London or Cheshire location

Our work as the UK’s privacy and information rights regulator has never been more important. We hold a unique position as a regulator across the whole of the private, public and third sectors, overseeing 11 pieces of legislation.

What role could you play in providing leadership to our legal team at this exciting and important time?

About us

As an independent body serving the public, the ICO’s work is interesting and immensely rewarding – it’s of national importance and increasingly in the public eye.  We are at the forefront of providing guidance and support to organisations, direct advice to the public and enforcement of the UK’s data protection and freedom of information laws. We are involved with important issues ranging from intrusive technology, nuisance calls/texts up to the use of surveillance cameras and the privacy implications of the management of the COVID-19 pandemic.

We operate across the United Kingdom but have an international impact. For example, we work with data protection authorities across the world to share information and best practice as well as conduct joint investigations and enforcement actions.

The arrival of the GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018, has meant huge change for the regulator and we are currently strengthening our team to meet the new obligations and provide excellent public services under our increased regulatory remit.

We are continuously developing as an organisation to meet these needs.

This is a stimulating and challenging role at the absolute cutting edge of privacy and information rights.

About the Role

The General Legal Counsel will provide high level, risk-based advice to the Commissioner, the ICO management board and the organisation generally regarding legal matters which have strategic implications for the effective regulation of data protection and privacy matters and the transparency of public information.

As a member of the ICO’s Executive Team and Management Board the post holder will oversee the delivery of the ICO’s legal strategy and provide advice on important legal cases.

The post holder will be central to the legal interpretation and implementation of data protection and freedom of information law in the UK and represent the Commissioner in a variety of legal environments both nationally and internationally.

You will also help develop policies and guidelines for organisations and the public, and represent the ICO by providing legal insight at high profile events involving government departments, parliamentary committees and international bodies

As Head of Legal Profession for the ICO, the General Legal Counsel will provide leadership to the ICO’s lawyers, ensuring that they comply with relevant professional standards, and that they are inspired and motivated.

About You

You will be a qualified Barrister or Solicitor with at least five years’ experience in a senior role. Your ability to understand and assimilate information quickly will have supported your organisation to develop its strategic direction and reach sound conclusions based on the advice you have provided.

Your track record of meeting tight deadlines, providing clear legal advice and problem solving will have formed your outstanding professional reputation. You will have ensured your organisation is effectively represented by using your judgement and legal expertise, and through your experience of working with Tribunals, Higher Courts or instructing specialist external legal counsel.

Your gravitas and ambassadorial skills will have been used to great effect in developing close professional relationships in complex stakeholder environments.

Ideally, you will also have demonstrable expertise in Data Protection and Freedom of Information legislation. 

Our leadership style is inclusive and supportive, and we need you to share these values too.