Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation

The role of the IRTL is to assess the operation of the UK’s terrorism legislation, including its effectiveness and proportionality. The IRTL provides critical scrutiny, informing the Parliamentary and public debate on counter-terrorism through written reports, articles, evidence to parliamentary committees and consultations, and media appearances. The role is very similar to that of the Independent Reviewer of State Threats Legislation. 

About the appointment

Remuneration: £202,800 per annum, which is based on approximately 156 days at £1,300 per day (plus VAT and reasonable expenses). The time commitment equates to around three days per week, but this could vary depending on the Independent Reviewer’s programme of work and will be at the discretion of the role holder.

Location: The successful candidate will be able to work flexibly within the United Kingdom. However, the candidate will need to be able to work from the Home Office main building in central London in order to access higher classification material in a secure environment. The frequency of this may vary but the successful candidate would need to be able to do this at least on a monthly basis. There will also be a requirement to travel throughout Great Britain and Northern Ireland to carry out the role effectively.

Reporting to: Home Secretary

Purpose:

The UK faces a terrorist threat which is diverse and complex. As the Director General of MI5 stated in his threat update in October 2025, operational partners are dealing with near record volumes of terrorism investigations. The role of the online environment continues to be critical in radicalisation pathways and to countering terrorist risk, and there is continued presence of minors in terrorism investigations. 

The UK’s counter-terrorism framework provides a wide and flexible range of specialist counter-terrorism powers to detect, investigate and disrupt terrorist-related activity, while carefully balancing the rights and freedoms that form the basis of our vibrant democratic society. 

The Government is therefore seeking an experienced individual to provide independent oversight and scrutiny of the UK’s counter-terrorism legislation as the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation.

The Independent Reviewer may be supported by specialist advisors to help discharge the Reviewer’s statutory responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities:

The Independent Reviewer’s main responsibilities are to:

• Review and submit an annual report to the Secretary of State for the Home Department on the operation of the Terrorism Act 2000. These reports are laid in Parliament and published on gov.uk. 
• Provide the Home Secretary with a proposed annual work programme by 31 January each year, which informs Ministers of all discretionary reviews to be conducted within that calendar year on the operation of statutes falling within the Independent Reviewer’s remit, which are:
• Part 1 of the Terrorism Act 2006;
• Counter-Terrorism Act 2008;
• Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 (Part 1, and Part 2 in so far as it relates to counter-terrorism);
• Part 1 of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015;
• Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures Act 2011.
• Under section 31 of the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018, the Independent Reviewer may also be appointed by The Secretary of State or The Treasury to review regulations with a counter-terrorism purpose from time to time.  
• The Independent Reviewer may also be asked by the Home Secretary to undertake reviews into specific areas or topics on occasion. The current postholder, for example, carried out a review of Terrorism in Prisons following several terrorist attacks by terrorist offenders released on licence. 
• Respond to the Home Secretary or other Ministers who may, at any time, require the Independent Reviewer to report on any matter relating to the Independent Reviewer’s functions. The Independent Reviewer may also choose to report on any matter which he or she considers to be directly related to their functions. This can include, for example, responding to government consultations or the introduction of wider legislation which may impact on the operation of the UK’s counter-terrorism legislation. 
• In addition, counter-terrorism legislation naturally attracts significant attention, and it is likely that the Independent Reviewer may be called upon to take part in public debates, to give evidence to Parliamentary Committees, the Northern Ireland Policing Board, and international bodies. This will often also include consulting with affected communities and to provide comment to domestic and overseas media on high-profile counter-terrorism issues. 
• The IRTL has their own website, where he or she can publish any of their relevant reports and papers.

Regulation of appointment

This post is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. For more information, please refer to the Commissioner’s website.

Person specification

Essential criteria

• Ability to demonstrate outstanding personal qualities, in particular, integrity and independence, with a strong and personal commitment to the highest standards of public life.
• A strong understanding and experience in dealing with counter-terrorism legislation and related national security policy issues.
• A balanced appreciation of the importance of civil liberties and their interaction with laws designed to protect the public. 
• Expertise in analysing the law and its operation, coupled with a broader understanding of the effects of law on society and the concerns of different groups within society.
• Scrupulous fairness in assessing complex information and competing interests, sound judgment and a willingness to accept scrutiny and challenge. 
•  A first-class communicator with the authority and interpersonal skills to secure and retain the confidence of a wide range of challenging audiences including parliamentarians, law enforcement and legal professionals, NGOs, affected communities and the media. 

Part Two – Behaviour, Skills and Abilities 

• The ability to command respect quickly and to build mutually supportive relationships and networks. 
• A strong intellect, analytical and written skills. 
• Resilient in challenging circumstances and able to work under pressure, remaining calm but decisive. 
• Comfortable operating in a political environment, whilst also being tenacious and robust. 
• The ability to work on sensitive issues requiring the utmost discretion.

Desirable criteria

• Senior barrister, solicitor, judge or legal academic. 
• Experience of media and social media. 
• Experience of dealing with counter-terrorism and national security issues.

Closing date: 17 July 2026, 10am

To find out more and apply, please visit the gov.uk website.