General Counsel Reports to: Deputy Chief Executive (Chief Operating Officer) Salary: £116,155 - £141,007 pa, with potential for further progression to £165,858 pa with our pay progression scheme. 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. Closing date: 23:59 on Sunday 26 January 2025 This vacancy is being handled by our Executive Search Partner, Odgers Berndtson. 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. Job summary The Information Commissioner’s 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. 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. 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. 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. How to apply 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. Contact details For a conversation in confidence, please contact: Kamille Jude kamille.judeodgersberndtson.com Odgers Berndtson are committed to ensuring everyone can access their website and application processes. This includes people with sight loss, hearing, mobility and cognitive impairments. Should you require access to these documents in alternative formats, please contact matthias.nichollsodgersberndtson.com. Also, if you have any comments and/or suggestions about improving access to the application processes please don't hesitate to contact response.managerodgersberndtson.com .