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Early Careers at the ICO: Shape the future of data protection, shape your own career. Our work as a regulator guides organisations through their data protection responsibilities. We want to help them grow and innovate, whilst still protecting people’s data and rights. We’re excited to introduce a Graduate scheme and Sandwich placement scheme for 2026 – an opportunity for people to learn on the job and make a real impact from day one. We’re seeking ambitious, curious people who are ready to join us at a pivotal time and play a hands-on role in projects that influence policy, drive growth and innovation, and protect people’s information.
Job Responsibility:
Graduate Scheme: Gain hands-on experience across a wide range of teams and projects
Work across different directorates of the ICO
Support strategic initiatives
Contribute to operational delivery
Help shape policy and guidance
Be at the heart of protecting people’s information rights in a digital age
Rotations include: Regulatory Policy – working on shaping guidance and policy that influences how organisations handle personal data
A Strategy and Support Function – contributing to organisational transformation by working with key enabling teams that drive change and innovation
Regulatory delivery – gaining experience in areas directly responsible for regulatory engagement and enforcement, ensuring compliance and protecting individuals’ rights. Sandwich Placement Scheme: Work as part of a team, supporting day-to-day tasks and contributing to meaningful projects
Legal placement: complete two six‑month rotations across our Litigation and Advisory teams, supporting work that underpins the ICO's mission
DDaT placement: gain practical experience in digital delivery, technical problem-solving and the use of data to support the work of the ICO
Regulatory Policy placement: contribute to work that shapes the ICO’s strategic policy position, helping to protect and strengthen information rights while supporting responsible innovation across the data economy
Support priority policy projects
Contribute to guidance development
Gain exposure to key stages of the policy lifecycle
Regulatory Risk and Innovation placement: work at the forefront of digital innovation and AI regulation
Requirements:
For Graduate Scheme: At least a 2:2 degree in any discipline
Must have the Right to Work in the UK without requiring sponsorship. For Sandwich Placement Scheme: Must be enrolled on an undergraduate degree and able to complete a 12-month placement as part of your course
Your degree must be relevant for working in one of the placement areas
Must have the Right to Work in the UK for the duration of the placement without requiring sponsorship
For Legal placement: students currently studying Law (LLB or Business with Law)
For DDaT placement: students currently studying courses related to Digital IT or Data (examples but not limited to, AI and Data Science, Computer Science, Cyber Security, Software Engineering, Digital Business, Mathematics)
For Regulatory Risk and Innovation placement: students currently studying courses related to AI and digital innovation (example but not limited to, Digital Business and Technology Innovation, AI)
What we offer:
Mental health first aiders
Well-being initiatives
Flexible working options
Staff networks champion equality, diversity, and inclusion
Opportunities to connect, learn, and contribute to positive change
New office in Manchester city centre in September 2026 – a vibrant, modern space designed for collaboration and innovation
Graduate Scheme: Structured induction and onboarding
On-the-job learning during rotations
Access to mentoring and coaching from experienced colleagues
Professional development workshops to build technical and soft skills
Networking opportunities across the ICO, including graduate cohorts, staff networks, and cross-team projects
Sandwich Placement Scheme: Structured induction and onboarding
Networking opportunities across the ICO, including graduate cohorts, staff networks, and cross-team projects