Appointment details

Information Commission Chair

Summary

• Organisation: Information Commission
• Sponsor department: Department for Science, Innovation & Technology
• Location: Various
• Sectors: Digital and Technology
• Skills: Change Management, Communication, Technology / Digital, Regulation
• Number of vacancies: 1
• Time commitment: 3 day(s) per week
• Remuneration: £120,000 per annum
• Length of term: 4 years
• Application deadline: 11:55pm on 19 August 2026

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Timeline for this appointment

1. Opening date

   15 July 2026

2. Application deadline

   11:55pm on 19 August 2026

3. Sifting date

   22 September 2026

4. Interviews expected to end on

   6 November 2026

Timeline dates are only an estimate and can change

About the appointment

Introduction from the Minister

Dear Candidate,​​

Thank you for your interest in becoming Chair of the Information Commission.​​

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is undergoing an exciting transformation as it transitions to a new governance model. The Information Commission has been established by the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 and, later this year, will take over the ICO’s functions to become the new independent UK data protection regulator.​

Like its predecessor, the Information Commission will sit at the heart of the UK’s data and digital landscape and will play a critical role in maintaining public trust, upholding high data standards and ensuring personal data is used responsibly and innovatively to deliver economic and social benefits. The new board structure of the Commission will bring together a diverse range of skills, experience and perspectives to steer the regulator through a fast-changing landscape, ensuring it can successfully deliver on its ambitious agenda.​

As Chair, you will lead the Information Commission through a period of technological development, increasingly complex data-driven services, and evolving expectations around transparency and accountability. You will help the Commission navigate this environment and shape the strategic direction of the organisation, ensuring that it regulates with rigour, transparency, and in a proportionate manner.​

You will work closely with counterparts across the regulatory landscape to promote coherence and alignment, particularly on issues such as AI governance, protecting children’s privacy, improving cross sector data use and information resilience, and digital innovation. Your leadership will play an important part in maintaining the UK’s reputation for high standards in data protection while fostering an environment where responsible innovation can thrive.​

We are looking for an individual with exceptional strategic vision, strong judgement, and the ability to collaborate effectively across industry, government and civil society. This role requires a deep commitment to public service and to protecting the rights and interests of people across the UK.​

If you believe you have the skills, experience and ambition to lead the Information Commission through this important next chapter, we very much look forward to hearing from you.​ 

The Rt Hon. Ian Murray MP     ​

Minister for Digital Government and Data ​

Appointment description

The Chair will be expected to:  ​

• Provide leadership, oversight and strategic direction to the Information Commission, ensuring it delivers its statutory functions effectively, independently and in the public interest.   ​
• Bring together the diverse perspectives and experiences of Board members to guide discussion, establish effective ways of working and shape a professional and accountable Board culture. Oversee the performance of the Board and its members.  ​
• Provide challenge and support to help the Information Commission deliver its objectives, ensuring sound financial management, good corporate governance and regular performance oversight.   ​
• Ensure the Information Commission has the skills and capability required to respond to current and future regulatory challenges in a rapidly evolving data and digital landscape. Promote diversity, inclusion and fair treatment across its workforce.  ​
• Consider the government’s wider strategic priorities, including promoting economic growth and showing commitment to proportionate, risk-based regulation that minimises burdens whilst protecting individual rights.  ​
• Represent the Information Commission with authority and credibility to the public, industry, civil society, Ministers, Parliament, international partners and the public.  ​

Organisation description

The Information Commission was established by the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 to succeed the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) as the UK’s independent supervisory authority with responsibility for monitoring and enforcing the application of data protection legislation in the UK. ​

Later this year, the Information Commission will be taking over all the functions and responsibilities of the ICO. In doing so, the Commission will be responsible for the regulation of personal data protection and privacy and electronic communications legislation and will also be empowered to take regulatory action under other legislation, including the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Network and Information System Regulations 2018.

In line with these responsibilities, the Commission will inherit a range of important public-facing functions. These include providing advice to individuals about their information rights and obligations, handling complaints, and taking proportionate action to improve organisations’ information rights practices, enforcing the law where necessary. The Commission will also play a significant role internationally in upholding and developing high standards of data protection.​

Person specification

Essential criteria

• A track record of successful strategic leadership to set direction on complex, technical or rapidly evolving issues and to drive forward priorities of the organisation. (Lead criteria)

• Extensive board-level experience in high-profile organisations, with a proven ability to lead diverse boards, foster constructive challenge, build consensus and ensure effective governance and decision-making.  

• A proven ability to scrutinise and challenge the running of an organisation, including its financial, performance and risk management.  

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to represent a high-profile organisation with authority to a wide range of stakeholders.

• Demonstrable ability to work closely with the executive team and other internal and external stakeholders and build trusted relationships. 

Please note: If we receive a high volume of applications, the panel will assess candidates against the lead criteria only as indicated above.

Desirable criteria

• Senior experience working or consulting in the regulatory landscape either domestically or internationally, preferably in areas relevant to the Information Commission’s remit.

• An understanding of the Information Commission’s work, priorities and challenges and the context within which it operates.  

Application and selection process

About this appointment

Some public appointments are made by the Prime Minister, or the Crown on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. Others are made by Secretaries of State or other ministers and are of interest to the Prime Minister.

Public appointments made by or of interest to the Prime Minister

How to apply

Applications must be submitted by 11:55pm on 19/08/2026. Applications received after this date will not be considered.​

In order to apply you will need to create an account or sign in.

Once you are logged into your account, click on 'apply for this role' and follow the on-screen instructions. 

A CV of maximum two pages and an accompanying covering letter setting out suitability for the role of no more than two pages. Any applications that exceed the stated page limit will not be considered. ​​

The appointment will be made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointment process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.​

A good application will set out specific information about how you meet the person specification for this appointment. Think about your knowledge, skills, experience and personal attributes, and take full advantage of the space available. Provide practical evidence that best demonstrates how you meet the essential and any desirable criteria.​​

We will ask you to check and confirm your personal details to ensure your application is accurate.​​

You will also have the opportunity to make a reasonable adjustment request or apply under the disability confident scheme before you submit your application.​

The Advisory Assessment Panel reserves the right to only consider applications that contain all of the elements listed above, and that arrive before the published deadline for applications. ​

The preferred candidate for the role of Chair will be required to appear before a Parliamentary Select Committee for a pre-appointment hearing. 

Overview of the application process

This appointment is made by the Crown on the recommendation of the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology. In order for this to be facilitated, the Secretary of State will be responsible for overseeing the appointment process and they will be consulted at every stage of the appointments process. To assist them in their decision-making, an Advisory Assessment Panel (the "Panel") is appointed, whose role is to objectively determine which candidates meet the eligibility criteria for the role.

Public appointments are made on merit following a fair and open competition process which is conducted in accordance with the Governance Code for Public Appointments. We will deal with your application as quickly as possible and will keep you informed at key stages.

The assessment process

1. Ministers are responsible and accountable to Parliament for the public appointments made within their department. As a result, they must be consulted at every stage of the appointments process.

2. An Advisory Assessment Panel (“Panel”) is appointed by Ministers to assist them in their decision making. The role of the Panel is to decide, objectively, which candidates meet the eligibility criteria for the role.

3. At the shortlisting meeting the Panel will assess applications against the eligibility criteria and decide which candidates have best met the criteria, who should be recommended for interview. Ministers will then be consulted on the Panel’s recommended shortlist. If you have applied under the Disability Confident Scheme and you meet all the essential criteria, then you will also be invited for an interview.

4. Once the shortlist has been agreed by Ministers, you will be advised (by e-mail) whether you have been shortlisted. Those shortlisted will be invited to an interview.

5. The Panel will meet again to interview candidates and determine who is appointable to the role. The Panel may invite you to make a brief presentation at the start of the interview and will go on to question you about your skills and experience, including asking specific questions to assess whether you meet the criteria set out for the post. The Panel will also explore with you any potential conflicts of interest or any other issues arising from your personal and professional history which may impact on an appointment decision.

6. Details of the panel’s assessment of interviewed candidates are provided to Ministers, including whether they have judged a candidate to be appointable to the role. It is then for Ministers to determine merit and decide who should be appointed. In some circumstances, Ministers may choose not to recommend appointing any candidates and re-run the competition.

7. Ministers may choose to meet with candidates before deciding on a preferred candidate. Candidates who have been interviewed will be kept informed of progress.

8. Once Ministers have selected a preferred candidate, interviewed candidates will be advised of the outcome of their application, including whom they may approach for feedback. The preferred candidate for the role of Chair will be required to appear before a Parliamentary Select Committee for a pre-appointment hearing and their name will be put forward for royal approval before the appointment may be made.

Further information about appointments, including tips on applying, can be found on our guidance pages on gov.uk.

Advisory Assessment Panel (AAP)

Emily Middleton – Departmental Official

Director General for Digital Transformation

Emily Middleton has no political activity to declare.

Dame Colette Bowe – Independent Panel Member

Previous Ofcom Chair 2009-2014

Dame Colette Bowe has no political activity to declare.

Professor Graeme Reid – Independent Panel Member

Professor of Science and Research Policy, University College London

Professor Graeme Reid has no political activity to declare.

Advisory Assessment Panels (AAP) are chosen by ministers to assist them in their decision-making. These include a departmental official and an independent member. For competitions recruiting non-executive members of a board (apart from the Chair), the panel will usually include a representative from the public body concerned.

AAP’s perform a number of functions, including agreeing an assessment strategy with ministers, undertaking sifting, carrying out interviews in line with the advertised criteria and deciding objectively who meets the published selection criteria for the role before recommending to ministers which candidates they find appointable. It is then for the minister to decide who to appoint to the role.

Pre-appointment scrutiny

Pre-appointment scrutiny by select committees is an important part of the process for some of the most significant public appointments made by Ministers. It is designed to provide an added level of scrutiny to verify that the recruitment meets the principles set out in the Governance Code on Public Appointments. This scrutiny may involve the relevant select committee requesting and reviewing information from the Department and the Minister’s preferred candidate. The select committee may also choose to hold a pre-appointment hearing.

If you are confirmed as the government’s preferred candidate for this role, the department will be in touch to confirm next steps. In most cases your name and CV will be provided to the relevant select committee in advance of the hearing.  Following a date being agreed for a pre-appointment hearing with the committee you will be asked to complete a questionnaire in advance of that. Following the hearing, the government will review and respond to the Committee’s report before confirming the appointment. 

Full information can be found in the Cabinet Office’s guidance here. 

Eligibility criteria

In general, you should have the right to work in the UK to be eligible to apply for a public appointment.

There are a small number of specialist roles that are not open to non-British citizens. Any nationality requirements will be specified in the vacancy details.

The Government expects all holders of public office to work to the highest personal and professional standards. 

You cannot be considered for a public appointment if:

• you are disqualified from acting as a company director  (under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986);

• have an unspent conviction on your criminal record;

• your estate has been sequestrated in Scotland or you enter into a debt arrangement programme under Part 1 of the Debt Arrangement and Attachment (Scotland) Act 2002 (asp 17) as the debtor or have, under Scots law, granted a trust deed for creditors.

When you apply, you should declare if:

• you are, or have been, bankrupt or you have made an arrangement with a creditor at any point, including the dates of this. 

• you are subject to a current police investigation.

You must inform the sponsor department if, during the application process, your circumstances change in respect of any of the above points. 

When you apply you should also declare any relevant interests, highlighting any that you think may call into question your ability to properly discharge the responsibilities of the role you are applying for. You should also declare any other matters which may mean you may not be able to meet the requirements of the Code of Conduct of Board Members (see Outside interests and reputational issues section below)

If you need further advice, please contact partnerships@dsit.gov.uk

Security clearance

The successful candidate will be required to undertake Baseline Personnel Security Standard checks in line with the Civil Service guidelines. Additional Security Clearance may also be required for certain roles. However, where this applies, candidates will be notified during the appointment process. Further information on National Security Vetting can be found on the Gov.uk website here.

Additional information for candidates

Equality and diversity

We encourage applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds and across the whole of the United Kingdom. ​

We collect data about applicants’ characteristics and backgrounds, including information about people’s educational and professional backgrounds, so that we can make sure we are attracting a broad range of people to the role and that our selection processes are fair for everyone. Without this information, it makes it difficult to see if our outreach is working, if the application process is having an unfair impact on certain groups and whether changes are making a positive difference. ​

When you submit your application, your responses are collected by the Cabinet Office and the government department(s) managing your application. The data is used to produce management information about the diversity of applicants. You can select “prefer not to say” to any question you do not wish to answer. The information you provide will not be seen by the Advisory Assessment Panel who review applications against the advertised criteria and conduct interviews.  ​

Arrangements for candidates with a disability:​

As a Disability Confident leader, we guarantee to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the essential criteria for the post. More details on the criteria can be found in this pack. If you wish to apply through the Disability Confident scheme, you will need to tick the option on the Diversity Monitoring form that you will submit alongside your application.​

Adjustments: ​

All candidates are entitled to request reasonable adjustments at any stage of the application process. If you would like to discuss adjustments prior to submitting your application, please contact partnerships@dsit.gov.uk.

Disability confident

We are a member of the Government’s Disability Confident scheme. We use the Disability Confident scheme symbol, along with other like-minded employers, to show our commitment to good practice in employing people with a disability. The scheme helps recruit and retain disabled people. As part of implementing the scheme, we guarantee an interview for anyone with a disability whose application meets the essential criteria for the role, set out in the advert, and who has asked that their application is considered under the scheme. Indicating that you wish your application to be considered under the scheme will in no way prejudice your application. By ‘essential criteria', we mean that you must provide evidence which demonstrates that you meet the level of competence required under each of the essential criteria, as set out in the job-advert. When you apply you will have the opportunity to select if you would like your application considered under this scheme.

Reasonable adjustments

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to make sure applicants with disabilities, physical or mental health conditions, or other needs are not substantially disadvantaged when applying for public appointments. This can include changing the recruitment process to enable people who wish to apply to do so.

Some examples of common changes are:

• ensuring that application forms are available in different or accessible formats;
• making adaptations to interview locations;
• allowing candidates to present their skills and experience in a different way;
• giving additional detailed information on the selection / interview process in advance to allow candidates time to prepare themselves;
• allowing support workers, for example sign language interpreters;
• making provision for support animals to attend.

When you apply you will have the opportunity to request reasonable adjustments to the application process.

Principles of public life

The Seven Principles of Public Life (also known as the Nolan Principles) apply to anyone who works as a public office-holder.

1. Selflessness

Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest.

2. Integrity

Holders of public office must avoid placing themselves under any obligation to people or organisations that might try inappropriately to influence them in their work. They should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends. They must declare and resolve any interests and relationships.

3. Objectivity

Holders of public office must act and take decisions impartially, fairly and on merit, using the best evidence and without discrimination or bias.

4. Accountability

Holders of public office are accountable to the public for their decisions and actions and must submit themselves to the scrutiny necessary to ensure this.

5. Openness

Holders of public office should act and take decisions in an open and transparent manner. Information should not be withheld from the public unless there are clear and lawful reasons for so doing.

6. Honesty

Holders of public office should be truthful.

7. Leadership

Holders of public office should exhibit these principles in their own behaviour and treat others with respect. They should actively promote and robustly support the principles and challenge poor behaviour wherever it occurs.

Code of conduct for board members

The Government expects all holders of public office to work to the highest personal and professional standards. In support of this, all non-executive board members of UK public bodies must abide by the principles set out in the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies. The Code sets out the standards expected from those who serve on the boards of UK public bodies and will form part of your terms and conditions of appointment.

Management of outside interests and consideration of reputational issues

Holders of public office are expected to adhere and uphold the Seven Principles of Public Life and the Code of Conduct for Board Members of Public Bodies. Before you apply you should consider carefully: 

• any outside interests that you may have, such as shares you may hold in a company providing services to government; 
• any possible reputational issues arising from your past actions or public statements that you have made; 
• and/or - any political roles you hold or political campaigns you have supported; 

which may call into question your ability to do the role you are applying for.

You will need to answer relevant questions in relation to these points when making an application. Many conflicts of interest can be satisfactorily resolved and declaring a potential conflict does not prevent you from being interviewed. If you are shortlisted for an interview, the panel will discuss any potential conflicts with you during that interview, including any proposals you may have to mitigate them and record that in their advice to ministers. Alongside your own declaration, we will conduct appropriate checks, as part of which we will consider anything in the public domain related to your conduct or professional capacity. This may include searches of previous public statements and social media, blogs or any other publicly available information. The successful candidate(s) may be required to give up any conflicting interests and their other business and financial interests may be published in line with organisational policies. 

Details of declared political activity will be published when the appointment is announced, as required by the Governance Code (political activity is not a bar to appointment, but must be declared).

Status of appointment

As this is an office holder appointment, you will not become a member of the Civil Service. You will not be subject to the provisions of employment law.

Appointment and tenure of office

Appointments are for the term set out in this advert, with the possibility of re-appointment for a further term, at the discretion of Ministers.  Any re-appointment is subject to satisfactory annual appraisals of performance during the first term in the post. There is no automatic presumption of reappointment; each case should be considered on its own merits, taking into account a number of factors including, but not restricted to, the diversity of the current board and its balance of skills and experience. In most cases, the total time served in post will not exceed more than two terms or ten years in any one post. 

Remuneration, allowances and abatement

Remuneration for this role is treated as employment income and will be subject to tax and National Insurance contributions, both of which will be deducted at source under PAYE before you are paid.

You can claim reimbursement for reasonable travel and subsistence costs which are properly and necessarily incurred on official business, in line with the travel and subsistence policy and rates for the organisation to which you are applying. However these payments are taxable as earnings and will be subject to tax and national insurance, both of which will be deducted at source under PAYE before you are paid.

Pension and redundancy

This is an office holder appointment and does not attract any benefits under any Civil Service Pension Scheme. You will not be eligible for redundancy pay as you are not an employee. No other arrangements have been made for compensation upon the end of your term of appointment because an office holder who is appointed for a limited duration would have no expectation of serving beyond that period.

Application feedback

We will notify you of the status of your application. We regret that we are only able to offer detailed feedback to candidates who have been unsuccessful at the interview stage.

How to complain

We aim to process all applications as quickly as possible and to treat all applicants with courtesy.

Please contact the public appointments team in the first instance if you would like to make a complaint regarding your application at partnerships@dsit.gov.uk. They will acknowledge your complaint upon receipt and respond within 15 working days.

Data protection

The Cabinet Office will use your data in line with our privacy policy.

DSIT's privacy notice is attached.

Attachments

• Information Commission Chair Candidate Pack 2026

• DSIT Privacy Notice

Contact details

partnerships@dsit.gov.uk