Senior Policy Officer - AI Policy

Information Commissioner's Office; Wilmslow; Hybrid; GBP 43,000; Full time

Job summary

A national regulatory body is seeking a Senior Policy Officer to contribute to AI and Biometrics Strategy. This role involves policy analysis, implementation of new legislation, and engaging with various stakeholders. Candidates should have strong communication skills and experience in policy or regulatory environments. Flexible working options are available, and the position offers a salary of £42,593 with additional pension contributions.

Benefits

25 days paid holiday

Flexible working options

Health Cash Plan

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a policy or regulatory role.
• Experience working with complex legislation or operational rules.
• Understanding of political, economic, and technological developments.

Responsibilities

• Analyse and develop AI policy responses.
• Support implementation of Data Use and Access Act 2025.
• Produce clear policy products including briefings and reports.
• Engage with industry and civil society to communicate policy lines.

Skills

Excellent written communication skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Judgment and problem-solving skills

Job description

Overview

We are currently recruiting for two Senior Policy Officers (one permanent and one fixed term until March 2027) to join the AI Policy team. The post holder will contribute to delivery of the ICO's AI and Biometrics Strategy, working on topics such as foundation models or automated decision-making. They will also support the implementation of relevant provisions of the Data Use and Access Act, working closely with colleagues across the ICO and with external partners.

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is the independent regulator of information rights. 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. This is an opportunity to shape the ICO\'s approach to an area of major technological and policy importance, helping to ensure that AI is used responsibly and in a way that protects people\'s rights while enabling innovation.

Responsibilities

• Analyse and develop policy responses to the challenges posed by foundation models and generative AI, including issues of data protection, transparency, explainability, fairness and accountability.
• Support implementation of the Data Use and Access Act 2025, including input to guidance, codes and regulatory tools relevant to AI and ADM.
• Gather, synthesise and evaluate evidence from technical, legal, and socio-economic perspectives to inform ICO policy lines.
• Produce clear and accurate policy products, including briefings, reports, consultation responses and public guidance.
• Engage with industry, civil society, academia, government and other regulators to inform the ICO\'s work and communicate policy lines.
• Work closely with colleagues in legal, supervision, communications and strategy teams to ensure joined-up delivery of AI and Biometrics projects.
• Take responsibility for delivering discrete projects or work packages within the AI and Biometrics Strategy, reporting progress and risks to senior colleagues.
• Represent the ICO at working-level meetings, workshops and conferences, presenting ICO positions clearly and professionally.

Minimum requirements / Qualifications

• Experience relevant to the role requirements, as described in the role responsibilities and person specification, and accumulated through any combination of academic or vocational qualifications or experience.
• Significant relevant working experience in a policy, regulatory, technology-based or legal role will be an advantage.
• Experience of working with complex information which could include legislation or operational rules and procedures. Experience of applying data protection or associated legislation will be an advantage.

Essential criteria assessed during interview

• Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to analyse complex issues and formulate clear and persuasive arguments for a range of audiences.
• The ability to use good judgement and problem solving skills in order to take sound and potentially high profile decisions.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to negotiate and maintain good relationships with senior officials in assigned stakeholder areas.
• An understanding of wider political, economic and technological developments in the UK and overseas.
• Ability to work as a member of a project team to deliver defined objectives under pressure.

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. Read more about our commitment on our website.

Location and working arrangements

Contracted to our Wilmslow, London, Edinburgh, Cardiff or Belfast office, however, we offer flexible home and office-based working opportunities. There will be times when you will be expected to attend the office to collaborate with colleagues or travel due to business need. Please note, from Autumn 2026 our head office will move from Wilmslow to Manchester city centre.

Why work for the ICO?

• 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 to save money at major supermarkets, retailers, gyms, restaurants, insurance providers and many more.
• Health Cash Plan.
• Fantastic development opportunities to learn and progress.

Other details

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.

Alongside your salary of £42,593, Information Commissioner\'s Office contributes £12,339 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.