Investigation Support Officer

Overview

The Investigations department take risk-based, proportionate and effective regulatory action under the Data Protection Act (DPA), General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR). The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is the independent regulator of information rights. In a data-driven world, we provide advice, guidance, and support to organisations enabling compliance with their obligations, as well as protecting individuals and their personal data. As an employer, we are passionate about making a positive difference to the lives and careers of our people, and we empower you to be curious, impactful, collaborative and respectful.

As the Investigation Support Officer you will primarily be responsible for providing support to the privacy and digital marketing investigation team who have responsibility for investigations targeting individuals and organisations causing harm to the general public through nuisance calls and messages. You will also have the opportunity to support and learn about the work of all the teams across the directorate.

The role of Investigation Support Officer is varied and you will be responsible for a wide range of duties required to support the work of all members of the investigation team in order to help with the achievement of ICO objectives.

• To provide general investigative and administrative support for the core functions of the Investigation teams, including through case research and enquiries, preparing requests for information from third parties, analysis of data and assisting with preparation for operational activity such as the execution of search warrants.
• To act as Directorate Secretariat providing support to ICO Senior Management, Private Office and Team Management.
• To assist team management through the development and drafting of case specific briefings, reports and through the compilation of timely and accurate management information.
• Act as secretariat and minute taker for high profile meetings, including regulatory action meetings and those held with external stakeholders including law enforcement agencies and other regulatory bodies.
• Administer the case management systems to make sure records, access controls and supporting policies are up to date.
• Provide good customer service to all parties, managing expectations sensitively and communicating clearly, regularly and at an appropriate level, in writing, face to face and over the telephone.
• Develop and maintain up to date knowledge of relevant UK legislation particularly the Data Protection Act (DPA), General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR).

Qualifications and experience

• 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.
• Please note that post holders for this role will be required to receive security clearance to SC level. This requires the 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.
• Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

• Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
• Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).
• See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
• People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Experience and attributes

• Experience relevant to the role requirements, as described in the role responsibilities and person specification, and accumulated through any combination of academic or vocational qualifications or experience.
• Experience of applying DPA, GDPR or similarly complex legislation.
• Excellent intellectual ability in order to be able analyse complex legislation and to apply it to particular cases, and to understand the business of organisations across the public sector.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to negotiate and maintain good relationships with officials in all areas of public life.
• Ability to rapidly assimilate and digest large volumes of information.
• Ability to prepare/present briefings/reports. Production of statistics, management information, charts etc.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage actions and activity and prioritise key work-streams.
• Good judgement and ability to take high profile decisions.
• Strong communication skills including excellent written 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. 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.

Working arrangements

Contracted to our Wilmslow office, however, 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 relocate from Wilmslow to Manchester city centre.

Why work for the ICO?

• Pay progression scheme.
• Hybrid and flexible working options.
• 25 days paid holiday per year, plus privilege and 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.

Further details can be found on the benefits section of our website. 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. As part of the ICO\’s commitment to our EDI objectives and creating a workplace that represents the communities and societies we serve, we guarantee an interview to candidates who declare they identify as belonging from an ethnic minority background and who meet the minimum criteria for this vacancy. Alongside your salary of £26,652, Information Commissioner’s Office contributes £7,721 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.