Two appointments have been announced in the Information Commissioner’s Office.

Jason Outerbridge, who previously worked with Public Access to Information (Pati) legislation in the UK, has joined as the Assistant Information Commissioner, while Hector Watson is the new office manager.

Information Commissioner Gitanjali Gutierrez said in a statement: “It is an exciting opportunity to be a part of this historical development.”

Mr Outerbridge has years of public service experience, working with and studying issues of good governance, administrative law, social justice and human and constitutional rights.

Ms Gutierrez stated: “We will all benefit from his work with public access to information laws in the United Kingdom and his knowledge of our Public Access to Information Act 2010.

“Mr Outerbridge has a sophisticated understanding of the requirements for its effective oversight and use, as well as its potential as an important tool for accountability and effective democracy.”

Mr Watson, who will be joining in mid-August, will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the ICO and the effective management and administration of the ICO office.

Ms Gutierrez stated: “We have significant challenges establishing the structures, policies and procedures for the new office.

“Mr Watson’s experience in business management, accounting, law enforcement, regulatory practices and consulting will be a tremendous resource. His longstanding commitment to public service is also consistent with the mandate of our office and will make him a resource for the public.

“I very much look forward to the contributions that Mr Outerbridge and Mr Watson will make to the development of the Information Commissioner’s Office and the promotion of the PATI Act.”