DSIT appoints 7 non-executive directors to IC Board, advertises for new Chair

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has announced the appointment of seven non-executive directors (NEDs) to the new Information Commission (IC). The new IC will replace the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) as the UK's independent data protection authority (DPA) later in the year. 

The newly appointed NEDs are Laurie Benson, Maggie Carver, Stephen Cohen, Sukhvinder Kaur-Stubbs, Gary Kildare, Hilary Newiss, and Scott McPherson. DSIT has confirmed that the NEDs were selected in accordance with the Public Appointments Governance Code, and that they will assume their positions when the transition takes effect later this year. Each NED is appointed for an initial three-year term with an annual salary of £25,000.

In addition to these appointments, DSIT has launched a campaign to recruit the new IC Chair. The successful candidate will receive a £120,000  annual salary for 3 days of work per week. The role includes leading the board alongside the chief executive to set the strategic direction of the regulator. Applications for the role close on 19 August 2026.

In a statement responding to the news, Paul Arnold MBE, Interim Chief Executive at the ICO, 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."

Meanwhile, the ICO has launched a consultation about its draft corporate strategy. The strategy serves as a transitional framework from the current ICO25 strategic plan to its modernised governance structure under the IC. The consultation seeks feedback from the public, organisations, stakeholders, and parliamentarians on the regulator's draft purpose, strategic outcomes, and transformation priorities. 

The consultation closes on 23 August 2026.

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