Criminal Investigations Officer

Overview

The ICO Investigations department handles cases forwarded for criminal investigation under the legislation the ICO regulates, and cases considered for enforcement action under that legislation. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is the independent regulator of information rights. We provide advice, guidance, and support to organisations to help them comply with obligations while protecting individuals and their personal data. We are committed to making a positive difference to the lives and careers of our people and empower a culture of curiosity, impact, collaboration and respect.

Responsibilities

• Act as primary or supporting investigating officer, under the direction of the Criminal Investigations Manager, by managing a caseload of investigations.
• Make decisions about day-to-day priorities and obtain all necessary evidence to ensure investigations are of sufficient depth.
• Assess the weight, value and relevance of evidence at the start and throughout investigations, involving the legal team where appropriate early on.
• Ensure criminal investigations are completed in a timely and effective manner in accordance with criminal law and procedures (e.g., PACE, CPIA, RIPA & HRA).
• Submit telecommunications and directed surveillance applications to the Telecommunications SPoC and, where applicable, to the Head of Investigations in line with ICO policy, procedure and the law.
• Make applications for search warrants to the court, and ensure premises searches are thorough and safe.
• Attend Court and Tribunals and give evidence on behalf of the Commissioner.
• Provide support and advice to other ICO departments on investigations, including liaising with the ICO Intelligence Hub to submit intelligence reports and share information as appropriate.
• Comply with the ICO\’s information governance policies and procedures, including information security.
• Provide a high standard of customer service to all parties, managing expectations sensitively and communicating clearly in writing, face to face and by phone.
• Develop and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders as directed.
• Attend internal and external meetings and events, and give presentations where necessary.
• Provide briefing or guidance material to other ICO departments or senior staff as required.
• Collate and submit files of evidence for consideration by the ICO Legal Department as necessary.

Requirements and Eligibility

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. A security clearance to SC level is required; this requires the disclosure of spent and unspent convictions. Convictions will be considered, but will not necessarily prevent obtaining a security clearance. Feedback will be provided only if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check and meet the security requirements before appointment. The level of security needed is security check. See our vetting charter. Baseline Personnel Security Standard checks apply for those working with government assets.

Skills and Experience

• Experience relevant to the role requirements as described in the role responsibilities and person specification, gained through academic, vocational qualifications or experience.
• Good intellectual and analytical ability to develop knowledge and apply complex legislation to various circumstances.
• Ability to manage investigations and work to a demanding workload with prioritisation.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills at all levels; ability to give presentations to small groups.
• Proficiency in standard office IT packages (Word, Excel, Outlook).

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The ICO is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion. We aim for a workforce representative of the communities we serve and foster an inclusive workplace where colleagues can make a real difference. This is supported by our Equality Diversity and Inclusion Board and staff networks.

Location and Working Arrangements

Contracted to our Wilmslow office; flexible home and office-based working is available. Occasional office attendance to collaborate or travel may be required. From Autumn 2026, the head office will relocate from Wilmslow to Manchester city centre.

Benefits and How to Apply

• Pay progression scheme; hybrid and flexible working options.
• 25 days paid holiday per year plus public holidays, with flexi leave up to 26 additional days per year.
• Pension (employer contribution around 28.9%).
• Online discount scheme; Health Cash Plan; opportunities for development and progression.
• Additional details available in the benefits section of the ICO website.

Disability and Ethnic Minority Interview Guarantee
Candidates with a disability who meet the minimum criteria will be invited to interview as part of the Disability Confident Scheme. Candidates who identify as belonging to an ethnic minority and meet the minimum criteria will be guaranteed an interview in support of our EDI objectives.