We are proud to provide our people with a premium benefits package. We are continually improving the rewards we offer.
True flexibility
We provide true flexibility in relation to working hours and annual leave.
Flexible ways of working
Our hybrid working model empowers you to have greater control of where, when and how you work, in line with the needs of your role and service area.
There isn’t a set number of days we expect you to work in the office or from home. This is decided by you and your team.
ICO teams work in varied ways, which means one size doesn’t fit all. Team leaders work to ensure individuals are supported to work in a way that suits them whilst still meeting the needs of the business.
Flexi-time and flexi-leave
Our flexi-time system allows you to fit your work hours around your individual needs. This lets you work around childcare, avoid busy commutes and enjoy a steady work-life balance.
On days when you may start early or finish late, you can build up these additional hours and take up to an extra 26 days off per year.
25 days paid leave and flexible annual leave options
You will receive 25 days annual leave entitlement, in addition to public holidays when you join us. This rises to 30 days annual leave after five years of service.
You also get additional days off between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
We also offer the option to buy, sell and bank annual leave days. You can buy up to five extra days per year and pay us back through salary deductions. You can sell up to ten days per year back to us and you can bank up to ten days and add these to your holiday entitlement for the following year.
Compressed working hours
You can request to work compressed hours. This allows you to work your total contracted hours but over fewer working days. For example, instead of working five full days, you could request to work 10 hour days from Monday to Thursday and then take a three-day weekend.
Pay and reward
Career banding
You have the opportunity to increase your pay within your existing job role, after you pass your probation. We reward you based on the continuing development of your skills, knowledge and experience. Through our career banding framework, you can demonstrate your increasing competency and capability in the job role and be rewarded through salary increases across four separate pay bands. 73% of our staff have been promoted beyond the entry level pay band, since October 2020.
"The ICO's careers banding framework has meant that my continued hard work and dedication has been recognised, allowing me to advance in the pay banding as having opportunities for promotion." - Becky, Executive Assistant.
Civil service pension
Which? magazine rated the Civil Service pension scheme as one of the most generous of its kind, and you will be entitled to join it.
We contribute around 26.6% of your salary every month, which is 23.3% higher than the minimum employer contribution for auto-enrolment. As a member of the scheme, you would make contributions to your pension directly from your salary. Contributions are exempt from tax and national insurance. The scheme also provides other benefits like pensions for dependents, death benefits, and retirement benefits if you are permanently unable to work due to ill health.
Further information about the contribution rates can be found on the Civil Service Pension website.
Health cash plan
Our health cash plan provides you with financial support for healthcare and emergency illness. The ICO funds bronze level coverage for all employees from your first day.
You can claim cash back towards the cost of health expenses such as dental check-ups, hearing aids, glasses or contact lenses. It also covers a range of therapeutic treatments, such as physiotherapy and homeopathy.
You can choose to take out a higher level of cover, which can provide cover for a partner and dependent children, which is also supplemented by the ICO.
Staff discounts
When you join us, you’ll be eligible to join our online discounts scheme that can help you save money every day, with limited-time discounts and special offers on:
- days out, such as attractions, cinemas and theme parks;
- restaurants and takeaways;
- health and beauty, such as eye tests, gym memberships and health assessments;
- shopping at major retailers, supermarkets and home and garden stores;
- motoring such breakdown cover, car parking, MOTs and servicing;
- travel, such as holidays, hotels and airport parking; and
- insurance products.
Staff wellbeing
Colleague assistance scheme
Our Employee Assistance Programme offers counselling support to you and your partner via a confidential telephone service. It also provides information and advice for debt, financial and legal matters.
You can use the totally anonymous service as often as you need, 24/7, 365 days a year.