Committee publication · Correspondence · 14 May 2026
Correspondence from Chief Executive Officer, relating to ICO Governance over ICO Commissioner absence, 28 April
Summary
The ICO Chief Executive Officer informs the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee that Information Commissioner John Edwards voluntarily stepped back from duties on 26 February 2026 pending an independent workplace investigation. Edwards remains formally Commissioner but has agreed to avoid contact with ICO staff (except the CEO and private office), not enter ICO offices, and avoid public representation. The CEO assures the Committee that governance and regulatory continuity are maintained through the board, executive team, and established delegation scheme.
Key findings
- Information Commissioner John Edwards voluntarily stepped back from duties on 26 February 2026 due to an independent workplace investigation relating to him
- Edwards remains formally in post as Commissioner but has agreed to step back from all contact with ICO staff except the CEO and private office, will not enter ICO offices, and will not represent the ICO publicly
- The ICO board, CEO, and executive team continue to lead the organisation and make decisions under the scheme of delegation to ensure regulatory continuity
- DSIT (Department of Science, Innovation and Technology) has been kept fully aware of these arrangements from the outset
- The nature of Edwards' absence was not initially revealed to protect all parties and maintain investigation integrity, but this changed following weekend media reports
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
John Edwards, Paul Arnold MBE, Dame Chi Onwurah MP, Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT)
Notable line
“During this period, John Edwards has and will continue to remain as the Commissioner and is available should his input or oversight be needed to discharge our regulatory …”
Key Quotes
“Following reports in the media and online over the weekend, I wanted to write to the Committee to provide reassurance around the governance and leadership arrangements at the ICO during the Information Commissioner's extended period of absence.”
“… the Information Commissioner, John Edwards, voluntarily stepped back from his duties on 26 February. This is to enable an independent workplace investigation which relates to him.”
“… he has agreed to step back from all contact with ICO staff, with the exception of myself and his private office; will not enter ICO offices; and will not represent the ICO publicly during this period.”
“… the board, myself as chief executive and the executive team continue to lead the ICO, making decisions in accordance with the scheme of delegation, to ensure continuity in our leadership and regulatory work.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗