Senior Information Access Officer in Belfast

Salary 44297 - 49813pa with potential for further progression to 56082 with our pay progression scheme.

Location Hybrid Office Contracted to our Wilmslow, London, Edinburgh, Belfast or Cardiff 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 to Manchester city centre.

Why work for the ICO:

• Hybrid and flexible working options.
• 25 days paid holiday per year plus public holidays.
• Flexi leave (up to 26 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.

The ICO must be a model of good practice in complying with the legislation it regulates. The Senior Information Access Officer is responsible for handling the most complex high‑profile or novel requests for information from receipt to completion. They are also responsible for providing advice to colleagues across the business and for making decisions about information access issues including disclosure. The role is central to protecting the ICO's reputation as the information‑rights regulator by ensuring that all statutory obligations in relation to information request handling are met and appropriate codes of practice and guidance are followed.

Key Responsibilities:

• Respond to information requests from receipt to completion largely autonomously and in accordance with all statutory obligations, codes of practice and guidance, thereby minimising the reputational risk of non‑compliance.
• Maintain an in-depth knowledge of the relevant legislation, regulations, codes of practice and tribunal/court decisions in order to be able to take decisions relating to the interpretation scope and outcomes of information requests including the application of exemptions.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of internal developments and work going on at the ICO, particularly in relation to high‑profile areas or corporate challenges.
• Provide trusted advice to senior management about information requests which are sensitive or high‑profile and need senior management sign‑off, ensuring that such cases are brought to the attention of relevant senior staff and others with a need to know.
• Take decisions relating to information access and, in particular, provide cover for the Group Manager when they are unavailable.
• Exercise discretion and judgement taking into account all relevant factors which might affect the decision‑making process.
• Deal with enquiries from the press office and other colleagues about the disclosure of ICO information.
• Respond to requests for the exercise of other individuals' rights under data protection law.
• When complaints are made, respond to the ICO in its capacity as regulator.
• Build an effective network of contacts including senior staff, enabling the smooth processing of requests.
• Contribute to the development of the ICO's information governance strategy and business plan for the Group.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of internal request‑handling procedures for the effective, consistent and compliant handling of information requests.
• Conduct internal reviews in line with procedures and guidance.
• Contribute to quality assurance procedures for request handling.
• Work to encourage a consistent approach to information access across the ICO.
• Contribute and assist in the process of transferring records to The National Archives.
• Contribute to local and cross‑office strategic projects as required.

Essential criteria assessed at application stage:

• Experience relevant to the role requirements as described in the role responsibilities and person specification, accumulated through any combination of academic or vocational qualifications or experience.
• Substantial relevant experience in case handling.
• Proven experience of applying information rights legislation or similarly complex legislation.
• Around 3 years work experience in an Information Rights role.
• Ability to use standard office IT packages.

Essential criteria assessed at interview stage:

• Excellent intellectual ability to analyse complex legislation and to be able to apply it to particular cases and situations.
• Ability to rapidly assimilate and digest large volumes of information.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to negotiate and maintain good relationships with senior staff both internally and externally.
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritise and meet deadlines, particularly when handling information requests.
• Strong communication skills, including excellent written and verbal skills.
• Proven ability to exercise judgement and to take high‑profile decisions.

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 impact. 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 require an alternative application method please email the HR team.

Closing Date: Please submit your CV and cover letter by 23:59 on Sunday 1st February 2026. Your cover letter should be no more than 1,000 words and should clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria for the role. 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.