WRITTEN ON October 16th, 2008 BY Sir Bonar Neville-Kingdom GCMG KCVO AND STORED IN Uncategorized

Sir Bonar writes

I’m going to appoint a new Information Commissioner. This is a key post, laden with statutory requirements and accounting responsibilities.

It will mean relocating some distance away from Whitehall, and we expect the incumbent to take any debate about these matters with him, leaving us to get on with the job.

In plain language we want a smooth political operator, familiar with the workings of Whitehall – a safe pair of hands. Applicants should be aware that we take a pretty pragmatic view in the UK of privacy law. What we do not want is one of these passionate-advocate boat-rocking types, or an EU law expert. Curmudgeonly geeks (and indeed why are they all like that?) can save trees by not applying.

Detailed spec below:

The Information Commissioner is responsible for:
• carrying personal responsibility for the fulfilment of all the statutory responsibilities conferred upon the Commissioner;
• providing leadership and strategic direction inside the Commissioner’s office;
• building and maintaining excellent personal and organisational relationships with key stakeholders, including Ministers, Parliament, the News Media, and the trade association Intellect
• responding to consultations on data protection and freedom of information issues; and
• acting as Accounting Officer for the Commissioner’s office.

Person specification: Essential Criteria
This is a demanding, politically sensitive and high profile post. The successful candidate must demonstrate the following:

LEADERSHIP
• Successful track record of “transformational” leadership
• Substantial record of “Customer Insight”, ideally within a statutory framework
• Sound and strong financial and performance management skills
• Ability to work with others to maintain consistency smoothly and effectively

COMMUNICATION
• Evidence of the ability to influence effectively with staff, colleagues, stakeholders and across the public and private sectors
• Track record of excellent public speaking and media relations

INTELLECT
• Intellectual capability to move easily between significant detail and the bigger picture
• Demonstrated ability to influence policy
• Breadth of strategic vision

JUDGEMENT
• Evidence of independence and impartiality gained at board-level or equivalent
• Excellent judgement, including the ability to identify and manage risk

EXPERIENCE AND PERSONAL QUALITIES
• Evidence of operating successfully in a legal or quasi-legal environment
• Evidence of demonstrating resilience and adaptability in taking on challenges in a complex environment
• Demonstrated ability to make personal impact and achieve personal credibility
• Flexibility, adaptability and resilience under pressure

Desirable Criteria
• An understanding of Whitehall and the wider public sector
• An awareness of and interest in information issues
• An understanding of the key legislation
• Ability to master the requirements of central government financial and staff management policies and protocols
• Legal qualification and experience
• Familiarity with the World Wide Web version 1.0

How to apply : For more information you can obtain the full information pack from our employment agency advisers, Saxton Bampfylde at www.saxbam.com/jobs quoting reference DJCG or email DJCG@SAXBAM.COM or telephone +44 (0)1483 409 713 (during office hours)
Telephone : +44 (0)1483 409 713