Principal Technology Adviser – Identity and Trust

About the role

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is seeking a Principal Technology Adviser to shape the future of digital trust. You will influence policy and regulatory approaches to public digital infrastructure, focusing on identity, trust and authority online. This role sits in the ICO’s Technology Department, working at the intersection of cutting‑edge technology, public policy and innovation.

Key responsibilities

• Provide technical advice on technology projects and support the development of information‑rights policy.
• Support the ICO’s supervisory functions for qualified trust services under UK eIDAS.
• Contribute expertise to work on digital identity, authentication, trust services and digital credentials.
• Conduct technical assessments, investigations and research related to online trust.
• Build relationships across government, industry, academia and standards bodies and represent the ICO in technical forums.
• Translate technical insights into practical regulatory and policy outcomes.

Required profile

• Strong knowledge of cryptographic concepts enabled by PKI (encryption, digital signatures, authentication, non‑repudiation).
• Up‑to‑date understanding of system architecture for digital identity or trust services.
• Excellent analytical and research skills to identify emerging technology trends.
• Ability to manage a demanding workload with competing priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain technical matters to non‑technical audiences.

Required skills

• Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and related cryptographic standards.
• Familiarity with ETSI trust services framework.
• Knowledge of ISO 18103 mdoc, OpenID and W3C verifiable credentials.
• Experience with digital identity systems, trust services standards and secure data exchange.

What we offer

• Pay progression scheme with a salary range £57,815‑£65,021 (potential up to £73,211).
• Hybrid and flexible working options across multiple UK offices.
• 25 days paid holiday plus public holidays, with up to 26 additional flexi‑leave days.
• Pension contribution of approximately 28.9%.
• Online discount scheme, health cash plan and other employee benefits.