Information Access Officer - Band D - Compliance and Assurance - Counter Terrorism Policing HQ in London

Salary: The starting salary is £40,519, which includes allowances totalling £3,009. This comprises £37,510 basic salary, a £2,009 location allowance and a £1,000 non‑pensionable allowance. The basic salary will increase annually until it reaches the top of the scale £40,141.

Job Summary: Information compliance is essential in ensuring that we protect sensitive police information while enabling the public to understand the role of Met Police officers and staff in safeguarding our communities. As the Information Manager you will join the Information Access Team within the Compliance and Assurance (C&A) Pillar at Counter Terrorism Policing Headquarters (CTPHQ). The Unit manages Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and assists with Right to Access Requests (ROAR) / Subject Access Requests (SAR). Its remit covers the Met’s Specialist Operations (SO) Command Units – Aviation Policing, CTPL, PaDP, RaSP and Protective Security & Operations – and may include other MPS units and the CT Policing Network.

Your primary responsibility is to oversee the effective and timely processing of FOIA requests, providing expert guidance and support to colleagues and producing high‑quality responses that meet all statutory obligations. You must have a good working knowledge of FOIA, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and relevant data protection legislation.

Key Tasks:

• Research all relevant FOIA requests on secure systems, the MPS intranet and the external internet for information in the public domain.
• Consult with internal stakeholders to ensure that information is provided to allow an appropriate response to be drafted.
• Draft FOIA responses that are time compliant.
• Ensure the database of all FOIA requests received is maintained.
• Work collaboratively with external and internal stakeholders, ensuring a consistent approach to FOIA and compliance with Data Protection legislation.
• Supervise the Information Officer.
• Keep up to date on developments in the field of information legislation and record management to ensure CTPHQ/SO are compliant.
• Attend training to develop relevant knowledge and skills.
• Liaise with the MPS Data Rights Unit and the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) – National Referral Team on FOIA requests.
• Assist with Right of Access Requests where CT information is sought.
• Act as deputy for the Senior Information Manager in their absence.
• Undertake other tasks as directed by Unit lead.

Experience:

• Prior experience managing complex FOIA requests, stakeholder engagement and a proven ability to challenge decisions in line with FOIA legislation.
• Previous experience of the CT environment and knowledge of the CT Network.
• Current vetting at MV/SC Level or ability to be vetted to this level (or willingness to undergo).
• Knowledge of MPS corporate and secure systems.

Vetting and STRAP: This post requires access to the most sensitive intelligence material daily. Applicants must hold or be prepared to undergo National Security Vetting (NSV) Security Check (enhanced) (SC(e)) before taking up the post; with a willingness to undergo Developed Vetting (DV) once in post, if required. Applicants must be British nationality (some dual nationals may be ineligible) and possess an Enhanced Security Check (eSC). Due to the sensitive nature of the role, there are limitations on travelling to a small number of countries and additional security checks may be undertaken.

Confidentiality Agreement: Applicants must agree to sign a confidentiality agreement on taking up the post.

Key Skills: Recent working experience in a freedom of information environment and extensive knowledge of FOIA, Data Protection and related legislation; experience drafting concise, accurate compliant response letters; ability to collaborate with stakeholders, negotiate and influence; strong analytical skills; clear communication of complex information; initiative and teamwork; planning and organising workload; excellent attention to detail; decision making in a fast‑paced environment; proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.

Reports To: Senior Information Manager

Disability Confident Statement: The Met is committed to being an equitable and inclusive employer for disabled people, striving to have a diverse and representative workforce at all levels. We encourage applications from people from the widest possible range of backgrounds, cultures and experiences. We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and long‑term conditions, ethnic minority groups and women. As a Disability Confident Leader, the Met ensures that people with disabilities and long‑term conditions have the opportunity to fulfil their potential. The Met is committed to making reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process to support disabled applicants in performing at their best. All matters are treated in strict confidence.