Graduate Officer in Manchester

Location: Hybrid (contracted to Manchester). From Autumn 2026 our head office will relocate from Wilmslow to Manchester city centre. You will be contracted to the Manchester office; however, we offer hybrid working options and you will be able to split your time between home and office.

Discover the programme: Our two-year Graduate Scheme will enable you to gain hands‑on experience across a wide range of teams and projects. You’ll complete four six‑month rotations across different directorates of the ICO, giving you a broad understanding of our work and helping you discover where your strengths and interests lie. Although the scheme lasts two years, you’ll join on a permanent contract, offering long‑term career opportunities beyond your rotations. Whether it’s supporting strategic initiatives, contributing to operational delivery, or helping shape policy and guidance, you’ll be at the heart of protecting people’s information rights in a digital age.

Rotations will include, but are not limited to:

• Regulatory Policy – working on shaping guidance and policy that influences how organisations handle personal data.
• A Strategy and Support Function – contributing to organisational transformation by working with key enabling teams that drive change and innovation.
• Regulatory delivery – gaining experience in areas directly responsible for regulatory engagement and enforcement, ensuring compliance and protecting individuals’ rights.

Key Responsibilities: During your time with us, you’ll have the chance to get involved in a variety of tasks, which could include:

• Conducting research and analysis, summarising findings to support decision making and to help prepare insights using appropriate tools and formats.
• Contributing to drafting a range of documents, including meeting papers, briefings, presentations, and correspondence for internal and external audiences.
• Assisting with organising meetings, preparing materials, and recording actions.
• Supporting planning, coordination and delivering projects or campaigns.
• Helping maintain accurate project documentation to support reporting and decision‑making.
• Taking part in meetings and sharing ideas.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across teams and functions.
• Helping maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Supporting with tracking risks and issues and developing responses.

Learning and Development: Structured induction and onboarding, on-the-job learning during rotations, access to mentoring and coaching from experienced colleagues to guide your development, professional development workshops to build technical and soft skills, networking opportunities across the ICO, including graduate cohorts, staff networks, and cross‑team projects, and guaranteed support to complete a qualification, starting in year two of the programme. The exact programme will be agreed in partnership, taking account of previous qualifications and career aspirations.

Who we are looking for: We’re looking for graduates who are motivated by making a positive impact and eager to learn. Curiosity, adaptability, and a commitment to protecting people’s information rights are key to success at the ICO.

Essential Criteria Assessed At Application:

• You should have, or be on track to achieve, at least a 2:2 degree in any discipline.
• You must have the Right to Work in the UK without requiring sponsorship.
• Strong written communication skills.
• Experience of working in a team environment (e.g. through work, volunteering, or university projects).
• Motivation to learn, adapt, and take on new challenges.
• Ability to manage time effectively and prioritise tasks.
• Ability to work collaboratively and build positive relationships.

Essential Criteria Assessed At Interview/Assessment Centre:

• Motivation to learn, adapt, and take on new challenges.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience of working in a team environment (e.g. through work, volunteering, or university projects).
• Ability to effectively use Microsoft 365 applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
• Ability to manage time effectively and prioritise tasks.
• Ability to work collaboratively and build positive relationships.

What Matters To Us Is Your Ability To:

• Work collaboratively and build strong relationships across teams.
• Think critically and approach challenges with a solution‑focused mindset.
• Communicate clearly and confidently.
• Show integrity and uphold our values of being curious, impactful, inclusive, and working collaboratively.

Why work for the ICO?

• Providing meaningful work that makes a real difference in protecting people’s information rights.
• Championing diversity and inclusion, ensuring everyone can develop and progress without barriers.
• Supporting well‑being, with flexible working options and initiatives to help you stay safe and well.
• Creating an environment where people are valued and respected, and where your voice matters.

We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace. Alongside flexible working and well‑being initiatives, we have trained mental health first aiders and a range of staff networks focused on diversity and inclusion, helping you feel connected and supported throughout your time with us.

Your future at the ICO: You’ll be recruited on a permanent contract; after completing the programme, you’ll have the opportunity and support to apply for roles.

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.

How to apply and closing date: Please submit your CV and complete the application by 23:59, 15 March 2026. 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.