2,278 AI Policy jobs in the United Kingdom

AI Policy & Ethics Consultant

Active "SC" Clearance Required please

We are delivering a large-scale, multi-year AI and digital services programme aimed at transforming public-facing experiences. The programme focuses on building secure, responsible, and AI-powered services at scale, with strong emphasis on trust, transparency, accessibility, and common digital standards. Candidates will join a cross-functional team shaping next-generation AI products and services.

Overview

The AI Policy & Ethics Consultant will ensure responsible and ethical deployment of AI.

Responsibilities

• Conduct AI ethics and policy reviews.
• Advise on transparency, fairness, and accountability.
• Embed ethical governance in AI delivery.

Essential Skills

• Expertise in AI ethics, policy, and compliance.
• Experience embedding governance frameworks in delivery.
• Active UK Security Clearance.

Desirable

• Experience advising on AI in large-scale programmes.

AI Policy & Ethics Consultant

• Conduct in-depth research on ethical implications and societal impacts of AI technologies.
• Develop, refine, and implement AI ethics frameworks, principles, and guidelines.
• Analyze AI systems for potential biases, fairness issues, and privacy concerns.
• Advise research teams and stakeholders on responsible AI development and deployment.
• Draft policy recommendations and position papers for internal and external audiences.
• Engage with policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society organizations.
• Organize and facilitate workshops, conferences, and public engagement events.
• Contribute to grant applications and research projects focused on AI ethics.
• Stay abreast of global AI regulations, standards, and best practices.
• Communicate complex ethical concepts clearly to diverse audiences.

• PhD or Master's degree in Philosophy, Ethics, Law, Public Policy, Sociology, Computer Science (with an ethics focus), or a related field.
• Significant experience (5+ years) working on AI ethics, technology policy, or responsible innovation.
• Demonstrated understanding of AI technologies, machine learning, and data science concepts.
• Expertise in ethical theories, moral philosophy, and/or relevant legal frameworks.
• Proven ability to conduct rigorous research and analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong presentation abilities.
• Experience in policy development and stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• A commitment to promoting ethical and human-centric AI.

• Conduct in-depth research on emerging trends, ethical challenges, and policy issues related to artificial intelligence across various sectors.
• Assist in the development and refinement of AI ethical guidelines, principles, and best practices.
• Analyze proposed AI regulations and legislation, providing insights on their potential impact.
• Support the drafting of policy briefs, white papers, and reports on AI ethics and governance.
• Contribute to stakeholder consultations and working group discussions, documenting key findings and recommendations.
• Monitor public discourse and academic literature on AI ethics and safety.
• Help organize and facilitate virtual workshops and seminars on AI ethics.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of researchers, engineers, and policymakers.
• Maintain a knowledge base of AI ethics frameworks and relevant case studies.
• Assist in the evaluation of AI systems for ethical compliance.

• Recent graduate with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Philosophy, Law, Public Policy, Sociology, or Ethics, with a strong focus on AI or technology ethics.
• Demonstrated passion for and understanding of artificial intelligence and its societal impact.
• Excellent research, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities, with the capacity to synthesize complex information.
• Familiarity with ethical theories and frameworks.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines in a remote environment.
• Proficiency in standard office software and collaborative online tools.
• Eagerness to learn and adapt to a rapidly evolving field.
• Previous internship or project experience in policy analysis, research, or technology ethics is advantageous.
• Must have a reliable internet connection and a suitable remote workspace.

• Conduct research into the ethical, social, and legal implications of artificial intelligence.
• Analyse emerging AI technologies and their potential impacts on society.
• Assist in the development of ethical guidelines, best practices, and policy recommendations for AI.
• Prepare research reports, policy briefs, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Engage with industry experts, academics, and policymakers to gather insights and foster collaboration.
• Monitor global AI policy developments and assess their relevance.
• Support the organisation of workshops, seminars, and public consultations on AI ethics.
• Contribute to the organisation's knowledge base on AI ethics and governance.
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams on various research projects.
• Develop clear and concise communication materials explaining complex ethical concepts.

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field such as Philosophy, Law, Political Science, Sociology, Computer Science, or a related discipline with a strong focus on ethics or policy.
• A demonstrated interest in artificial intelligence and its societal implications.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong research and writing abilities, with experience in producing academic or policy-oriented documents.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a remote team.
• Proactive and self-motivated with a keen attention to detail.
• Familiarity with AI concepts is a plus but not essential; a strong ethical/policy foundation is paramount.

• Develop and refine ethical guidelines and policy recommendations for AI systems.
• Conduct research on AI ethics, bias detection, fairness, and transparency.
• Analyse legislative and regulatory developments related to AI both domestically and internationally.
• Engage with stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders, to foster dialogue on AI ethics.
• Prepare detailed reports, white papers, and presentations on AI ethics and policy issues.
• Contribute to the creation of training materials and awareness campaigns on responsible AI.
• Monitor and evaluate the ethical impact of AI applications in various domains.
• Advocate for responsible AI innovation and implementation across the organisation and externally.

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in a relevant field such as Ethics, Law, Public Policy, Computer Science with an ethics focus, or Sociology.
• Demonstrable experience in policy analysis, ethical research, or AI governance.
• Strong understanding of AI technologies, machine learning principles, and their societal implications.
• Excellent research, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a collaborative, remote environment.
• Familiarity with international ethical frameworks and regulatory bodies for AI is a plus.
• A passion for technology and its ethical and societal impact.

Wilmslow, North West England, SK9 5AF

Job Summary
Senior Policy Officer – AI Policy
Full time / Part time

Grade: E

Salary: £42,593 - £8,245, with potential for further progression to 4,317with our pay progression scheme.

Location: Hybrid

Contracted to our Wilmslow, London, Edinburgh, Cardiff or Belfast office, however, we offer flexible home and office-based working opportunities. There will be times when you will be expected to attend the office to collaborate with colleagues or travel due to business need. Please note, from Autumn 2026 our head office will move from Wilmslow to Manchester city centre.

Why work for the ICO?

• Pay progression scheme.
• Hybrid and flexible working options.
• 25 days paid holiday per year, plus privilege and public holidays.
• Flexi leave (up to 26 additional days leave per year).
• Pension (employer contribution around 28.9%).
• Online discount scheme to save money at major supermarkets, retailers, gyms, restaurants, insurance providers and many more.
• Health Cash Plan.
• Fantastic development opportunities to learn and progress.

Further details can be found on the benefits section of our website .

Job Description
We are currently recruiting for
two
Senior Policy Officers (one permanent and one fixed term until March 2027) to join the AI Policy team. The post holder will contribute to delivery of the ICO's AI and Biometrics Strategy, working on topics such as foundation models or automated decision-making. They will also support the implementation of relevant provisions of the recently passed Data Use and Access Act, working closely with colleagues across the ICO and with external partners.

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) is the independent regulator of information rights. In a data-driven world, we provide advice, guidance, and support to organisations enabling compliance with their obligations, as well as protecting individuals and their personal data.

As an employer, we are passionate about making a positive difference to the lives and careers of our people, and we empower you to be curious, impactful, collaborative and respectful.

*Job Description *
This is an opportunity to shape the ICO's approach to an area of major technological and policy importance, helping to ensure that AI is used responsibly and in a way that protects people's rights while enabling innovation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Analyse and develop policy responses to the challenges posed by foundation models and generative AI, including issues of data protection, transparency, explainability, fairness and accountability.
• Support implementation of the Data Use and Access Act 2025, including input to guidance, codes and regulatory tools relevant to AI and ADM.
• Gather, synthesise and evaluate evidence from technical, legal, and socio-economic perspectives to inform ICO policy lines.
• Produce clear and accurate policy products, including briefings, reports, consultation responses and public guidance.
• Engage with industry, civil society, academia, government and other regulators to inform the ICO's work and communicate policy lines.
• Work closely with colleagues in legal, supervision, communications and strategy teams to ensure joined-up delivery of AI and Biometrics projects.
• Take responsibility for delivering discrete projects or work packages within the AI and Biometrics Strategy, reporting progress and risks to senior colleagues.
• Represent the ICO at working-level meetings, workshops and conferences, presenting ICO positions clearly and professionally.

We are currently recruiting for
two
Senior Policy Officers (one permanent and one fixed term until March 2027) to join the AI Policy team. The post holder will contribute to delivery of the ICO's AI and Biometrics Strategy, working on topics such as foundation models or automated decision-making. They will also support the implementation of relevant provisions of the recently passed Data Use and Access Act, working closely with colleagues across the ICO and with external partners.

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) is the independent regulator of information rights. In a data-driven world, we provide advice, guidance, and support to organisations enabling compliance with their obligations, as well as protecting individuals and their personal data.

As an employer, we are passionate about making a positive difference to the lives and careers of our people, and we empower you to be curious, impactful, collaborative and respectful.

Key Responsibilities:

• Analyse and develop policy responses to the challenges posed by foundation models and generative AI, including issues of data protection, transparency, explainability, fairness and accountability.
• Support implementation of the Data Use and Access Act 2025, including input to guidance, codes and regulatory tools relevant to AI and ADM.
• Gather, synthesise and evaluate evidence from technical, legal, and socio-economic perspectives to inform ICO policy lines.
• Produce clear and accurate policy products, including briefings, reports, consultation responses and public guidance.
• Engage with industry, civil society, academia, government and other regulators to inform the ICO's work and communicate policy lines.
• Work closely with colleagues in legal, supervision, communications and strategy teams to ensure joined-up delivery of AI and Biometrics projects.
• Take responsibility for delivering discrete projects or work packages within the AI and Biometrics Strategy, reporting progress and risks to senior colleagues.
• Represent the ICO at working-level meetings, workshops and conferences, presenting ICO positions clearly and professionally.

Person specification

Essential Criteria Assessed At Application Stage:

• Experience relevant to the role requirements, as described in the role responsibilities and person specification, and accumulated through any combination of academic or vocational qualifications or experience
• Significant relevant working experience in a policy, regulatory, technology-based or legal role will be an advantage.
• Experience of working with complex information which could include legislation or operational rules and procedures. Experience of applying data protection or associated legislation will be an advantage.

Essential Criteria Assessed During Interview:

• Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to analyse complex issues and formulate clear and persuasive arguments for a range of audiences.
• The ability to use good judgement and problem solving skills in order to take sound and potentially high profile decisions.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to negotiate and maintain good relationships with senior officials in assigned stakeholder areas.
• An understanding of wider political, economic and technological developments in the UK and overseas.
• Ability to work as a member of a project team to deliver defined objectives under pressure.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion
The ICO is committed to promoting and enhancing equality, diversity, and inclusion. We are focused on developing a workforce that is representative of the communities we serve and together we are building an inclusive workplace where all of our colleagues have the opportunity to make a real difference. We are championing this through our Equality Diversity and Inclusion Board together with a number of staff networks. Read more about our commitment on our website.

Candidates with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for this vacancy will be invited to interview as part of the ICO's commitment to the Disability Confident Scheme.

If you are disabled or have an impairment and require an alternative application method, please email the HR team at .

Alongside your salary of £42, 3, Information Commissioner's Office contributes 2,339 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Please visit for full details, including salary and benefits.

Selection process details

Please submit your CV and cover letter detailing your suitability to the role by
23:59, 5 October
We reserve the right to close this vacancy before this date should we receive sufficient applications. Please apply as soon as possible to ensure your application is considered.

In the event of a high volume of applications, we may not be able to invite all candidates who meet the minimum criteria to interview. However, we encourage you stay in touch and apply for future roles that match your interests.

All candidates who meet the minimum criteria and apply in-line with our guaranteed interview scheme for disabled and ethnic minority applicants will be interviewed.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Medical

Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical.

Nationality requirements

This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

Please note this Post is NOT regulated by the Civil Service Commission.

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Please note this Post is NOT regulated by the Civil Service Commission.

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job Contact :

• Name :
• Email :

Recruitment team

• Email :

Further information

• Conduct research on AI ethics and policy issues.
• Analyze AI technologies and their societal impact.
• Assist in drafting policy recommendations and reports.
• Contribute to discussions on responsible AI development.
• Collaborate with a remote team of experts.

• Recent graduate with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field (Law, Ethics, Policy, CS, etc.).
• Strong research, analytical, and writing skills.
• Genuine interest in AI ethics and its societal implications.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote setting.
• Proactive attitude and eagerness to learn.

• Develop and implement AI ethics policies and frameworks.
• Conduct ethical impact assessments for AI systems.
• Advise product and engineering teams on ethical AI best practices.
• Research and stay current with AI ethics regulations and industry standards.
• Facilitate cross-functional discussions on AI ethics.
• Contribute to the design of ethical AI tools and processes.
• Engage with external stakeholders on AI governance and ethics.
• Develop training materials on AI ethics for employees.
• Monitor and report on ethical risks and compliance.

• Master's or PhD in Ethics, Philosophy, Law, Computer Science with an AI focus, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in AI ethics, technology policy, or responsible AI.
• In-depth knowledge of AI, machine learning, and their societal impacts.
• Proven experience in policy development and implementation.
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities, with experience presenting to diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with global AI regulations and ethical AI frameworks.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote environment.