Graham Smith joined the Information Commissioner's Office as Deputy Commissioner in July 2001 from Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council where he was Assistant Chief Executive (Legal and Democratic Services). Prior to that he held various posts as a local authority lawyer in Oldham, Bolton, Bradford and Dorset.

Originally from Bath, Graham graduated in law from Sheffield University in 1979 and qualified as a solicitor three years later. He holds the Law Society's Diploma in Local Government Law and Practice.

As one of two Deputy Commissioners, Graham leads on the Commissioner's responsibilities under the Freedom of Information Act and deals with strategic data protection issues in the public and financial services sectors.