Graduate Officer

Graduate Officer

Two Year Graduate Scheme

Contract:Permanent

Salary:32000 per annum

Location:Hybrid(contracted to Manchester)

From Autumn 2026 our head office willrelocatefrom Wilmslow to Manchester city will be contracted to the Manchester office; however we offer hybrid working options and you will be able to split your time between home and office.

Graduates joining us can look forward to a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Pay progression scheme

• Hybrid and flexible working options

• 25 days paid holiday per year plus privilege and public holidays

• Flexi leave (up to 26additionaldays per year)

• Employer pension contribution of around 28.9%

• Online discount scheme to save money at major supermarkets retailers gyms restaurants insuranceprovidersand many more

• Health Cash Plan

• Fantastic development opportunities to learn and progress

Further details can be found on the benefits section ofourwebsite.

Discover the programme

Our two-year Graduate Scheme will enable you to gain hands-on experience across a wide range of teams and projects.Youllcomplete four six-month rotations across different directorates of the ICO giving you a broad understanding of our work and helping you discover where your strengths and interests lie.Although the scheme lasts two yearsyoulljoin on a permanent contract offering longterm career opportunities beyond your rotations.

Whetheritssupporting strategic initiatives contributing to operational delivery or helping shape policy and guidanceyoullbe at the heart of protecting peoples information rights in a digital age.

Rotationswillinclude but are not limited to:

• Regulatory Policy working on shaping guidance and policy that influences how organisations handle personal data.

• A Strategy and Support Function contributing to organisational transformation by working with key enabling teams that drive change and innovation.

• Regulatory delivery gaining experience in areasdirectly responsiblefor regulatory engagement and enforcement ensuringcomplianceand protecting individuals rights.

Key Responsibilities

During your time with usyoullhave the chance to get involved in a variety of tasks which could include:

• Conductingresearch and analysis summarising findings to support decision making and to help prepare insights usingappropriate toolsand formats.

• Contributingto drafting a range of documents including meeting papers briefings presentations and correspondence for internal and external audiences.

• Assistingwith organising meetings preparing materials and recording actions.

• Supportingplanning coordination and deliveringprojects or campaigns.

• Helpingmaintainaccurateproject documentation to support reporting and decision-making.

• Takingpart in meetings and sharingideas.

• Workingcollaboratively with colleagues across teams and functions.

• Helpingmaintainrelationships with internal and external stakeholders.

• Supportingwith tracking risks and issues and developingresponses.

These are examples of the types of work you might doyour experience will vary depending on your team and projects.

Learning and Development

Wellsupport you every step of the way with:

• Structured induction and onboarding

• On-the-job learning during rotations

• Access to mentoring and coachingfrom experienced colleagues to guide your development

• Professional development workshopsto build technical and soft skills

• Networking opportunities across the ICO including graduate cohorts staff networks and cross-team projects

• Opportunities to build skills in policy regulation stakeholder engagement and project delivery

• Guaranteed support to complete aqualification starting in year two of the programme. The exact programme will be agreed in partnership taking account ofpreviousqualifications and career aspirations.

Who we are looking for

Werelooking for graduates who are motivated by making a positive impact and eager to learn. Curiosity adaptability and a commitment to protecting peoples information rights are key to success at the ICO.

Essential criteria assessed at application:

• You should have or be on track to achieve at least a 2:2 degree in any discipline.

• You must have the Right to Work in the UK without requiring sponsorship.

• Strong written communication skills

• Experience of working in a team environment (e.g. through work volunteering or university projects)

• Motivation to learn adapt and take on new challenges

• Ability to manage time effectively and prioritise tasks

• Ability to work collaboratively and build positive relationships

Essential criteria assessed at interview/assessment centre:

• Motivation to learn adapt and take on new challenges

• Strong written and verbalcommunication skills

• Experience of working in a team environment (e.g. through work volunteering or university projects)

• Ability to effectively useMicrosoft 365 applications (Word Excel PowerPoint Teams)

• Ability to manage time effectively and prioritise tasks

• Ability to work collaboratively and build positive relationships

What mattersto us isyour ability to:

• Work collaboratively and build strong relationships across teams

• Think critically and approach challenges with a solution-focused mindset

• Communicate clearly and confidently

• Show integrity and uphold our valuesof beingcurious impactfulinclusiveandworkingcollaboratively.Values and behaviours ICO

Our colleagues come from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds so whatever your degree discipline you can apply.

Whywork forthe ICO

Our commitment is to create an environment where you can thrive. We achieve this by:

• Providing meaningful work that makes a real difference in protecting peoples information rights.

• Championing diversity and inclusion ensuring everyone can develop and progress without barriers.

• Supporting well-being with flexible working options and initiatives to help you stay safe and well.

• Creating an environment where people are valued and respected and where your voice matters.

Werecommitted to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace. Alongside flexible working and well-being initiatives we have trained mental health firstaiders and a range of staff networks focused on diversity and inclusion helping you feel connected and supported throughout your time with us.

Your future at the ICO

Youllbe recruited on a permanent contract; after completing the programmeyoullhave the opportunityand supportto apply forroles.

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 whereall ofour colleagueshave the opportunity tomake a real difference. We are championing this through our Equality Diversity and Inclusion Board together witha number ofstaff networks. Read more about our commitment on our website.

Candidates with a disability who meet theminimumcriteria for this vacancy will be invited to interview as part of the ICOs commitment to the Disability Confident Scheme.

As part of the ICOs commitment to our EDIobjectivesand creating a workplace thatrepresentsthe communities and societies we serve we guarantee an interview to candidates who declare they identify as belonging from an ethnic minority background and who meet theminimumcriteria for this vacancy

If you are disabled or have an impairment and require an alternative application method please email the HR team at.

How to apply andclosing date

Pleasesubmityour CV andcomplete the applicationby23:5915March 2026.

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.

In the event ofa high volume of applications we may not be able to invite all candidates who meet theminimumcriteria tothe next stage.However we encourage you stay in touch and apply for future roles that match your interests.

All candidates who meet theminimumcriteria and apply in-line with our guaranteed interview scheme for disabled and ethnic minority applicants will be interviewed.

We expect all applications and assessments to reflect your own work. Please do notsubmitanswers completed by someone else or generated using AI tools orsimilar software. Doing so may result in your application being withdrawn. Our process is designed to give you the best chance todemonstrateyour own skills and potential.

Assessment Process

We want to make our recruitment process fair and transparentandwewant you to feel supported and informed at every step.Hereswhat you can expect:

StageOne:Online Application

• Submit your CV and complete application questions thatdemonstrateyour skills andcapabilities.

StageTwo:OnlineInterview

• Candidates successfully passing stageonewill be invited to a shorttelephone orMicrosoft Teamsinterview.The interview will typically last around 15-20 minutes.

StageThree:Assessment Centre

• If shortlistedyoullbe invited to an assessment centre in Manchester City Centre which includes:

• Presentation

• Group exercise

• Interview

StageFour:Final Outcome

• Successful candidates will receive an offer to join the Graduate Scheme startingSeptember2026.

Indicative Timeline:

• Applications open:23February2026

• Applications close:15March 2026

• Online Interview:w/c 13thand 20thApril

• Assessment centres:w/c11May2026

• Offersmade:w/c 25May 2026

If you have any questions or would like to discuss either of the schemes in more detail please contact.

Ready to shape the future of data protection Apply now and start your journey with us.