As Corporate Governance Team Manager, you will lead the development and continuous improvement of the ICOs corporate governance framework, ensuring that governance arrangements remain robust, compliant and aligned with strategic priorities. Reporting to the Corporate Governance and Secretariat Group Manager, you will act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders, providing expert guidance on governance matters and supporting high-profile projects that shape how the organisation operates.
The Information Commissioners 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.
You will act as a subject matter expert, providing high-level advice and guidance on governance matters, supporting governance-related projects, and contributing to the organisations strategic governance agenda. The role supports the integration of governance processes across the organisation and ensures compliance with internal protocols and external standards. In addition, you will provide day-to-day leadership and management to a Governance & Secretariat Support Officer, supporting their development and ensuring the effective delivery of governance and secretariat services.
This role requires strong analytical and communication skills, professional judgement, and the ability to influence and collaborate with senior stakeholders. It contributes directly to the effectiveness and credibility of the ICOs governance framework, while helping to develop capability and resilience within the wider Governance and Secretariat function.
Key responsibilities:
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Governance Frameworks & Processes- Lead the development and continuous improvement of corporate governance arrangements, ensuring frameworks, policies, and procedures are strategically aligned, operationally effective, and responsive to organisational and external requirements. Design and embed governance mechanisms that enable sound decision-making, clear accountability, and regulatory compliance.
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Strategic Governance Projects- Lead and contribute to governance-related projects and cross-functional initiatives, applying specialist knowledge to deliver improvements and support strategic objectives.
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Advice & Best Practice- Act as a subject matter expert, providing authoritative advice and guidance on governance matters to senior managers and operational teams. Monitor developments in governance best practice and translate them into actionable improvements.
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Reporting & Communications- Produce high-quality governance reports, briefings, and communications for internal and external stakeholders, including senior leadership and oversight bodies. Lead the delivery of the Annual Report, ensuring governance disclosures are accurate, comprehensive, and aligned with statutory and best practice requirements.
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Accountability & Delegation Frameworks- Work collaboratively with colleagues in People Services and senior managers to maintain accountability frameworks, ensuring it supports clear lines of responsibility and effective governance. Lead the review and update of the Scheme of Delegations, ensuring it remains current, well-structured, and aligned with organisational decision-making and accountability arrangements.
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Stakeholder Engagement - Build and maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners, promoting governance awareness and consistency in application.
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Leadership & Oversight- Manage the Corporate Governance Officer role, providing effective leadership and oversight. Act as deputy to the Corporate Governance & Secretariat Group Manager during periods of absence, contributing to continuity and resilience within the function.
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Decision-Making & Problem Solving- Make operational decisions within a defined governance framework, using sound judgement and analytical skills. Refer novel or complex issues to senior specialists or legal advisors as appropriate.
