The Cabinet Office has finally launched its search for the next Information Commissioner to succeed Christopher Graham, who is due to step down in June 2016.
Graham has been in the role since 2009, and has been urging the Government to start the recruitment process for months.
The move comes at a crucial time for the regulator, which has already lost both deputy commissioners – director of freedom of information Graham Smith and director of data protection David Smith – who left in November.
In response, the ICO plans to move to a more collective model of leadership and a much larger senior management board.
The Information Commissioner’s Office is a non Departmental Public Body sponsored by the Department for Culture Media & Sport but the role is ultimately appointed by The Queen and has independent status.
Graham said: “The next Information Commissioner will take the helm at an exciting time for information rights. Growing public concerns about privacy and public demand for transparency, combined with the upcoming EU data protection regulation and potential challenges to FOIA, mean that a fascinating and rewarding job just got even bigger and better. I am determined to be in a position to hand over to my successor an ICO that is on top form and ready for the exciting years ahead.”
The closing date for applications is January 5, with panel interviews in early February.
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