Head of Legislative Policy in Wilmslow

Lead a high‐performing, multi‐disciplinary team shaping the ICO's response to major government reforms. As the organisation's expert legislative voice, you'll steer evidence‐based policy positions, provide trusted advice to government, and ensure the ICO's remit is protected and strengthened.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the team, in partnership with the Director, to provide expert insight and advice on the breadth of the ICO's legislative framework.
• Lead multi‐disciplinary teams to develop key policy positions and advise on the ICO's view on the impact of proposed legislative changes on people, businesses, government and the ICO.
• Be fully conversant with all relevant legislation and political, social, and legal developments that impact on the ICO's role and remit.
• Contribute to identifying and assessing emerging social, legislative and economic trends that are likely to have an impact on privacy, data protection and information rights, ensuring the implications for the ICO are identified and effectively communicated.
• Build effective relationships with key stakeholders and influencers to drive change and further the ICO's information rights objectives.
• Lead in developing and presenting relevant policy positions and recommendations to the ICO's Senior Leadership and Executive Teams and Commissioner's Management Board as necessary.
• Brief the Commissioner and senior colleagues in writing and verbally.
• Provide effective leadership to colleagues ensuring they are clear about expected standards, motivated and developed to provide effective and efficient services in line with the ICO's values.
• Develop and nurture a high performing, diverse and talented workforce, creating the right environment and culture to enable all to perform, seek, provide and receive feedback and continuously learn and supporting managers to lead their teams.
• Ensure that appropriate and effective mechanisms are in place to produce and monitor key performance indicators to ensure service delivery is in line with agreed standards.
• Manage assigned financial and other resources.
• Seek continuous improvement in all areas of responsibility, especially on excellence in service delivery.
• Proactively identify and implement changes.
• Manage and lead on projects and initiatives ensuring outcomes are achieved on time and in budget.
• Participate on behalf of the Commissioner/ICO at meetings and events and take part in media activity where senior representation is required.
• Participate in the ICO's leadership activities, to contribute to corporate initiatives, including business planning and reporting processes.
• Identify opportunities to enhance, and address risks to, the ICO's reputation and to make recommendations for developing the ICO's strategic approach.
• Commission and be accountable for external research to inform ICO policy development.
• Ensure outputs are in line with requirements and delivered on time and within budget.

Person Specification – Essential Criteria (Application Stage)

• Substantial experience of leading and managing people.
• Experience of successfully developing and implementing forward looking and proactive policy and guidance.
• Significant experience in a representational or negotiating role.
• Excellent analytical and policy development skills and knowledge of risk and project management processes.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.

Person Specification – Essential Criteria (Interview Stage)

• Experience of interpreting and applying complex legislation to particular situations and the ability to engage in debate about these issues.
• Knowledge of the regulatory environment, and the democratic and political framework relevant to the post.
• Understanding of the emerging strategic issues likely to have an impact on future regulation of privacy and data protection.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.

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 difference. Candidates with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for this vacancy will be invited to interview as part of the ICO's commitment to the Disability Confident Scheme. The ICO also guarantees an interview to candidates who identify as belonging from an ethnic minority background and who meet the minimum criteria for this vacancy.

Security Clearance

Post holders for this role will be required to receive security clearance to SC level, requiring disclosure of spent and unspent convictions. Although convictions will be taken into account, any such information will not necessarily prevent you from obtaining a security clearance.

Benefits

• 25 days paid holiday per year, plus public holidays.
• Flexi leave (up to 26 additional days leave per year).
• Pension with an employer contribution around 28.9%.
• Health Cash Plan.
• Pay progression scheme.
• Hybrid and flexible working options.
• Discount scheme for major supermarkets, retailers, gyms, restaurants, insurance providers and more.