At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Information Commission, ensuring effective data protection and governance.
- Company: The Information Commission, the UK's independent authority for data protection.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £120,000, hybrid working, and a chance to shape data regulation.
- Other info: Initial appointment term of 4 years with opportunities for significant influence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on data protection and privacy in a rapidly evolving landscape.
- Qualifications: Proven strategic leadership and board-level experience in high-profile organisations.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 120000 £ per year.
The Chair will be expected to:
- Provide leadership, oversight and strategic direction to the Information Commission, ensuring it delivers its statutory functions effectively, independently and in the public interest.
- Bring together the diverse perspectives and experiences of Board members to guide discussion, establish effective ways of working and shape a professional and accountable Board culture.
- Oversee the performance of the Board and its members.
- Provide challenge and support to help the Information Commission deliver its objectives, ensuring sound financial management, good corporate governance and regular performance oversight.
- Ensure the Information Commission has the skills and capability required to respond to current and future regulatory challenges in a rapidly evolving data and digital landscape.
- Promote diversity, inclusion and fair treatment across its workforce.
- Consider the government’s wider strategic priorities, including promoting economic growth and showing commitment to proportionate, risk-based regulation that minimises burdens whilst protecting individual rights.
- Represent the Information Commission with authority and credibility to the public, industry, civil society, Ministers, Parliament, international partners and the public.
Essential Criteria:
- A track record of successful strategic leadership to set direction on complex, technical or rapidly evolving issues and to drive forward priorities of the organisation.
- Extensive board-level experience in high-profile organisations, with a proven ability to lead diverse boards, foster constructive challenge, build consensus and ensure effective governance and decision-making.
- A proven ability to scrutinise and challenge the running of an organisation, including its financial, performance and risk management.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to represent a high-profile organisation with authority to a wide range of stakeholders.
- Demonstrable ability to work closely with the executive team and other internal and external stakeholders and build trusted relationships.
Desirable criteria:
- Senior experience working or consulting in the regulatory landscape either domestically or internationally, preferably in areas relevant to the Information Commission’s remit.
- An understanding of the Information Commission’s work, priorities and challenges and the context within which it operates.
Terms of appointment:
- Appointment term: An initial period of 4 years
- Remuneration: £120,000 per annum.
- Time Commitment: The Chair will be expected to commit to an average of 3 days per week (156 days per year).
- Location: Hybrid. The Information Commission headquarters will be located in Manchester, UK.
- Attendance: The Chair will be expected to attend board meetings and similar engagement at the Information Commission’s offices in Manchester and London.
Nature of Appointment: This appointment is made by His Majesty the King on the recommendation of the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology. The post holder will be an officeholder and not an employee of the Department or the public body.
Application Process: A CV of maximum two pages and an accompanying covering letter setting out suitability for the role of no more than two pages.
Equality and Diversity: We encourage applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds and across the whole of the United Kingdom.
Chair of the Information Commission employer: Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
As a leading department within the UK government, DSIT offers an exceptional work environment that prioritises flexibility, collaboration, and innovation. Employees benefit from a culture that champions diversity and inclusion, alongside opportunities for professional growth through leadership roles and cross-departmental initiatives. With locations across major cities like London, Cardiff, and Edinburgh, team members can enjoy a dynamic work-life balance while contributing to impactful projects that shape the future of technology and economic growth in the UK.
Contact Details:
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology Recruitment Team
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We think this is how you could land Chair of the Information Commission
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We think you need these skills to ace Chair of the Information Commission
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