Overview
The Director for AI and Biometrics (PACE) will lead the ICO's response to AI and biometrics challenges, accountable for the cross-cutting programme to deliver its AI and Biometrics Strategy. Working through a matrix-managed team drawn from policy, technology, legal and supervisory colleagues, the role ensures the ICO anticipates emerging risks, provides organisations with certainty, and safeguards people from harm. This is a high-profile leadership role at the intersection of technology, law and society. You will set direction, bring coherence across complex workstreams, and represent the ICO with authority at the highest levels of government, industry and civil society. You will have the opportunity to shape how AI and biometric technologies are governed in the UK and to influence international debates on responsible AI for years to come.
Provide leadership to PACE teams within the ICO on key priority issues to scope the issue; identify what a good outcome would look like; assess how we deploy the available interventions most effectively to deliver this; and oversee effective delivery in a timely manner.
Responsibilities
* Provide leadership to PACE teams within the ICO on key priority issues to scope the issue, define good outcomes, assess interventions, and oversee timely delivery.
* Ensure proper governance, quality and ethical standards are met during PACE team activity.
* Maximise resource efficiency within PACE teams and deliver value for money by continually reviewing activities and aligning them with the ICO's strategic priorities.
* Take responsibility and be accountable for achieving the ICO's strategic priorities, translating them into clear objectives for PACE resources and driving delivery.
* Make effective, confident and timely decisions, involving relevant Heads of Department and technical experts, articulating options and recommending courses of action.
* Provide advice and support at all levels within the PACE teams, offering challenge and technical input where appropriate.
* Promote team working, knowledge sharing and cross-directorate collaboration to achieve wider ICO outcomes.
* Champion staff development, creating an inclusive environment which values diversity, learning and improvement, and address capability gaps.
* Use initiative and seek opportunities for strategic change to deliver world-class services, encouraging ideas and responsibly challenging the status quo.
* Coordinate cross-office delivery, aligning contributions from multiple functions to deliver coherent, impactful outcomes.
* Represent the ICO externally, building senior partnerships across government, regulators, industry, civil society, academia and international bodies, and influencing global debates on trustworthy AI.
* Advise the Commissioner and Executive Team with authoritative insight on AI and biometrics risks, opportunities and regulatory responses.
* Lead people across boundaries, motivating a matrix-managed team and embedding a culture of inclusion, wellbeing and high performance.
* Contribute to corporate leadership, supporting Senior Leadership Team decision-making and championing organisational change.
Qualifications and Experience
* Substantial experience relevant to the role requirements, including engagement with the interaction between information rights and technology and/or innovation, gained through academic, vocational qualifications or work experience.
* Experience of engaging and negotiating with senior external stakeholders.
* Experience in management and deployment of resources, including budgets.
* Ability to seek out, manage and influence.
* Deep familiarity with the use of technology to process personal data, and the promotion of innovation.
* Excellent written and verbal communication, negotiation and presentation skills.
* Inclusive and supportive staff leadership skills; highly effective organisational, prioritisation and delegation abilities.
* Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Security and Selection
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard checks.
Essential criteria are assessed during interview, including deep familiarity with technology-enabled data processing and a commitment to innovation, plus the ability to communicate effectively and lead inclusively.
About the ICO and the Role
Artificial intelligence and biometric technologies are transforming how services are delivered, how decisions are made, and how people interact with the world. Regulators are under pressure to respond with clarity and confidence. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is the independent regulator of information rights. We provide guidance and support to organisations to enable compliance and protect individuals and their personal data. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and to creating an inclusive workplace where all colleagues can contribute meaningfully.
Location and Working Arrangements
Contracted to our Wilmslow, London, Edinburgh, Cardiff or Belfast offices, with flexible home and office-based working. Occasional travel may be required. From Autumn 2026, the head office will relocate from Wilmslow to Manchester city centre.
Benefits and Interview Commitments
* Pay progression scheme; hybrid and flexible working options.
* 25 days paid holiday per year plus public holidays; flexi-leave (up to 26 additional days).
* Pension: employer contribution around 28.9% and access to Civil Service Pension schemes.
* Online discount scheme, Health Cash Plan, and development opportunities.
* Disability and ethnicity-based interview guarantees for candidates meeting minimum criteria, in line with the ICO’s Disability Confident Scheme and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion commitments.
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