At a Glance
- Tasks: Support transparency and data protection in public services while managing information requests.
- Company: Cumberland Council, committed to integrity and community service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public trust and information governance.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of information legislation and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with guaranteed interviews for eligible candidates.
The predicted salary is between 40777 - 41771 £ per year.
Salary: £40,777 - £41,771
Hours: 37 hours per week
Location: Civic Centre, Carlisle
Contract: Permanent
About This Opportunity
Are you passionate about transparency, data protection, and helping public services operate with trust and integrity? We are looking for an experienced Information Governance & Disclosure Officer to support our statutory obligations and strengthen our approach to information rights across the Council.
This is a key role within our Information Governance team—ensuring the Council manages and responds to information requests efficiently, ethically, and in full compliance with legislation including the Freedom of Information Act (FOI), Environmental Information Regulations (EIR), and the Data Protection Act (DPA) and UK GDPR.
About The Role
- Provide expert advice and guidance to senior managers, elected members, and members of the public on information governance issues.
- Review responses to statutory information requests, applying appropriate exemptions, redactions, and legal considerations.
- Act as a primary point of contact for public, police, and external information requests, including cases where information may be withheld.
- Lead the development and maintenance of information governance policies, training, and corporate learning to support continuous improvement.
- Drive forward a proactive "publication and transparency" approach, ensuring the Council publishes high‐quality, timely information in line with our publication scheme.
- Review data breach reports, assess risks, recommend containment actions, and produce incident documentation.
- Support and deputise for the Data Protection Officer and Information Governance Manager when required.
About You
- Has strong knowledge of FOI, EIR, DPA, UK GDPR and wider information legislation.
- Is confident analysing complex information and applying legal exemptions.
- Communicates clearly and professionally with a wide range of audiences.
- Can manage sensitive and confidential information responsibly.
- Works well under pressure, with excellent attention to detail.
- Enjoys improving systems, processes, and training to strengthen organisational compliance.
- Experience in a similar information governance, data protection, or disclosure-related role is desirable—but we welcome candidates with transferable skills and a commitment to learning.
Who We Are Looking For
We are looking for individuals who embody our organisation's core values: ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative. We believe in the power of these values to drive positive change, deliver excellent public services and shape a better future for our communities.
We are also about potential over perfection and we can help you grow in the role and thrive in your career.
Contact
For more information about the role or to arrange an informal chat prior to your application, please contact Sarah Pearce by email at Sarah.Pearce@Cumberland.gov.uk.
Guaranteed Interviews
We offer a guaranteed interview to the following applicants as long as your application can demonstrate you meet the essential criteria for the role:
- Those who consider themselves disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010
- Those in care or who have left care and are aged 24 and under
- Those who identify as a member of the British Armed Forces community (service leavers, veterans, their partners or spouses, reservists, cadets).
If you meet one or more of the criteria above, and wish to be considered for this scheme, select 'yes' to the appropriate question during your application.
Diversity, Inclusion & Adjustments
We are dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. That is why we are a proud Disability Confident Leader and also an Age Friendly Employer – to provide opportunities for everyone to thrive.
If you need any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know by emailing Resourcing@Cumberland.gov.uk. While adjustments aren’t always guaranteed, we will always listen and we will try our best to accommodate your needs.
Application and Interview information
Easily apply by submitting your CV and answering a few short questions.
Closing date: 25/02/2026
Interview date: TBC
Please note this role may close early subject to demand. If you are interested in applying, you should apply well before the advised closing date. We cannot accept applications once the role has closed.
Please Read The Supporting Information
Post Specification
Please also refer to our Careers site to find out more: Our Staff Benefits Candidate Support About Cumberland Council
Information Governance & Disclosure Officer - CMB2360e in Carlisle employer: Cumberland Council
Contact Detail:
Cumberland Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Information Governance & Disclosure Officer - CMB2360e in Carlisle
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Cumberland Council's values and recent projects. This will help you tailor your responses during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to information governance and data protection. Think about how your past experiences align with the job description and be ready to share specific examples.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insights into the company culture and might even give you tips on what the interviewers are looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Cumberland Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Information Governance & Disclosure Officer - CMB2360e in Carlisle
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the role of Information Governance & Disclosure Officer. Highlight your knowledge of FOI, DPA, and UK GDPR, as well as any relevant experience you have in similar roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about transparency and data protection. Share specific examples of how you've handled information governance issues in the past, and how you embody our core values.
Be Clear and Concise: When answering the application questions, keep your responses clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure to articulate your thoughts without unnecessary jargon.
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application! The role may close early if we receive a high volume of applications, so get your application in through our website as soon as you can.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cumberland Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Freedom of Information Act, Environmental Information Regulations, and Data Protection Act. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you understand the core responsibilities of the role.
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Think of specific situations where you've handled sensitive information or responded to information requests. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and demonstrate your experience effectively.
✨Show Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be advising senior managers and the public, practice articulating complex information clearly and professionally. Consider doing mock interviews with a friend to refine your delivery and ensure you come across as approachable and knowledgeable.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Highlight any experiences where you've improved systems or processes in previous roles. This aligns with the Council's values and shows that you're proactive about enhancing compliance and governance practices.