Freedom of Information Officer in Harlow

Freedom of Information Officer in Harlow

Harlow Full-Time 25 - 25 £ / hour (est.) No working from home possible
4Recruitment Services Careers

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage Freedom of Information requests and ensure compliance with legislation.
  • Company: Join a supportive team in local government focused on transparency.
  • Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, full-time hours, and valuable experience.
  • Other info: Opportunity for growth in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
  • Why this job: Make a difference by ensuring public access to information and supporting housing services.
  • Qualifications: Experience with FOI requests and knowledge of housing services required.

The predicted salary is between 25 - 25 £ per hour.

We are seeking a knowledgeable and detail-oriented Freedom of Information (FOI) Officer to join our team. This role is pivotal in ensuring the organisation meets its statutory obligations under the Freedom of Information Act and related legislation. With a significant proportion of requests relating to housing services, this role will particularly benefit from a strong understanding of the housing function within local government.

The successful candidate will be highly organised, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. You will be confident communicating with a wide range of stakeholders and have a proactive, solutions-focused approach.

Accountabilities

  • Act as the first point of contact for all incoming Freedom of Information requests
  • Triage requests effectively, ensuring they are directed to the appropriate service areas for response
  • Monitor and track requests to ensure compliance with statutory deadlines
  • Provide guidance and support to internal stakeholders on FOI processes and requirements
  • Review responses to ensure they are accurate, legally compliant, and appropriately redact sensitive information where required
  • Maintain accurate records and reporting on FOI activity

The Experience You Will Bring

  • Demonstrable experience in handling Freedom of Information requests
  • Strong knowledge of housing services within a local government context
  • Sound understanding of FOI legislation and a general awareness of legal principles relating to information governance
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to assess, triage, and manage requests efficiently and accurately
  • Experience working within a local authority setting
  • Knowledge of related legislation (e.g. Data Protection / GDPR, Environmental Information Regulations)
  • Experience using case management or records systems

To find out more information please contact Lily at Recruitment is done in line with safe recruitment practices. We are an equal opportunity agency.

Freedom of Information Officer in Harlow employer: 4Recruitment Services Careers

As a fully remote employer, we offer our BIM Technicians the flexibility to work from anywhere while being part of a dynamic team dedicated to innovative construction design projects. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and professional growth, with opportunities to enhance your skills in BIM technology and project management. Join us for a rewarding experience where your contributions directly impact the success of multi-disciplinary projects, all while enjoying competitive day rates and a commitment to maintaining high standards in digital information management.

4Recruitment Services Careers

Contact Details:

4Recruitment Services Careers Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Freedom of Information Officer in Harlow

✨Dive into Local Government Events

Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like 4Recruitment Services Careers, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!

✨Join Relevant Networks

Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.

✨Utilise Your University’s Resources

If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like 4Recruitment Services Careers and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.

✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives

Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Freedom of Information Officer in Harlow

Knowledge of Freedom of Information legislation
Understanding of housing services within local government
Attention to Detail
Excellent written communication skills
Excellent verbal communication skills
Ability to assess and triage requests
Experience in handling Freedom of Information requests

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.

Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.

Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for 4Recruitment Services Careers and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.

How to prepare for a job interview at 4Recruitment Services Careers

✨Get to Know Public Sector Values

Before your interview with 4Recruitment Services Careers, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.

✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge

Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.

✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration

The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!

✨Prepare Real-Life Examples

Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for 4Recruitment Services Careers.