Director of Communications

About the role

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is seeking a Director of Communications to lead an integrated, in‑house communications function of around 30 staff. Reporting to the Executive Team, you will shape how the ICO explains its regulatory role, builds public confidence, and influences behaviour through strategic communications.

Key responsibilities

• Set and lead the ICO’s communications strategy, aligning it with regulatory objectives and corporate priorities.
• Position communications as a strategic asset to support compliance and reinforce the ICO’s authority.
• Provide senior counsel on reputational, sensitive and high‑profile issues, including crisis readiness and response.
• Lead insight‑driven, measurable communications grounded in audience understanding, data and evaluation.
• Champion a digital‑first, modern communications practice, encouraging creativity, innovation and appropriate governance.
• Own and shape the ICO’s overarching corporate narrative to build public confidence in information rights.
• Build strong internal and external relationships with senior leaders, partners and media.
• Develop a high‑performing, inclusive communications function, building capability at every level.
• Manage resources, budgets and agencies to ensure value for money and maximum impact.

Required profile

• Significant experience leading large, multi‑disciplinary communications and engagement teams in a public sector or similarly scrutinised environment.
• Proven experience advising senior leaders on complex, sensitive and reputationally significant communications issues.
• Experience managing resources and budgets, including commissioning agencies.
• Strong insight‑driven approach with understanding of audience insight, evaluation and performance measurement.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to influence national information‑rights policy and public trust.
• Collaborative, inclusive workplace focused on impact and professional growth.