At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and respond to information access requests under the FOI Act.
- Company: Join DFTO, a key player in the UK's rail industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and remote work options.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public transparency and information rights.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a keen interest in information legislation.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 40000 £ per year.
FOI Officer - (under Legal)
Join to apply for the FOI Officer role at DfT Operator.
Role Details
- Duration: 2 year fixed-term contract
- Location: Home based / Waterloo, with ability to travel across DfT\'s Network
- Salary: £34,000
- Closing date: 4th November 2025
- Reports to: FOI Manager or Regional Manager
Benefits
- Annual Leave: Starting at 25 days, rising to an additional day per year of service within the first 5 years up to a maximum of 30 days.
- DC Pension Scheme: 10% Employer contribution, 5% Employee contribution.
- Opportunities to learn and network across the wider industry.
About DfT Operator
DfT Operator Ltd (DFTO) is the public sector owning group behind four key train operators: LNER, Northern, SouthEast, and TransPennine Express. We help 270 million passenger journeys happen each year, with nearly 17,000 dedicated colleagues. We manage 25% of Britain\'s railway and are committed to shaping the future of train travel.
Primary Purpose Of Job
Log, process and respond to information access requests for the Train Operating Companies (TOCs) and Department for Transport Operator Ltd (DFTO) in line with the FOIA 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.
Key Competencies
- Competent drafting skills.
- Strong verbal reasoning skills and ability to engage with and influence stakeholders.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a fast‑paced, regulated environment.
- Keen interest in information access rights legislation.
- Strong communication, problem‑solving and analytical skills.
- Strong organisational skills and excellent attention to detail.
Key Responsibilities
- Review and manage high volumes of FOI and EIR requests in line with legislative requirements and internal processes, working with stakeholders to meet statutory deadlines.
- Collate and issue detailed written responses to information requests, identifying relevant colleagues within DFTO and various TOCs.
- Analyse, evaluate and interpret sensitive, complex or technical information, verifying with subject matter experts and reviewing legal guidance to make proportionate, evidence‑based decisions on disclosure.
- Provide practical, well‑reasoned and legally compliant responses to FOIA/EIR requests by negotiating with and influencing colleagues, applicants and third parties.
- Support the FOI Manager(s) to manage cases in accordance with agreed processes, developing knowledge of information rights law and increasing capacity to make independent decisions.
- Provide a high level of customer service by proactively engaging with applicants, managing expectations and achieving the right outcome.
- Support the FOI Manager(s) and wider team in dealing with legally challenging, sensitive or high‑profile requests.
- Carefully log request details in the centralised database to support reporting and day‑to‑day functioning of the FOI team.
- Review current FOI/EIR processes and propose improvements.
Essential Criteria
- Demonstrable ability to identify problems, solve them and make decisions.
- Analytical thinking and ability to absorb technical detail quickly.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Influencing and stakeholder management skills.
- High organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Teamwork and building positive relationships.
- Positive attitude and effectiveness in dynamic environments.
- IT literate and experienced in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel).
Desirable
- Paralegal/legal background.
- Degree in a relevant subject or equivalent.
- Working knowledge of the FOI Act/EIR regime and current legislative requirements.
- Understanding of wider information access legislation such as the Data Protection Act and principles of good information management.
- Willingness to undertake formal FOI training.
How To Apply
Contact dean.palmer@dftoperator.co.uk for any questions or reasonable adjustments. This opportunity is available on either a Fixed Term Contract basis or as an Industry secondment. If applying for a secondment, please notify your line manager prior to applying.
Equity Statement
At DFTO we are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are valued. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are dedicated to equal opportunities regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or other status. We actively promote fairness, reduce biases and support growth and development for all employees. Join us in building a better future where every voice is heard and every idea is valued.
Contact
For reasonable adjustments ask HM/Resources: dean.palmer@dftoperator.co.uk.
FOI Officer - (under Legal) in City of London employer: DfT Operator
At DFTO, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion. With a generous benefits package including 30 days of annual leave and a robust pension scheme, we are committed to the growth and development of our employees, providing opportunities to learn and network across the rail industry. Our home-based role allows for flexibility while contributing to the vital mission of enhancing rail services for millions of passengers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land FOI Officer - (under Legal) in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at DFTO on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching FOI legislation and recent cases. Show us you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about information access rights. It’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since the role involves engaging with stakeholders, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly is key. Try mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the DFTO team. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace FOI Officer - (under Legal) in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the key competencies listed in the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Writing Skills:Since this role involves a lot of written communication, ensure your application is clear, concise, and free of errors. Use this opportunity to demonstrate your drafting skills and attention to detail.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through! We appreciate genuine candidates who are passionate about information access rights and the work we do at DFTO. Don’t be afraid to share your enthusiasm for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our official website. This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at DfT Operator
✨Know Your FOI Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Freedom of Information Act and Environmental Information Regulations. Understand the key principles and how they apply to the role. Being able to discuss specific examples or case studies will show your knowledge and enthusiasm for the position.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
As an FOI Officer, strong verbal and written communication skills are crucial. Prepare to demonstrate how you've effectively communicated complex information in the past. Think about times when you've influenced stakeholders or managed customer expectations, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Be Organised and Detail-Oriented
This role requires a high level of organisation and attention to detail. Bring examples of how you've managed multiple tasks or projects simultaneously. You might even want to prepare a brief outline of how you would approach logging and processing FOI requests efficiently.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Think of scenarios where you've had to make decisions based on complex information. Be ready to explain your thought process and how you arrived at your conclusions, as this will highlight your suitability for the role.
