Audit Team Manager

The Information Commissioner’s 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., The Assurance department’s activities focus on helping organisations implement appropriate and effective controls in relation to their information rights obligations. Our approach utilises powers of audit and assessment through both voluntary or compulsory engagements to improve information rights practice. The department activity and focus is shaped by the strategic direction of the ICO, its corporate plans and emerging areas of information rights risk.
As well as audit work, the department works with other ICO departments and external stakeholders to promote good information rights practice.
The Team Manager is responsible for the management and delivery of this programme of work, and for managing and developing a team of Assurance staff., + Working with Group Managers, develop and maintain a balanced programme of risk-based Assurance activities in line with departmental and organisational strategy.
+ The risk identification, scoping and planning of audits of public and private organisations to ensure that engagements are focused, effective and deliver identifiable benefits to both the external organisation and the ICO.
+ Line manage a team of Assurance staff monitoring their performance, supporting their development, and ensuring they are utilised effectively.
+ Manage audits and other Assurance activities, within agreed timescales, to ensure that they deliver pragmatic, robust recommendations supported by evidence that will improve the organisation’s compliance with legislation.
+ Liaise clearly and confidently with all internal and external stakeholders to plan, agree, schedule and deliver Assurance activities, representing the ICO at relevant stakeholder events (including speaking engagements) and forums where required.
+ Liaise with data controllers’ information governance and internal audit departments before engagements to build business intelligence/background information, and after, to disseminate results and outcomes.
+ Liaise with other ICO departments to build, share and act upon relevant intelligence regarding data controllers, including participation in cross office groups and tasking and coordinating activities, where required.
+ Manage the production and dissemination of outcomes reports and other outputs which summarise key themes and lessons learned from our work programme for specific audiences.
+ Take ownership of deliverables produced by the team for internal and external stakeholders, in particular ensuring the quality of written output.
+ Manage team projects, setting clear objectives, ensuring outcomes are delivered and disseminated effectively.
+ Support the development and review of departmental policies and procedures, including the Assurance Manual, to ensure they are kept up to date with both internal procedures and external standards.
+ Comply with ICO Policies and Procedures, We reserve the right to close this vacancy before this date should we receive sufficient applications. Please apply as soon as possible to ensure your application is considered.
Please note that post holders for this role will be required to receive security clearance to SC level. This requires the disclosure of spent and unspent convictions. Although convictions will be taken into account, any such information will not necessarily prevent you from obtaining a security clearance.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

+ Experience relevant to the role requirements, as described in the role responsibilities and person specification, and accumulated through any combination of academic or vocational qualifications or experience.
+ Possession of, or willingness to undertake, relevant professional training in audit, risk or information management.
+ Compliance assessment experience and a knowledge / understanding of relevant methodologies.
+ Experience of managing teams operating in a compliance assessment environment.
+ Ability to travel occasionally as required to support the development of Lead Auditors and to attend meetings on behalf of the team or department. (Following government and ICO guidance.)
Essential criteria assessed during interview:
+ Good intellectual and analytical ability in order to be able to apply complex legislation to a variety of practical circumstances.
+ Good interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate at all levels with both internal and external stakeholders.
+ Good standard of literacy and effective written skills including strong report writing skills.
+ Ability to develop and manage staff performance.
+ An understanding of how to constructively influence change in outside organisations.
+ A good understanding of general business processes with specific reference to the management and handling of personal data.

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 where all of our colleagues have the opportunity to make a real difference. We are championing this through our Equality Diversity and Inclusion Board together with a number of staff networks. Read more about our commitment on our website.

Salary: £40,565 - £45,948 pa, with potential for further progression to £51,730 pa with our pay progression scheme.
Location: Hybrid
Contracted to our Wilmslow office, however, we offer flexible home and office-based working opportunities. There will be times when you will be expected to attend the office to collaborate with colleagues or travel due to business need.
Why work for the ICO?
+ Pay progression scheme.
+ Hybrid and flexible working options.
+ 25 days paid holiday per year, plus privilege and public holidays.
+ Flexi leave (up to 26 additional days leave per year).
+ Pension (employer contribution around 28.9%).
+ Online discount scheme to save money at major supermarkets, retailers, gyms, restaurants, insurance providers and many more.
+ Health Cash Plan.
+ Fantastic development opportunities to learn and progress.
Further details can be found on the benefits section of our website ., Alongside your salary of £40,565, Information Commissioner's Office contributes £11,751 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides., Candidates with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for this vacancy will be invited to interview as part of the ICO’s commitment to the Disability Confident Scheme.