At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead policy development on cloud technologies and influence digital regulation.
- Company: Join the ICO, a key player in data protection and technology policy.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, generous holiday, and health benefits.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact at the intersection of tech and public interest.
- Qualifications: Experience in policy or tech environments with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 57815 - 65021 £ per year.
End Date: 28 May 2026
Full time / Part time
Salary: £57,815- £65,021, with potential for further progression to £73,211 on our pay progression scheme.
Location: Hybrid, Contracted to our London, Wilmslow, Edinburgh, Cardiff or Belfast office. Our Wilmslow office will be relocating to Manchester city centre from 28 September 2026; after the move your contracted office will be Circle Square, Manchester. Through hybrid working we offer flexible home and office‑based working opportunities and there will be times when you will be expected to attend the office to collaborate with colleagues or travel due to business need.
Why work for the ICO?
- Pay progression scheme.
- 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.
Job Summary
The Technology Department is the ICO’s hub for cutting‑edge technology expertise, leading the development of innovative policy and regulatory approaches to new and emerging technologies. Our work sits at the intersection of advanced tech and public interest, tackling complex, high‑impact challenges that shape the future of digital regulation. If you want to work at the frontier of technology and policy, this is where your impact will matter.
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.
Job Description
As a Principal Policy Advisor specialising in Cloud Services, you will lead the development of policy positions and regulatory guidance on cloud technologies. You will ensure that ICO policy reflects technological realities and supports compliance with UK data protection law. This role bridges technology and policy, influencing national and international standards for cloud adoption. The ICO is an influential digital regulator both internationally and domestically, consulting key decision‑makers on technology policy. This is an opportunity for you to influence high‑impact policy and undertake work at the forefront of innovation. You will enjoy substantial autonomy, often working directly with more senior colleagues, including members of the ICO Executive and Senior Leadership Teams, and will regularly provide advice and expertise in internal briefings and at external events and meetings. You may also work directly with external researchers or technologists, and industry fora as part of this role.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development of ICO policy on cloud computing, including public, private, hybrid, and multi‑cloud environments.
- Draft and publish guidance, codes of practice, and policy statements on cloud‑related issues.
- Provide expert advice to senior leadership on the regulatory implications of cloud technologies.
- Engage with government, industry, and international bodies to shape policy and standards for cloud services.
- Monitor emerging trends (e.g. edge computing, serverless, containerisation) and assess their policy impact.
- Support investigations and enforcement actions by providing policy interpretation and advice.
- Represent the ICO at conferences, working groups, and stakeholder meetings on cloud‑related topics.
- Collaborate with technical advisors to ensure policy is informed by sound technical understanding.
Person specification
Essential Criteria Assessed at Application Stage
- Significant relevant experience, which could have been gained from a policy, operational or corporate environment.
- Experience interpreting complex information, which could include legislation or operational rules and procedures.
- Excellent understanding of the technology sector and internet economy, including associated data protection and internet safety issues.
- Strong understanding of the wider parliamentary, democratic, political and regulatory framework in the UK and overseas.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to negotiate and maintain good relationships with senior stakeholders in all areas of public life and make sound judgements.
Essential Criteria Assessed During Interview
- Experience working in a technology and/or digital focused environment, with significant privacy, innovation and/or regulatory elements.
- Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to analyse complex information and legislation, and to formulate clear and persuasive arguments for a range of audiences.
- Experience of leading successful projects from concept to sign‑off.
- Excellent verbal communication and presentation skills and an ability to represent the ICO with a range of stakeholders.
- Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities.
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. 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 belong to an ethnic minority background and who meet the minimum criteria for this vacancy.
If you are disabled or have an impairment and require an alternative application method, please email the HR team at recruitment@ico.org.uk.
Closing Date
Please submit your CV and cover letter by 23:59, 27 May. Your cover letter should be no more than 1,000 words and should clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria for the role. We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. To ensure your application is considered, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application, please contact us at recruitment@ico.org.uk. In the event of a high volume of applications, we may not be able to invite all candidates who meet the minimum criteria to interview. However, we encourage you to stay in touch and apply for future roles that match your interests. 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.
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Principal Policy Adviser - Cloud Services employer: Information Commissioner’s Office
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that champions innovation and collaboration at the intersection of technology and public policy. With flexible hybrid working options, generous leave entitlements, and a strong commitment to employee development, the ICO empowers its staff to make a meaningful impact in the realm of digital regulation. Join us in our London, Wilmslow, Edinburgh, Cardiff, or Belfast offices, and be part of a team dedicated to shaping the future of data protection while enjoying a supportive and inclusive workplace culture.
Contact Details:
Information Commissioner’s Office Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Policy Adviser - Cloud Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those already working at the ICO or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info on what they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in cloud technology and data protection. Show us that you’re not just knowledgeable but also passionate about the intersection of tech and policy.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Principal Policy Adviser. We want to hear how you can make an impact and lead the development of innovative policies.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at the ICO.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Policy Adviser - Cloud Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Policy Adviser role. Highlight your relevant experience in policy development and cloud technologies, and don’t forget to showcase your understanding of data protection laws!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be a reflection of your passion for technology and policy. Use it to explain how your skills align with the job description and why you’re excited about the opportunity at the ICO.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent written communication is key for this role, ensure your application is clear, concise, and free of jargon. Use straightforward language to demonstrate your ability to analyse complex information.
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close the vacancy early if we get a lot of applications, so get your CV and cover letter in as soon as possible through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Information Commissioner’s Office
✨Know Your Cloud Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in cloud technology, like edge computing and serverless architecture. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the basics but are also engaged with the cutting-edge developments in the field.
✨Master the Policy Landscape
Familiarise yourself with UK data protection laws and how they relate to cloud services. Be prepared to discuss how these regulations impact both businesses and consumers, as well as your thoughts on potential improvements or changes.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves engaging with senior stakeholders and presenting complex information, practice articulating your ideas clearly and persuasively. Consider preparing a brief presentation on a relevant topic to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Think about past experiences where you've led projects or navigated complex regulatory environments. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure, as these will be key in the interview.
