Contents Location About the job Benefits Things you need to know Apply and further information Location Location: Hybrid Contracted to our Wilmslow, London, Edinburgh, Cardiff or Belfast office, however, we offer flexible home and office-based working opportunities. There will be regular times when you will be expected to attend the office to collaborate with colleagues or travel due to business need. About the job Job summary The Information Commissioners Office (ICO) is the independent regulator of information rights empowering people through information. In a data-driven world, we protect and safeguard the public by providing advice and enforcing the law, taking action where warranted. This includes providing advice, guidance, and support to organisations to enable compliance with legal obligations, responsible innovation and economic growth. We currently have an exciting opportunity for a motivated and influential legal professional to take the reins as our Head of Legal Profession at the ICO. This vacancy is being handled by our Executive Search Partner, Odgers Berndtson. Job description As General Counsel, you will provide high level, risk based advice to the Commissioner, the ICO Management Board, the Executive Team and the organisation regarding legal matters which have strategic implications for all aspects of the work of the ICO as a regulator. You will be central to the legal interpretation of all legislation overseen by the ICO and represent the Commissioner in a variety of legal environments both nationally and internationally. As Head of Legal Profession for the ICO, you will provide leadership of the ICO's legal service and wider legal profession. The ICO also calls upon third party external legal expertise to enhance the capacity and capability of our in house Legal Service. The General Counsel ensures any providers of third party legal expertise are providing value for money and having the impact desired. The ICO is usually represented by counsel in court proceedings, but the General Counsel may, on occasion, be required to represent the ICO if appropriate. 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. Person specification Recognised professional qualification as a Barrister or Solicitor entitled to practice in England & Wales. Current practising certificate from the Law Society or Bar Council. At least 5 years experience in a senior legal position. Experience of ensuring the provision of appropriate and effective representation in Tribunals, Higher Courts and/or other legal bodies. Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead and motivate staff, and ensure adherence to professional standards. Ability to influence internal and external stakeholders. Excellent judgement and the ability to understand and assimilate information quickly, making sound reasoned legal decisions in complex or controversial circumstances. The ability to provide timely and clear legal advice and provide possible solutions or options in response to complex problems. Personal stature to be a credible public face for the organisation. Post holders for this role will be required to receive security clearance to DV level. This requires the disclosure of spent and unspent convictions. Although convictions will be taken into account, any such information will not necessarily prevent you from obtaining a security clearance. Benefits Alongside your salary of £116,155, Information Commissioner's Office contributes £33,650 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides. Why work for the ICO? Interesting and challenging work. 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. Further details can be found on the benefits section of our website. Things you need to know Selection process details In order to apply, please submit a comprehensive CV along with a covering letter / statement of suitability which sets out your interest in the role and encapsulates the aspects of your experience relevant to the required criteria. The preferred method of application is online at: www.odgers.com/93050 If you are unable to apply online please email: matthias.nichollsodgersberndtson.com All applications will receive an automated response. All candidates are also requested to complete an online Diversity Monitoring Form which will be found at the end of the application process. This will assist ICO in monitoring selection decisions to assess whether equality of opportunity is being achieved. Any information collated from the Diversity Monitoring Forms will not be used as part of the selection process and will be treated as strictly confidential. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment. Security Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window). See our vetting charter (opens in a new window). People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks. Medical Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical. Nationality requirements This job is broadly open to the following groups: UK nationals nationals of the Republic of Ireland nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020 Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) Working for the Civil Service The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. Diversity and Inclusion The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window). Apply and further information Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. Contact point for applicants Job contact : Name : Kamille Jude Email : kamille.judeodgersberndtson.com Recruitment team Email : recruitmentico.org.uk Follow link to apply www.odgers.com/93050 Share this page Print Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn GMail