Senior Policy Officer - Adequacy
Senior Policy Officer - Adequacy
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Job Description
Senior Policy Officer Adequacy Fixed term contract until October 2026
Full time / Part time
Salary: 42593 - 48245 with potential for further progression to 54317 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 relocate 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 ourwebsite.
About Us
The Information Commissioners Office (ICO) is the independent regulator of information 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 Summary
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.
Job Description
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.
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.
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 are championing this through ourEquality Diversity and Inclusion Boardtogether 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 atwho can arrange for you to submit an application via an alternative method.
Closing Date
Please submit yourCV and cover letter by23:59 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.
Required Experience:
Senior IC
Employment Type
Full-Time
