iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) formally transitioned to the Information Commission on 30 September 2026, replacing its former single-commissioner legal structure with a board-led body. The regulator will continue to be known as the ICO, and official statements say its regulatory work, powers and public services continue. Its head office moved from Wilmslow to Circle Square in Manchester on 28 September.
What is the Information Commission?
The Information Commission is the legal body that took over the ICO’s functions under governance arrangements introduced by the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025. The Act received Royal Assent in June 2025. The change took effect on 30 September 2026.
![Information Privacy Law [Connected eBook] (Aspen Casebook)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41xPyhfV3cL._SL160_.jpg)
Before the transition, the regulator was a “corporation sole”: its statutory powers and responsibilities were vested in the Information Commissioner. They now sit with a body corporate whose executive and non-executive members make decisions collectively. The ICO describes the organisation and public-facing regulator as continuing under the familiar name Information Commissioner’s Office, or ICO. The ICO’s transition announcement and the government’s announcement explain the change.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Has the ICO changed its name or its services?
The legal entity is now the Information Commission, but the organisation continues to be known as the ICO. That distinction matters: the Commission succeeded the ICO’s former legal structure and took over its functions; the public-facing regulator and its services did not simply disappear.
#1 Best Overall
The government says the transition does not change the regulator’s role, responsibilities or powers. The Commission continues independent regulation of data protection and freedom of information legislation. The ICO says regulatory work, guidance, advice and public services continue. The announcements describe an institutional governance change, not a change to individuals’ rights or organisations’ obligations.
Who is on the new Information Commission board?
Seven non-executive members took up their roles at the transition:
- Laurie Benson
- Maggie Carver
- Stephen Cohen
- Sukhvinder Kaur-Stubbs
- Gary Kildare
- Hilary Newiss
- Scott McPherson
The government says their experience spans business, technology, regulation, governance and public service. Each initial appointment is for three years, with stated pay of £25,000 per annum. The appointments were made in accordance with the Public Appointments Governance Code, according to the government’s appointment announcement.
Who is leading the Commission?
Paul Arnold is identified by the government as interim Chief Executive and by the ICO as Chief Executive Officer. Maggie Carver was appointed Deputy Chair as one of the board’s first actions. While the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology recruits a permanent Chair, Carver undertakes the chair’s responsibilities. The ICO expects recruitment to conclude in spring 2027; that is an expectation, not a confirmed appointment date.
Rank #3
Where has the ICO moved its headquarters?
The ICO relocated from Wilmslow to Circle Square in Manchester city centre on Monday 28 September 2026. The announced head-office address is:
ICO Head Office
4th Floor, No.3 Circle Square
5 Hawkshaw Street
Manchester
M1 7BL
Rank #4
The regulator says the Oxford Road headquarters is intended to improve access to a diverse talent pool and strengthen links with partners, businesses and communities across the UK. Those are the ICO’s stated aims; the announcement does not establish that the move has already produced those outcomes. See the ICO head-office address notice.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsWhat happens next?
The permanent Chair recruitment is under way, with completion expected by the ICO in spring 2027. The ICO has also said a forthcoming corporate strategy will focus on areas including AI, cyber resilience, children’s privacy and public services. These are announced focus areas, not a complete strategy or a set of detailed targets.
Best Value
The transition announcement frames the governance and Manchester office changes as part of a broader effort to connect the regulator with the people and organisations it serves and respond to a changing digital environment. The formal change is in how the regulator is governed; official statements say its regulatory remit and services continue.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
