Mervinskiy 446

348. The government proposes that the ICO should deliver a more transparent and structured international strategy, as part of its accountability and transparency requirements.

349. The government also proposes to include, as part of the new framework of objectives and duties, a new statutory objective for the ICO to consider the government's wider international priorities when prioritising and conducting its own international activities.

While the ICO’s responsibilities and powers with respect to transfer tools and regulatory cooperation are provided for under Articles 57 and 50 in the UK GDPR respectively, the proposed international objective would help the ICO prioritise its activities in light of its expanding remit in these areas following the UK's exit from the European Union.

350. These proposals align with the Plan for Digital Regulation and are guided by the principle of exploiting opportunities and addressing challenges in the international arena. This will ensure that the ICO is able to build international considerations from the start, taking account of the government's international obligations and the impacts of regulations developed by other nations.

The government welcomes views on the following questions: Q5.2.12. To what extent do you agree with the proposal to require the ICO to deliver a more transparent and structured international strategy? ○ Strongly agree ○ Somewhat agree ○ Neither agree nor disagree ○ Somewhat disagree ○ Strongly disagree Please explain your answer, and provide supporting evidence where possible.

Q5.2.13. To what extent do you agree with the proposal to include a new statutory objective for the ICO to consider the government's wider international priorities when conducting its international activities? ○ Strongly agree ○ Somewhat agree ○ Neither agree nor disagree ○ Somewhat disagree ○ Strongly disagree Please explain your answer, and provide supporting evidence where possible.

5.3 Governance Model and Leadership 351. The ICO's governance and leadership model should be fit for purpose, suitable to its role and remit, and relevant to the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape. The ICO also needs the right governance structures in place to deliver its ongoing transformation programme, building the capability and processes necessary to regulate effectively in an increasingly data-driven world. It is crucial the ICO has the right expertise and skills at the top of the organisation to make this transformational change a success.

352. The ICO is currently structured as a 'corporation sole'; a single legal entity consisting of an incorporated office occupied by a single person. The powers and responsibilities of the ICO lie solely with the Information Commissioner. Most peer regulators of the ICO in the UK run a governance board model, including a separate, statutory independent board function which 123