Senior Policy Officer

Information Commissioner's Office

Senior Policy Officer shaping responsible data protection innovation and regulatory supervision at the UK Information Commissioner’s Office. Advising stakeholders on emerging technology, privacy by design and information rights.

Posted 8/20/2026full-timeManchester • 🇬🇧 United KingdomSenior💰 £44,297 - £49,813 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in data protection law, regulatory supervision, and policy development, with strong analytical and communication skills to influence stakeholders and promote responsible innovation in technology contexts.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Data Protection LawRegulatory SupervisionPolicy DevelopmentStakeholder EngagementAnalytical Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Complex Issue AnalysisEvidence-Based Decision MakingLegislation UnderstandingResearch SkillsProject Documentation

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsNegotiation SkillsProblem-Solving SkillsWritten CommunicationPresentation Skills

Certifications & Qualifications

Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) Clearance

Industry Keywords

Information Rights LegislationEmerging TechnologiesData Protection by DesignPrivacy-Friendly InnovationHorizon Scanning

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support the ICO’s strategic approach to regulatory supervision, responsible innovation, and use of personal data in digital and emerging technology contexts
Develop, produce and deliver written and verbal advice on complex data protection, regulatory, policy and innovation issues
Analyse complex issues, undertake research, and use evidence and insight to inform policy development and decision-making
Develop and maintain expertise in information rights legislation, data protection law, emerging technologies, and related developments
Build and maintain relationships with innovators, regulators, businesses, senior stakeholders and other organisations
Collaborate across the ICO on policy development, regulatory coordination and joined-up approaches
Identify emerging issues, risks, opportunities and technology trends through horizon scanning
Maintain accurate records of engagement, progress and project documentation
Support supervision of big tech platforms and improvements in data processing approaches, including AI and children’s privacy
Influence senior stakeholders and external organisations through negotiation
Coordinate cross-ICO collaborative projects and liaison
Advise organisations, innovators and regulatory partners on embedding data protection in product and service development
Develop partnerships and engagement opportunities
Promote data protection by design, privacy-friendly innovation and responsible use of personal data
Contribute to business planning, activity reporting and performance measurement
Represent the ICO at meetings, workshops, conferences, industry events, regulatory forums and public speaking engagements in the UK and internationally

Requirements

What you’ll need

Significant relevant working experience in a policy, regulatory, technological or legal based role will be an advantage
Experience working with complex information, including legislation or operational rules and procedures
Strong interpersonal skills, including negotiation and maintaining relationships up to senior management level
Good judgement and problem-solving skills for sound, evidence-based decisions
Excellent ability to analyse complex issues and formulate clear, persuasive arguments
Excellent written, oral and presentation skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Understanding of wider political, economic, and technological developments in the UK and overseas
Ability to travel to meetings and events in the UK and occasionally overseas, possibly outside office hours
Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance required

Benefits

Comp & perks

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 at major supermarkets, retailers, gyms, restaurants, and insurance providers
Health Cash Plan
Fantastic development opportunities to learn and progress
Disability Confident Scheme guaranteed interview for qualifying disabled candidates
Guaranteed interview for qualifying ethnic minority candidates