The ICO

This is a pivotal time for data protection and privacy and the ICO’s work as the UK’s information rights regulator has never been more relevant. As an independent regulator, we uphold information rights in the public interest, promoting openness by public bodies and data privacy for individuals. In the last year we have been involved in important issues ranging from intrusive technology to the battle to stop the scourge of nuisance calls and marketing.  

Our work is interesting and immensely rewarding and our Regulatory Portfolio Office plays a key role in our success – supporting the Regulatory Delivery Board (RDB) to plan and deliver its strategic programme of work - supporting projects and programmes that relate directly to delivery of our agreed regulatory outcomes and plans.  

The Regulatory Portfolio Office reports into the Chief Regulatory Officer and works closely with the ICO’s Strategic and Transformational Change Executive Directorate. The Regulatory Portfolio Office is one of three ICO functions undertaking project and programme delivery, the other two focussed on delivery of the ICO’s IT, capacity, capability and cultural strategies and plans. The Regulatory Portfolio Office works in close partnership with directorates across our regulatory functions to prioritise, select, maintain and effectively implement a pipeline of initiatives that support the ICOs ambitions and objectives. 

The role

We are excited to be expanding our Regulatory Portfolio team and are looking for two Programme Managers who role model the ICO values - ambitious; collaborative and service focussed - when leading people, programmes and projects to drive forward impact and change. 

Programme managers oversee delivery of the Regulatory Delivery Board strategic plans, managing the prioritisation, design and implementation of projects and programmes across the ICO’s Regulatory Directorates including prioritisation assessment, resource planning, dependency management and progress reporting to the RDB and wider Corporate Boards. You will be expected to lead and inspire collaboration and coordination across teams and projects - always thinking big and insisting on high standards to ensure benefits are realised and maximum impact delivered. Programme Managers maintain day to day programme oversight of a programme portfolio working alongside and through Executive Team, Directors and senior managers across the ICO to effectively communicate an ambitious and bold direction that inspires results.  

The roles will be based at our head office in Wilmslow, however the ICO embraces a flexible working policy which may include opportunities for remote working where suitable. 

About you  

As a Programme Manager, within the Regulatory Portfolio Office you will have the opportunity to further develop your programme management skills and contribute to the enhancement of the ICO’s overall governance and project control environment. As well as demonstrable knowledge of programme and project management processes tools and techniques we expect you to have evidence of everyday leadership - whether that’s inspiring performance in others, setting a positive example, calculated and responsible risk taking, or deciding on the best approach to solving a problem. 

The Regulatory Portfolio Office supports delivery of large scale, cross service initiatives that support delivery of our regulatory remit, including our Regulatory Governance programme that seeks to review and transform our approach to prioritisation and integrate existing processes into a simple, standardised and scalable toolkit for ICO staff. 

To be successful in the role you will need strong judgement and the ability to manage upwards and use your initiative to transform recommendations into implementable programme plans.  

You will be an action orientated person with proven experience of managing competing demands on your time, have excellent communication and negotiation skills and an understanding of how to create and communicate an ambitious and bold direction that inspires results.  

How to apply

Please visit the ICO website to apply online prior to the closing date of 23:59, Monday 31 May 2021