Seven new Non-Executive members have been appointed to the Information Commission Board, marking an important milestone in the transition to the UK’s new independent data protection regulator.

Alongside these appointments, DSIT has launched a recruitment campaign for the Chair of the Information Commission, who will lead the Board and oversee the organisation's strategic direction during a significant period of change. Applications close on 19 August 2026.

Paul Arnold will also join the Board in his role as Accounting Officer and Interim Chief Executive Officer for the Information Commission. Paul said: 

We welcome the announcement of the seven new Non-Executive members who will be appointed to the Information Commission Board.  

We have recognised and worked for some time towards this important update of our long-standing governance arrangements, and recent events have brought this into even sharper focus. 

These appointments will ensure the new Board immediately benefits from a wide range of skills and experience,  strengthening our strategic leadership and oversight. 

I look forward to working with Gary, Hilary, Laurie, Maggie, Scott, Stephen and Sukhvinder to ensure the Information Commission delivers against a broad statutory remit through a clear strategic direction, real impact for our customers and stakeholders and a strong and inclusive workplace culture for all ICO colleagues.

The new Non-Executive members are Laurie Benson, Maggie Carver, Stephen Cohen, Sukhvinder Kaur-Stubbs, Gary Kildare, Hilary Newiss and Scott McPherson.