Early Careers at the ICO
Early Careers at the ICO
Shape the future of data protection, shape your own career
Whether it’s online privacy for children, the use of facial recognition by law enforcement or decisions made by artificial intelligence, data protection issues affect people more than you might know.
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.
Why join us?
Working at the ICO means joining a team that values integrity, innovation, and impact. You’ll be part of an organisation that influences how data is used and protected across the UK, while enjoying a supportive environment focused on your growth.
We care about your well-being. At the ICO, you’ll have access to mental health first aiders, well-being initiatives, and flexible working options.
Our staff networks champion equality, diversity, and inclusion, and provide opportunities to connect, learn, and contribute to positive change.
And there’s more: you’ll be joining us at an exciting time as we move to our new office in Manchester city centre in September 2026 – a vibrant, modern space designed for collaboration and innovation.
Graduate scheme
Our two-year graduate scheme will enable you to gain hands-on experience across a wide range of teams and projects.
Beginning in September 2026, our two‑year graduate scheme gives you hands‑on experience across a wide range of teams and projects. Over four six‑month rotations, you’ll work across different directorates of the ICO, building a broad understanding of what we do and helping you identify where your strengths and interests lie. Although the scheme lasts two years, you’ll join on a permanent contract, offering long‑term career opportunities beyond your rotations.
Whether it’s supporting strategic initiatives, contributing to operational delivery, or helping shape policy and guidance, you’ll be at the heart of protecting people’s information rights in a digital age.
Rotations will include, but are not limited to:
- 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.
Eligibility:
- You should have, or be on track to achieve, at least a 2:2 degree in any discipline .
- You must have the Right to Work in the UK without requiring sponsorship.
Learning and development
We’ll support you every step of the way with:
- Structured induction and onboarding.
- On-the-job learning during rotations.
- Access to mentoring and coaching from experienced colleagues to guide your development.
- Professional development workshops to build technical and soft skills.
- Networking opportunities across the ICO, including graduate cohorts, staff networks, and cross-team projects
Applications open, for graduates ready to start their career journey – 23 February 2026.
Applications close on Sun 15 March 2026 at 23:59.
Recruitment and selection process
Our process is designed to help you showcase your skills and potential:
- Application: Submit your CV and complete application questions on Workday.
- Online interview: A short 15-20 minute interview.
- Assessment centre: Includes a presentation, group exercise, and interview.
We’ll support you at every stage with clear guidance and tips.
Sandwich placement scheme
Starting in September 2026, our 12-month placement, offered in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University, provides practical experience in a specialist or technical area of the ICO.
You’ll work as part of a team, supporting day-to-day tasks and contributing to meaningful projects before returning to university to complete your degree.
Placements will be in the following areas -
- Legal – this placement offers hands on experience within the ICO’s Legal Service. You will complete two six‑month rotations across our Litigation and Advisory teams, supporting work that underpins the ICO's mission to empower people through information.
We are looking for students currently studying Law (LLB or Business with Law). - DDaT – depending on your degree, this placement offers hands-on experience across one of two specialist areas within the ICO’s Digital, Data and Technology directorate. You be based either in Digital IT or in the Data team, contributing to work that underpins the organisations digital services and data driven decision making. You’ll have the opportunity to gain practical experience in digital delivery, technical problem-solving and the use of data to support the work of the ICO.
We are looking for 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). - Regulatory Policy - this placement offers hands‑on experience within the ICO’s Regulatory Policy Projects (RPP) department. You’ll be contributing 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.
During your placement, you’ll work alongside policy specialists to support priority policy projects, contribute to guidance development, and gain exposure to key stages of the policy lifecycle. You’ll help ensure our policy outputs are clear, high‑quality and aligned with the ICO’s strategic priorities. You’ll also have opportunities to support work on Codes and Certifications, and to engage with the ICO’s wider Policy Profession community. - Regulatory Risk and Innovation – this placement offers hands‑on experience within the Regulatory Risk and Innovation Directorate, working at the forefront of digital innovation and AI regulation. You’ll be primarily based within the Enterprise Department, with the opportunity to work closely with the ICO’s AI Cause supporting both teams.
We are looking for students currently studying courses related to AI and digital innovation (example but not limited to, Digital Business and Technology Innovation, AI).
Eligibility:
- You 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.
- You must have the Right to Work in the UK for the duration of the placement without requiring sponsorship.
Learning and development
We’ll support you every step of the way with:
- Structured induction and onboarding.
- Networking opportunities across the ICO, including graduate cohorts, staff networks, and cross-team projects.
Applications Open, for students seeking a year in industry – 23 February 2026. Apply via Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU).
Recruitment and selection process
Our process is designed to help you showcase your skills and potential:
- Application: Submit your CV and covering letter.
- Online interview: A short 15-20 minute interview.
- Assessment centre: Includes a presentation, group exercise, and interview.
We’ll support you at every stage with clear guidance and tips.
How to apply
Applications for both schemes will open Mon 23 February 2026 and will close on Sunday 15 March 2026 at 23:59.
We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. To ensure your application is considered, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Click below to explore opportunities and start your application:
For students seeking a year in industry, apply via Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU).
If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application, please contact us at [email protected] or if you have any questions or would like to discuss either of the schemes in more detail, please contact [email protected].
The ICO is committed to promoting and enhancing equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome and encourage applicants from all communities.