Lead Policy Officer Scotland

ICO; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A public regulatory body in Scotland seeks a Lead Policy Officer to support stakeholder relationships and provide expert advice on data protection laws. This fixed-term role emphasizes flexibility with hybrid working arrangements and offers a comprehensive benefits package including 25 days paid holiday along with pension contributions. Candidates with appropriate qualifications and the ability to influence and communicate effectively at all levels are encouraged to apply before the closing date of January 25.

Benefits

25 days paid holiday

Pension

Flexible working options

Health Cash Plan

Qualifications

• Experience relevant to the role requirements.
• Knowledge of applying data protection law.
• Experience in relevant sectors.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage stakeholder relationships in Scotland.
• Support colleagues with critical relationships in Scotland.
• Represent the ICO at external meetings and events.
• Provide compliance advice to stakeholders.
• Contribute to ICO guidance development.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Ability to influence stakeholders

Education

Relevant academic or vocational qualifications

Job description

Salary

34604 - 39200 with potential for further progression to 44137pa with our pay progression scheme.

Location

Hybrid – contracted to our Edinburgh office with flexible home and office‑based working opportunities.

Secondment opportunity

This role is open to secondment opportunities. If you are interested in a secondment with the ICO please email .

Why work for the ICO

• 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.
• 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.

Job summary

This fixed‑term appointment offers a unique opportunity to join the Scottish Affairs team – a specialist department within the Strategic Communications and Public Affairs Directorate. As the voice of the ICO in Scotland and the voice of Scotland within the ICO, the team plays a pivotal role in shaping how the organisation understands influences and responds to the Scottish policy landscape.

The Information Commissioners Office (ICO) is the independent regulator of information 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

You will support colleagues to represent the ICO within Scotland and hold key stakeholder relationships. The Scotland team plays a crucial role in ensuring the ICO delivers its statutory functions and strategic objectives in Scotland and provides expert advice on Scottish public affairs legislation and policy to internal colleagues. You will manage a portfolio of specific stakeholder relationships within Scotland, provide a professional proactive and unified service, and support senior colleagues on key strategic relationships.

The role is varied and fast‑paced and also involves supporting legislative consultation, horizon scanning, parliamentary monitoring, providing regulatory advice and guidance, shaping key ICO guidance and products, and working on cross‑UK regulatory projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage the ICO’s relationship with specified stakeholders in Scotland, influencing them in a way consistent with the ICO corporate and local business plan objectives.
• Support colleagues in dealing with critical and significant relationships and issues in Scotland.
• Represent the ICO at external meetings and events with specified stakeholders, including speaking engagements.
• Provide advice on compliance to specified stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development of ICO guidance and other products where Scottish specific content is required.
• Support senior colleagues in undertaking statutory consultations on legislative proposals that involve the processing of personal data.
• Collaborate with cross‑office colleagues as required to ensure a joined‑up approach to identifying and addressing issues for action in Scotland.
• Identify systemic practices that fail to deliver good information rights outcomes in ICO priority areas and promote solutions in collaboration with colleagues.
• Contribute to the development of the ICO’s strategy and business plan for the Scotland team.
• Understand the relevant legislation, political, social and legal developments that impact on stakeholders or on information rights more generally.
• Provide coordination, admin, event and information management support to the team as required.
• Undertake any other duties required to assist with the team’s effective operation.

Essential criteria assessed at application stage

• Experience relevant to the role requirements as described in the responsibilities and person specification, accumulated through any combination of academic or vocational qualifications or experience.
• Good intellectual and analytical skills. Knowledge and experience of applying data protection law or ability to apply complex legislation to a variety of circumstances.
• Knowledge and experience of working in relevant sectors or ability to develop detailed knowledge in specified stakeholder areas.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with people at all levels and ability to influence stakeholders.

Essential criteria assessed during interview

• Effective written communication skills with ability to undertake clear and influential written communications including letters, consultation responses and meeting notes.
• Effective verbal communication skills, particularly the ability to provide clear advice in meetings and deliver presentations.
• Ability to deal with a demanding workload which may include conflicting demands on time.
• Ability to work on own initiative and as a member of a team.
• Ability to help others to develop their knowledge/experience.
• Ability to travel to meetings and events across Scotland and elsewhere in the UK (possibly outside office hours).

Equality, diversity and inclusion

The ICO is committed to promoting and enhancing equality, diversity and inclusion. We are focused on developing a workforce that is representative of the communities we serve and together we are building an inclusive workplace where all of our colleagues have the opportunity to make a real difference. We are championing this through our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Board together with a number of staff networks.

Candidates with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for this vacancy will be invited to interview as part of the ICO’s commitment to the Disability Confident Scheme.

If you are disabled or have an impairment and require an alternative application method please email the HR team at .

Closing Date

Please submit your CV by 25 January 23:59.

Employment details

Lead Policy Officer Scotland • Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

Fixed term until October 2026. Full time / Part time.

Clearance Required for this role: Not Applicable.