Freedom of Information Officer in Braintree

Freedom of Information Officer in Braintree

Braintree Full-Time 25000 - 29000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Braintree District Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage Freedom of Information requests and ensure public access to information.
  • Company: Join Braintree District Council, a dynamic and growing council in Essex.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive pay, and local business discounts.
  • Other info: Fixed term for 2 years with opportunities for training and development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on transparency and public service in your community.
  • Qualifications: Experience with FOI/EIR requests and a passion for open data is preferred.

The predicted salary is between 25000 - 29000 £ per year.

Are you passionate about transparency, public service and making a real impact If so, Braintree District Council are looking for a dynamic and driven Freedom of Information Officer to join our small but mighty team.  Location: Braintree, Essex, CM7 9HB Salary: £30,313 to £34,612 per annum Job Type: Full-time, Fixed term for 2 years About Us: Braintree is an ambitious and dynamic Council and is becoming one of the fastest growing Districts in the East of England with three growing towns, London just 45 minutes away and the district located directly between the international transport centres of Stansted Airport and Harwich and Felixstowe International Ports. We have a deserved track record for delivering and a strong reputation within the business community. Freedom of Information Officer – The Role: This is a full-time opportunity on a fixed term contract for two years to provide additional support to the Freedom of Information (FOI) function. The role sits within our Performance and Improvement Team and you will play a crucial role in ensuring the public has access to information in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act and Environmental Information Regulations. You will be responsible for processing and managing FOI and EIR requests, providing guidance and training to colleagues across the Council and working with the Governance Team as appropriate to ensure compliance with key data protection and information access legislation. Freedom of Information Officer – Key Responsibilities: - Process and manage Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, and Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) requests, in line with the Councils procedures and case management system, ensuring they are handled within statutory timescales - Provide practical guidance, training and support on FOI, EIR across all Council services - Regularly monitor and report on the performance of FOI and EIR request handling, identifying areas for improvement and implementing necessary changes - Identify and manage risks associated with the handling of FOI and EIR requests, ensuring that any potential issues are addressed promptly and effectively Freedom of Information Officer – You: - Practitioner Certificate in FOI/EIR desirable but not essential - Experience in handling FOI/EIR requests within a local authority or similar public organisation - Experience in engaging with stakeholders to provide guidance and support on FOI/EIR matters - Experience in preparing and delivering training sessions on FOI and EIR - Knowledge of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and Environmental Information Regulations and their application to local authorities - Highly organised and detail-oriented with a good understanding of transparency and open data for the public sector Freedom of Information Officer – Benefits: Braintree District Council is a great place to work. We pride ourselves on our creative, innovative and forward-thinking approach which is led by our staff. We are committed to having an engaged workforce who understand our strategy and how they can help deliver it. Some of the benefits of working for Braintree District Council are: - Competitive pay and benefits -Hybrid working arrangements are available in this role (home/office based) subject to business need - Local government pension scheme - Learning and development for all staff  - Staff discounts at local businesses - Staff recognition schemes - Extensive health and wellbeing programme including discounted gym membership Closing date: Midnight on Monday 4th August Interviews w/c 18th August To submit your application for this exciting Freedom of Information Officer opportunity, please click ‘Apply’ now

Freedom of Information Officer in Braintree employer: Braintree District Council

Braintree District Council is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where transparency and public service are at the forefront. With competitive pay, hybrid working options, and a strong commitment to employee development, staff can thrive in their roles while contributing to the community. Located in the rapidly growing district of Braintree, just 45 minutes from London, employees enjoy a supportive culture that values innovation and well-being.

Braintree District Council

Contact Details:

Braintree District Council Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

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

Dive into Local Government Events

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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.

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Stay Updated with Government Initiatives

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

Knowledge of the Freedom of Information Act 2000
Understanding of Environmental Information Regulations
Experience in processing FOI and EIR requests
Stakeholder engagement skills
Training and presentation skills
Attention to detail
Strong organisational skills

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 Braintree District Council 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 Braintree District Council

Get to Know Public Sector Values

Before your interview with Braintree District Council, 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 Braintree District Council.