Head of Legislative Reform

<p><strong>Wilmslow, Cheshire with remote working options </strong></p>
<p>New technologies and innovations in data use are driving fast-paced social and economic benefits that are shaping our society now and in the future. At the heart of these developments is our personal data: data about our behaviour, our interests, our spending patterns, our loves and likes, our beliefs, our health, sometimes even our DNA. This makes data protection a vibrant and exciting area of policy, with a substantial impact on our commercial and cultural activities, and  the way in which our society  operates.</p>
<p>What role could you play in helping position ICO to make the most effective possible contribution to data reform?</p>
<p><strong>About us</strong></p>
<p>As an independent regulator  serving the public, the work of the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is interesting and immensely rewarding.  We uphold information rights in the public interest, promoting openness by public bodies and data privacy for individuals. Our work has never been so high profile or important.</p>
<p>In the last year we have been involved with prominent issues ranging from addressing the use of intrusive technology in our personal lives, to the privacy implications of the management of the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>
<p><strong>About the role</strong></p>
<p>The government is currently consulting on the future of data protection legislation. The ICO is engaging with this process as an expert, trusted advisor, bringing our experience of regulating the current legislation and explaining our work to date to ensure we have the structures and processes in place to deliver on our remit.</p>
<p>The Head of Legislative Reform will join the ICO’s Legislative Reform Directorate, working with the Director to support and advise on government’s data reform ambitions. The focus on legislative reform is expected to last for in the region of 12 months, after which the post-holder will join the Regulatory Futures Directorate, overseeing strategic policy work across the ICO’s remit.</p>
<p>Your activities in this role will range from understanding the implications of forward looking policy proposals, delivering significant policy responses to priority areas and leading engagement with key decision makers and influencers in the UK and internationally.</p>
<p>You will make a tangible contribution to shaping the ICO’s information rights agenda, achieved through high level policy analysis and development, effective business planning and the development and motivation of assigned colleagues.</p>
<p>You will also develop and lead work to identify and assess emerging social, legislative and economic trends that are likely to have an impact on privacy and data protection, ensuring the implications are identified and effectively communicated to the ICO’s senior leaders.</p>
<p>As part of this work you will also lead in developing and presenting relevant position and decision papers to the ICO’s Senior Leadership and Executive as necessary.</p>
<p><strong>About you </strong></p>
<p>For this exciting and important role we require an individual with tangible experience of  developing forward looking and proactive policy, as well as representation and negotiation at a senior level. You will also need to demonstrate experience of interpreting and applying complex legislation to particular situations and the ability to engage in debate about these issues. Knowledge of data protection and privacy issues as well as the democratic, political and regulatory issues around them would be advantageous but not essential.</p>
<p><strong>How to apply</strong></p>
<p>To learn more about us and find out how to apply, please view our dedicated microsite: <strong>hays.co.uk/jobs/ico</strong></p>
<p>The ICO is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in employment and we welcome applications from all members of the community. We would particularly like to encourage applications from women and from people who are from an ethnic minority background, who are currently under-represented at a senior level within our organisation.</p>