Graduate Officer
Two Year Graduate Scheme
Contract:Permanent
Salary:£32,000 per annum
Location:Hybrid (contracted to Manchester)
From Autumn 2026 our head office willrelocatefrom Wilmslow to Manchester city centre. You will be contracted to the Manchester office; however, we offer hybrid working options and you will be able to split your time between home and office.
Graduates joining us can look forward to a comprehensive benefits package, including:
1. Pay progression scheme
2. Hybrid and flexible working options
3. 25 days paid holiday per year, plus privilege and public holidays
4. Flexi leave (up to 26additionaldays per year)
5. Employer pension contribution of around 28.9%
6. Online discount scheme to save money at major supermarkets, retailers, gyms, restaurants, insuranceprovidersand many more
7. Health Cash Plan
8. Fantastic development opportunities to learn and progress
Further details can be found on the benefits section ofour .
Discover the programme
Our two-year Graduate Scheme will enable you to gain hands-on experience across a wide range of teams and projects.You’llcomplete four six-month rotations across different directorates of the ICO, giving you a broad understanding of our work and helping you discover where your strengths and interests lie. Although the scheme lasts two years,you’lljoin on a permanent contract, offering long‑term career opportunities beyond your rotations.
Whetherit’ssupporting strategic initiatives, contributing to operational delivery, or helping shape policy and guidance,you’llbe at the heart of protecting people’s information rights in a digital age.
Rotationswillinclude, but are not limited to:
9. Regulatory Policy – working on shaping guidance and policy that influences how organisations handle personal data.
10. A Strategy and Support Function – contributing to organisational transformation by working with key enabling teams that drive change and innovation.
11. Regulatory delivery – gaining experience in areasdirectly responsiblefor regulatory engagement and enforcement, ensuringcomplianceand protecting individuals’ rights.
Key Responsibilities
During your time with us,you’llhave the chance to get involved in a variety of tasks, which could include:
12. Conductingresearch and analysis, summarising findings to support decision making and to help prepare insights usingappropriate toolsand formats.
13. Contributingto drafting a range of documents, including meeting papers, briefings, presentations, and correspondence for internal and external audiences.
14. Assistingwith organising meetings, preparing materials, and recording actions.
15. Supportingplanning, coordination and deliveringprojects or campaigns.
16. Helpingmaintainaccurateproject documentation to support reporting and decision-making.
17. Takingpart in meetings and sharingideas.
18. Workingcollaboratively with colleagues across teams and functions.
19. Helpingmaintainrelationships with internal and external stakeholders.
20. Supportingwith tracking risks and issues and developingresponses.
These are examples of the types of work you might do—your experience will vary depending on your team and projects.
Learning and Development
We’llsupport you every step of the way with:
21. Structured induction and onboarding
22. On-the-job learning during rotations
23. Access to mentoring and coachingfrom experienced colleagues to guide your development
24. Professional development workshopsto build technical and soft skills
25. Networking opportunities across the ICO, including graduate cohorts, staff networks, and cross-team projects
26. Opportunities to build skills in policy, regulation, stakeholder engagement, and project delivery
27. Guaranteed support to complete aqualification, starting in year two of the programme. The exact programme will be agreed in partnership, taking account ofpreviousqualifications and career aspirations.
Who we are looking for
We’relooking for graduates who are motivated by making a positive impact and eager to learn. Curiosity, adaptability, and a commitment to protecting people’s information rights are key to success at the ICO.
Essential criteria assessed at application:
28. You should have, or be on track to achieve, at least a 2:2 degree in any discipline.
29. You must have the Right to Work in the UK without requiring sponsorship.
30. Strong written communication skills
31. Experience of working in a team environment (e.g. through work, volunteering, or university projects)
32. Motivation to learn, adapt, and take on new challenges
33. Ability to manage time effectively and prioritise tasks
34. Ability to work collaboratively and build positive relationships
Essential criteria assessed at interview/assessment centre:
35. Motivation to learn, adapt, and take on new challenges
36. Strong written and verbal communication skills
37. Experience of working in a team environment (e.g. through work, volunteering, or university projects)
38. Ability to effectively use Microsoft 365 applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams)
39. Ability to manage time effectively and prioritise tasks
40. Ability to work collaboratively and build positive relationships
What mattersto us isyour ability to:
41. Work collaboratively and build strong relationships across teams
42. Think critically and approach challenges with a solution-focused mindset
43. Communicate clearly and confidently
44. Show integrity and uphold our valuesof beingcurious, impactful,inclusive,andworkingcollaboratively.
Our colleagues come from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds, so whatever your degree discipline, you can apply.
Whywork forthe ICO?
Our commitment is to create an environment where you can thrive. We achieve this by:
45. Providing meaningful work that makes a real difference in protecting people’s information rights.
46. Championing diversity and inclusion, ensuring everyone can develop and progress without barriers.
47. Supporting well-being, with flexible working options and initiatives to help you stay safe and well.
48. Creating an environment where people are valued and respected, and where your voice matters.
We’recommitted to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace. Alongside flexible working and well-being initiatives, we have trained mental health firstaiders and a range of staff networks focused on diversity and inclusion, helping you feel connected and supported throughout your time with us.
Your future at the ICO
You’llbe recruited on a permanent contract; after completing the programme,you’llhave the opportunityand supportto apply forroles.
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 whereall ofour colleagueshave the opportunity tomake a real difference. We are championing this through our Equality Diversity and Inclusion Board together witha number ofstaff networks. Read more about our commitment on our website.
Candidates with a disability who meet theminimumcriteria 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 EDIobjectivesand creating a workplace thatrepresentsthe 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 theminimumcriteria for this vacancy
If you are disabled or have an impairment and require an alternative application method, please email the HR team at.
How to apply andclosing date
Pleasesubmityour CV andcomplete the applicationby23:59,15March 2026.
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 .
In the event of a high volume of applications, we may not be able to invite all candidates who meet theminimumcriteria tothe next stage.However, we encourage you stay in touch and apply for future roles that match your interests.
All candidates who meet theminimumcriteria and apply in-line with our guaranteed interview scheme for disabled and ethnic minority applicants will be interviewed.
We expect all applications and assessments to reflect your own work. Please do notsubmitanswers completed by someone else or generated using AI tools orsimilar software. Doing so may result in your application being withdrawn. Our process is designed to give you the best chance todemonstrateyour own skills and potential.
Assessment Process
We want to make our recruitment process fair and transparent,andwewant you to feel supported and informed at every step.Here’swhat you can expect:
StageOne:Online Application
49. Submit your CV and complete application questions thatdemonstrateyour skills andcapabilities.
StageTwo:OnlineInterview
50. Candidates successfully passing stageonewill be invited to a shorttelephone orMicrosoft Teamsinterview.The interview will typically last around 15-20 minutes.
StageThree:Assessment Centre
51. If shortlisted,you’llbe invited to an assessment centre, in Manchester City Centre, which includes:
52. Presentation
53. Group exercise
54. Interview
StageFour:Final Outcome
55. Successful candidates will receive an offer to join the Graduate Scheme startingSeptember2026.
Indicative Timeline:
56. Applications open:23February2026
57. Applications close:15March 2026
58. Online Interview:w/c 13thand 20thApril
59. Assessment centres:w/c11May2026
60. Offersmade:w/c 25May 2026
If you have any questions or would like to discuss either of the schemes in more detail, please contact.
Ready to shape the future of data protection? Apply now and start your journey with us.
Clearance Required for this role:
Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS)