At a Glance
- Tasks: Support UKRI by optimising Freedom of Information processes and ensuring compliance.
- Company: Join UKRI, the national funding agency driving innovation and research in the UK.
- Benefits: Remote work, competitive pay, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Flexible remote role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a vital project that enhances information governance and protects public data.
- Qualifications: Strong knowledge of FOI legislation and experience in handling requests.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
On behalf of UKRI, we are looking for a Freedom of Information Advisor (Inside IR35) for a 6 Month Remote contract with occasional visits to Swindon. UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is the national funding agency investing in science and research in the UK. UKRI invests £8 billion of taxpayers' money each year into research and innovation and the people who make it happen.
Job Description and Deliverables:
- FOI compliance framework and guidance: clear processes, standards, and templates to ensure consistent handling of FOI requests across UKRI.
- Current-state FOI process assessment: evaluation of existing FOI handling practices, identifying gaps, risks, and inefficiencies.
- Optimised FOI workflows: redesigned, standardised processes aligned to governance automation and records management improvements.
- Training and awareness materials: guidance and support to improve staff understanding of FOI obligations and best practice.
- Performance and compliance reporting: dashboards or reports tracking FOI response times, volumes, and compliance with statutory deadlines.
- Integration with broader InfoGov controls: alignment of FOI processes with EDRMS, privacy, and records management to ensure consistent, auditable information governance.
Project:
The Information Governance Optimisation project is the first phase of a multi-workstream cluster of initiatives designed to:
- Strengthen UKRI's information governance posture across the Group.
- Reduce risk exposure associated with poor data handling, compliance breaches, and information loss.
- Deliver a unified and consistent approach to information governance across UKRI, aligning policies, processes, and controls.
- Protect UKRI from significant financial, operational, and reputational harm arising from regulatory non-compliance or data incidents.
- Achieve compliance with UK Government standards and statutory obligations, including Data Protection Act 2018, UK GDPR, and Freedom of Information requirements.
The Info Gov Optimisation project comprises 4 discreet workstreams:
- Privacy and consent management.
- Governance Automation.
- Physical records reduction.
- Electronic Documents and Records Management System.
Specific Skills Required:
- Deep FOI legislative knowledge: strong understanding of the Freedom of Information Act and its application alongside UK GDPR and Data Protection Act obligations.
- Experience of FOI request handling: including the review of information, application of exemptions and redactions, and preparing responses.
- Process analysis and Optimisation: ability to assess existing FOI handling processes and design efficient, standardised workflows aligned to governance improvements.
- Risk identification and management: capability to identify compliance risks, sensitivities, and exemptions, ensuring appropriate and defensible responses.
- Stakeholder engagement and advisory skills: confidence working with legal, policy, and operational teams to provide clear guidance on FOI handling.
- Data and records awareness: understanding of records management, EDRMS, and information life cycle to support effective information retrieval and disclosure.
- Performance monitoring and reporting: ability to track FOI metrics (timeliness, volume, outcomes) and use insights to drive continuous improvement.
Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.
Disability Confident:
As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, UKRI guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply.
In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.
In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following: this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different.
Freedom of Information Advisor in Swindon employer: Alexander Mann Solutions - Public Sector Resourcing
Joining UK Parliament as a Microsoft M365 and Copilot Specialist offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the public sector while enjoying a hybrid work model in the vibrant city of London. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will have access to continuous learning and development opportunities, alongside a collaborative work culture that values innovation and stakeholder engagement. The role not only allows you to leverage your technical expertise but also to make a meaningful impact on how technology enhances productivity and collaboration within the organisation.
Contact Details:
Alexander Mann Solutions - Public Sector Resourcing Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Freedom of Information Advisor in Swindon
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We think you need these skills to ace Freedom of Information Advisor in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alexander Mann Solutions - Public Sector Resourcing
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Alexander Mann Solutions - Public Sector Resourcing.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Alexander Mann Solutions - Public Sector Resourcing that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
