Freedom of Information Officer

A really exciting opportunity has arisen as we are looking to recruit a Freedom of Information Officer. The post holder will be responsible for leading and supporting delivery of our Freedom of Information processes, as well as ensuring we are compliant with statutory and regulatory requirements.

Your next role

This is the lead role for Freedom of Information in the organisation, raising awareness and providing expert advice, training and support to our Members, Senior Officers and colleagues.

As the Freedom of Information Officer, you will develop, plan and monitor the Council’s response to the Act, ensuring high quality information governance management practice across the Council. You will ensure that we are compliant with all current and future information related legislation and regulation.

You will continuously work with officers and Members to develop the Council’s maturity and support the improvement of Freedom of Information practice in the Council. You will help us embed an effective Information Governance culture that maximises the value from our information assets, while protecting the rights of data subjects for the data we hold.

This role is 37 hours per week but we operate an agile working policy, allowing you to manage your own diary and work flexibly, including off-site/remote working.

About You

You will be an enthusiastic, skilled subject matter expert in Freedom of Information. You will have a good knowledge of the public sector and their rules and regulations. You will be able to use your background in these areas to ensure the Council complies with all relevant legislation and regulatory requirements.

You will be able to demonstrate that you are able to creatively and pragmatically help the Council navigate challenging information related issues, including making difficult decisions in relation to data privacy risks and legislative compliance.

You will have a successful track-record of working independently and delivering Information Governance initiatives that make a real difference to the organisation.

You have exceptional influencing skills and are capable of building strong, enduring and productive relationships with elected Members, Corporate Directors, the Senior Officers, council staff, partners and residents.

You must be fluent in the English language (as a requirement of Part 7 of the Immigration Act – for the effective performance of a customer-facing role).

Your next package

Please see our Rewards and Benefits offer for more details.

As an employee, you will receive a diverse and exciting environment in which to work, encouraging creativity and innovation whilst recognising the need to support ongoing personal development and a flexible work life balance.

For Swindon to thrive in the future, we need to lay the foundations now. It’s why our regeneration and transformation programmes are already underway. So, you’ll be joining us at an exciting time on our journey. We’ll look to you to share your knowledge, influence decisions and drive real, positive change. With your contributions, we’ll achieve our vision of a prosperous, re-vitalised Swindon by 2030 together. And you’ll be proud to say it was made better with you.

Your next steps

Read the role profile and select the Apply button where you will be redirected to the Swindon Borough Council website to complete our online application process. Clicking the ‘Apply’ button on this job website is not an application, you must register on the Swindon Borough Council website in order to be considered for the role.

For further information about the role, please contact Phil Murkin, Chief Digital Officer, pmurkin@swindon.gov.uk

If you are experiencing technical issues submitting your application please email resourcing@swindon.gov.uk