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- Tasks: Lead strategic direction and oversee management of the new Information Commission.
- Company: Join the ICO, the UK's independent authority for data protection and transparency.
- Benefits: Be part of a transformative governance model with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of data protection while promoting public trust and regulatory excellence.
- Qualifications: Strategic mindset, leadership experience, and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: This role is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
About the Information Commission
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is the UK’s independent supervisory authority with responsibility for monitoring and enforcing the application of data protection legislation in the UK.
The ICO is undergoing an exciting transformation. The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 will modernise the ICO’s governance framework to ensure it is fit for purpose, suitable to its role and remit, and relevant to the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape. The Act will replace the ICO’s governance model with a “body corporate” structure, called the Information Commission, governed by an independent board made up of non-executive members (including the Chair), alongside executive board members, including a Chief Executive Officer. The new model will spread the responsibilities of the Information Commissioner across a greater number of people, increasing the diversity and resilience of the regulator.
Appointment description
Candidates will provide strategic direction for the new Information Commission and oversee the effective management of the organisation, leveraging their extensive experience and skills to shape the direction and governance of the new Information Commission.
This will include driving the Information Commission’s development, ensuring that it is ahead of emerging risks and opportunities and is able to take relevant, focused action on a wide range of data protection and transparency matters.
Candidates must be credible individuals who can bring an independent perspective, integrity, challenge and acumen to setting and delivering the Information Commission’s strategy.
Responsibilities
Strategic clarity: Enable the Information Commission to be a strategic and successful regulator; setting this vision and ensuring all activities contribute towards it; supporting innovation and growth by promoting public trust in the data protection system; anticipating the impact of new technology as well as economic and political developments.
Regulatory oversight: Keep the Information Commission at the forefront of regulatory best practice, ensuring that high standards of data protection are implemented effectively in the UK;ensure that it is ahead of emerging risks and opportunities and is in position to take relevant, focused action on a wide range of data protection and transparency matters; providing scrutiny to executive management over the fulfilment of all of the Information Commission’s duties and statutory responsibilities.
Talent management: Ensure the Information Commission has the right people to deliver current and future needs; value diversity and inclusion in its workforce and demonstrate fair treatment of its employees and stakeholders in all aspects of its activities.
Performance monitoring: Support and challenge executives to drive performance against agreed goals and targets; monitor and steer performance against key strategic initiatives to enable sound financial management; support the Information Commission in its risk-based approach to enforcement with a focus on the most serious threats to public trust; encourage the ICO to devote resources to supporting and providing regulatory certainty to organisations, while understanding and confronting serious infringements; delivery of operational performance, service, improvements, efficiency and value for money; enabling public and Parliamentary confidence in the work of the Information Commission.
Regulation of appointment
This post is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. For more information, please refer to the Commissioner’s website
Criteria
Essential criteria
- A strategic and analytical mindset with excellent leading, influencing and communication skills, combined with an ability to offer constructive challenges to senior leaders. (lead criteria)
- A track record of successful strategic leadership, with evidence of strategic planning and delivery of high-quality outcomes.
- Demonstrable senior level experience in overseeing significant change and transformation programmes from inception to completion, including the development of clear strategies to aid performance in a fast paced and evolving environment.
- Strong ability and experience to scrutinise financial management, performance and risk management of an organisation.
- Excellent communication and relationship management skills, and the ability to represent the ICO capably to a wide range of stakeholder groups.
Please note: If we receive a high volume of applications, the panel will assess candidates against the lead criteria only as indicated above.
Desirable Criteria
- Familiarity with the legislation that the ICO oversees, including data protection and freedom of information.
- An awareness of the wider domestic and international landscape in which the ICO operates.
- Experience in promoting economic growth and assessing the impact of regulatory intervention on the economy, with an understanding of how data policy contributes to the government’s economic agenda.
- Senior experience working or consulting in the regulatory landscape, particularly risk-based regimes or establishing new regulatory approaches.
- Experience managing change programmes, or leading fast-moving organisations where innovation is commonplace and markets are constantly adapting.
- Experience in the creation/establishment of new statutory boards.
- Acute business and commercial acumen, including an understanding of the challenges facing businesses, from big tech firms to SMEs and other stakeholders, as well as providing insight into the risks and opportunities of data driven innovation and growth.
- Experience working in large scale international organisations with a tech/digital focus
- An understanding of security and privacy considerations.
Non-Executive Members employer: Information Commission
Contact Detail:
Information Commission Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Non-Executive Members
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the regulatory and data protection fields. Attend industry events, webinars, or forums where you can meet individuals who are already involved with the ICO or similar organisations. Building these connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on current trends and changes in data protection legislation. Familiarise yourself with the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 and other relevant laws. This knowledge will not only enhance your understanding but also demonstrate your commitment and expertise during discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your strategic leadership experiences in detail. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led change or transformation initiatives. Being able to articulate these experiences clearly will showcase your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with the ICO's work and its impact on public trust. Understanding their current challenges and successes will allow you to contribute meaningfully to conversations about the future direction of the Information Commission, making you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Non-Executive Members
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of a Non-Executive Member at the Information Commission. Familiarise yourself with the ICO's mission and the impact of the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your strategic leadership experience and any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to oversee significant change. Use specific examples that align with the essential criteria outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your understanding of the ICO's goals and how your skills can contribute to its strategic direction. Address the lead criteria directly and provide evidence of your analytical mindset and communication skills.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for clarity and professionalism. Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors, as these can detract from your credibility as a candidate.
How to prepare for a job interview at Information Commission
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Before the interview, make sure you have a clear understanding of the strategic direction and responsibilities of the Information Commission. Familiarise yourself with the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 and how it impacts the governance framework.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss your experience in strategic leadership and how you've successfully driven change in previous roles. Be ready to provide examples of how you've set visions and ensured that activities align with organisational goals.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a non-executive member, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, and be prepared to discuss how you've managed relationships in past positions.
✨Highlight Your Analytical Mindset
Be ready to demonstrate your analytical skills by discussing how you've scrutinised financial management and performance in previous roles. Prepare examples that showcase your ability to assess risks and make informed decisions.
