the job
Job summary
Senior Policy Officer Adequacy
Full time / Part time
Salary: £44,297- £49,813, with potential for further progression to £56,082 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. Please note from Autumn 2026 our head office will be relocating from Wilmslow to Manchester city centre.
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 Commissioners 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 publics 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 ICOs 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 ICOs 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 Governments plans for UK adequacy assessments and to enable the ICO to fulfil its role. There may also be opportunity to contribute to the ICOs 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 ICOs work programme in relation to international transfers.
Contributing to the development of the ICOs strategy and departmental business plan.
Please note were also recruiting for a 12-month fixed term Senior Policy Officer role in our Bilateral Engagement team within the International Directorate. The work of this team is central to our ability to create and develop bilateral partnerships in support of our international objectives for our regulatory priorities. This includes working with key priority international partners to organise information sharing and capacity building activity, and leading underpinning work such as the development of international MoUs. We will consider your application for both roles unless you advise us otherwise
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
Alongside your salary of £44,297, Information Commissioner's Office contributes £12,832 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
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
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 Monday 16th February 2026
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.
We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. To ensure your application is considered, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application, please contact us at recruitment@ico.org.uk.
In the event of a high volume of applications, we may not be able to invite all candidates who meet the minimum criteria to interview. However, we encourage you stay in touch and apply for future roles that match your interests.
All candidates who meet the minimum criteria and apply in-line with our guaranteed interview scheme for disabled and ethnic minority applicants will be interviewed.
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
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
Job contact :
Name : recruitment@ico.org.uk
Email : recruitment@ico.org.uk
Recruitment team
Email : recruitment@ico.org.uk
447520
Salary
£44,297 - £49,813
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
GBP
Job grade
Senior Executive Officer
Contract type
Permanent
Fixed term
Length of employment
up to 12 months
Business area
ICO - Policy
Type of role
Policy
Working pattern
Full-time
Number of jobs available
2
Contents
Location
About the job
Benefits
Things you need to know
Apply and further information
Location
Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, London, Wilmslow
About the job
Job summary
Senior Policy Officer Adequacy
Full time / Part time
Salary: £44,297- £49,813, with potential for further progression to £56,082 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. Please note from Autumn 2026 our head office will be relocating from Wilmslow to Manchester city centre.
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 Commissioners 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 publics 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 ICOs 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 ICOs 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 Governments plans for UK adequacy assessments and to enable the ICO to fulfil its role. There may also be opportunity to contribute to the ICOs 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 ICOs work programme in relation to international transfers.
Contributing to the development of the ICOs strategy and departmental business plan.
Please note were also recruiting for a 12-month fixed term Senior Policy Officer role in our Bilateral Engagement team within the International Directorate. The work of this team is central to our ability to create and develop bilateral partnerships in support of our international objectives for our regulatory priorities. This includes working with key priority international partners to organise information sharing and capacity building activity, and leading underpinning work such as the development of international MoUs. We will consider your application for both roles unless you advise us otherwise
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
Alongside your salary of £44,297, Information Commissioner's Office contributes £12,832 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
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
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 Monday 16th February 2026
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.
We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. To ensure your application is considered, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application, please contact us at recruitment@ico.org.uk.
In the event of a high volume of applications, we may not be able to invite all candidates who meet the minimum criteria to interview. However, we encourage you stay in touch and apply for future roles that match your interests.
All candidates who meet the minimum criteria and apply in-line with our guaranteed interview scheme for disabled and ethnic minority applicants will be interviewed.
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
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
Job contact :
Name : recruitment@ico.org.uk
Email : recruitment@ico.org.uk
Recruitment team
Email : recruitment@ico.org.uk
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Senior Policy Officer - Adequacy position is now open for candidates interested in the Office Assistant Jobs sector. This role in London offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Office Assistant Jobs is a plus.
