Principal Policy Adviser - AI and ADM Code of Practice

Principal Policy Adviser - AI and ADM Code of Practice page is loaded Principal Policy Adviser - AI and ADM Code of Practicelocations: Wycliffe Housetime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todaytime left to apply: End Date: 19 November 2025 (18 days left to apply)job requisition id: JR606 Principal Policy Adviser - AI and Automated Decision-Making (ADM) Code of Practice Fixed term until March 2027 Full time / Part timeGrade: FSalary: £55,591 - £62,974, with potential for further progression to £70,907 with our pay progression scheme.Location: HybridContracted 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. This role is open to secondment opportunities. If you are interested in a secondment with the ICO please email . 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 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. Job summary We are recruiting a Principal Policy Adviser (PPA) to lead the ICO's statutory Code of Practice on AI and Automated Decision-Making (ADM). This Code will ensure that AI-driven services and automated decision-making systems comply with data protection, respect individuals' rights and bring wider benefits to society and the economy, while translating legal requirements into clear obligations and practical guidance that provide certainty for organisations. The PPA will report to the Group Manager for AI Policy.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. Job description You will be accountable for planning and delivering the statutory process from start to finish - including consultation, expert input, impact assessment and Commissioner approval - and for producing a Code that commands confidence from government, industry and civil society.This is an opportunity to take forward one of the ICO's most significant external commitments, influencing national and international practice on AI and ADM, and ensuring fairness, transparency and accountability are embedded in systems that affect millions of people. Key responsibilities: Lead the end-to-end development of the statutory Code of Practice, including scoping, drafting, consultation, expert panel oversight, impact assessments and approvals. Provide expert insight and translate UK GDPR and DPA 2018 requirements into clear, actionable provisions covering concepts such as fairness, transparency and accountability in relation to AI and ADM. Proactively develop legislative and technical expertise, commissioning research and analysing socio-economic and equality impacts to ensure provisions are proportionate, evidence-based and defensible. Produce high-quality draft code text, consultation papers, supporting guidance and implementation tools in accessible language. Build and maintain excellent relationships with internal and external stakeholders, representing the ICO in a variety of forums, and negotiating with senior stakeholders to shape and communicate clear policy lines. Manage legal and delivery risks, ensure statutory requirements are met, and provide strategic advice and timely, high-quality briefings to the Commissioner and senior leadership team. Design the post-publication support offer (sector notes, toolkits, webinars) and define success measures and review triggers. Represent the ICO publicly, ensuring its approach to AI and ADM is understood and trusted in domestic and international fora. Work closely with legal, policy, analysis, supervision, technology and communications colleagues to ensure the Code aligns with the ICO's wider regulatory strategy. Person specification Essential criteria assessed at application stage: Substantial 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 experience, which could have been gained from a policy, operational or corporate environment Experience of working in a technology and/or digital focused environment, with significant privacy, innovation and/or regulatory elements. Experience of leading successful projects from concept to sign-off. Experience of interpreting complex information which could include legislation or operational rules and procedures.Essential criteria assessed during interview: Excellent written communication skills, including the abilities to analyse complex information and legislation, and to formulate clear and persuasive arguments for a range of audiences. Excellent understanding of the technology sector and internet economy, including associated data protection and internet safety issues. Strong understanding of the wider parliamentary, democratic, political and regulatory framework in the UK and overseas. Excellent verbal communication and presentation skills and an ability to represent the ICO with a range of stakeholders. Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to negotiate and maintain good relationships with senior stakeholders in all areas of public life and make sound judgements. Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities. 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.As part of the ICO's commitment to our EDI objectives and creating a workplace that represents the communities and societies we serve, we guarantee an interview to candidates who declare they identify as belonging from an ethnic minority background and who meet the minimum criteria for this vacancyIf you are disabled or have an impairment and require an alternative application method, please email the HR team at Closing Date Please submit your CV and cover letter by 23:59,18 November . Your cover letter should be no more than 1,000 words and should clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria for the role.We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. To ensure your application is considered, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application, please contact us at the event of a high volume of applications,