Information Commissioner's Office
Lawyer - Data Privacy Advice
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Lawyer - Data Privacy Advice
Lawyer – Data Privacy Advice
Location Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, London, Wilmslow (Hybrid)
Job Summary
- Role: Lawyer – Data Privacy Advice
- Contract Type: Full-time / Part-time
- Salary: £57,815 - £65,021 pa, with progression potential to £73,211 pa under the pay progression scheme
- Working Model: Hybrid with flexibility for home and office-based work
Why Work for the ICO?
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) offers:
- Pay progression scheme for career growth
- Hybrid & flexible working options
- 25 days paid holiday (plus privilege/public holidays)
- Flexi leave (up to 26 additional days per year)
- Employer pension contribution (~28.9%)
- Discount schemes (supermarkets, retailers, gyms, etc.)
- Health Cash Plan
- Development opportunities with a commitment to continuous learning
About the Role
This is a critical and transformative role as the ICO transitions into the Information Commission, reflecting the evolving regulations under the Data (Use and Access) Act and the new corporate strategy.
You’ll work within the ICO Legal Service (Data Privacy Advice team), working on high-profile data protection and cyber security cases, providing legal advice on cutting-edge issues, particularly under:
- UK GDPR
- Data Protection Act 2018
- Freedom of Information Act 2000
- Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (PECR)
- Network and Information Systems Regulations 2018 (NIS 2018)
Reporting to Executive Team and the ICO’s General Counsel, you’ll:
- Act as a point of reference for legal guidance
- Support legal decision-making across teams
- Supervise junior legal staff where appropriate
- Collaborate with external lawyers as needed
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Key Responsibilities
- Deliver timely, high-quality legal advice across the ICO, balancing risk assessment with regulatory commitments
- Provide expert advice to decision-makers on complex data protection/cyber matters
- Manage a matters caseload, ensuring due diligence, compliance with ICO policies, and alignment with regulatory priorities
- Ensure compliance accuracy in ICO guidance documentation
- Represent the ICO externally in hearings, public speaking engagements, and compliance-related events
- Develop and deliver in-house legal training
- Oversee the legal workflow of support staff to ensure standards compliance
Person Specification
Essential Criteria (Assessed at Application Stage)
- Must be qualified to practise as a Solicitor, Barrister, or Chartered Legal Executive in England & Wales — or hold an equivalent practising qualification (proven experience may justify Solicitors’ Qualifying Examinations in certain cases)
- Active practising certificate (or eligibility for one) issued by the Law Society or Bar Council
- Post-qualification experience in information law or ability to develop expertise in this field quickly
- Demonstrated experience in strategic legal advice in regulatory environments, with knowledge of public law principles (or readiness to upskill)
- Experience instructing external lawyers and engaging with external organisations
Essential Criteria (Assessed During Interview)
- Exceptional written & verbal communication skills
- Clear legislative interpretation & application to complex situations
- Ability to analyze and assimilate information rapidly, supporting sound legal decision-making
- Skilled legal analysis & problem-solving
- Proven ability to manage workloads efficiently under pressure
- Understanding of regulatory environments & public sector operations
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Work Climate & Process
- Security Clearance: Criminal record checks and Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) requirements apply.
- Medical Assessment: Mandatory upon appointment.
- Eligibility for Applicants: Priority for UK/EU nationals, international applicants with valid UK work rights, and specific groups (see full nationality requirements):
Individual categories covered include:
- Nationals of Commonwealth countries with UK work rights
- EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein nationals, and EUSS applicants
- Turkish nationals with UK work rights
Note: This post is not regulated by the Civil Service Commission.
Diversity & Inclusion
The ICO emphasises equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Disability Confident Scheme Applicants: You’ll be considered for interview if you meet the essential criteria.
- Alternative Application Support: Email recruitment@ico.org.uk for reasonable adjustments.
Closing Details
- Applications Close: 23:59 on Wednesday, 15th July 2026 (apply early to avoid early closure).
- Cover Letter: No more than 1,000 words clearly demonstrating how you meet essential criteria.
- Selection Process: Interviews begins w/c 10th August 2026.
- Feedback: Provided only if you attend interviews/assessments.
- AI Warning: Applications plagiarized or AI-generated will be withdrawn, and internal candidates may face disciplinary action. Refer to Candidate Guidance for ethical application processes.
Contact
Email: recruitment@ico.org.uk
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