Head of Legislative Policy

Responsibilities

• 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 in order 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 that they are clear about expected standards of performance, 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. Managing 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,

Benefits

Additional Information

Head of Legislative Policy Full time / Part time Salary: £72,146 - £81,952, with potential for further progression to 92,273 with our pay progression scheme. Location: Hybrid Contracted to our Wilmslow, London, Edinburgh, Cardiff or Belfast office. Our Wilmslow office will be relocating to Manchester city centre from 28 September 2026. Once the move takes place 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 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 . Job summary 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. This is a role for someone who thrives on influence, clarity, and impact, turning complex legislative change into confident, strategic direction. 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 Your activities range from identifying emerging issues and understanding the implications of forward-looking policy and legislative proposals, to delivering significant policy responses and impactful policy products whilst leading engagement with key decision makers, influencers and stakeholders in the UK and internationally. You will lead, develop, and nurture a highly performing, diverse and talented workforce. You will create a culture that motivates staff, promotes innovation, and delivers results.

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