About DFT Operator
Join Our Team at DFTO
DFTO is the government’s public sector rail owning group. Its purpose is to bring all currently privately-owned train operators into public ownership in advance of the creation of Great British Railways in 2027 - and deliver improvements in the here and now by unifying and integrating train operations under common public ownership.
DFTO has over 30,000 employees, runs over 11,000 services a day and delivers over 930 million customer journeys across its networks every year. 7,000 people joined the railway family in the last year
Major improvements are being delivered by DFTO train operators (TOCs) that are already under public ownership - these are LNER, Northern, TransPennine Express (TPE), Southeastern, South Western Railway (SWR), c2c, Greater Anglia, WM Trains, GTR. and Chiltern.
We work closely with the DfT but operate independently with our own governance and leadership teams. Our priority is ensuring efficient, dependable rail services for everyone.
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 requirements of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2000 (FOIA) and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR).
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 the various TOCs.
- Analyse, evaluate and interpret sensitive, complex or technical information, by verifying with relevant subject matter experts and reviewing legal guidance and precedents to make proportionate, evidenced and auditable 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 so that the DFTO follows best practice in dealing with requests.
- Support the FOI Manager(s) to manage cases in accordance with agreed processes, to develop knowledge of information rights law and increase capacity to make decisions on/deal with cases independently.
- Provide a high level of customer service, by proactively engaging with applicants to clarify the request, manage customer expectations and achieve the right outcome.
- Support the FOI Manager(s) and wider team in dealing with legally challenging, sensitive or high- profile requests.
- Carefully logging request details in centralised database to support with reporting and day to day functioning of the FOI team.
- Review current FOI/EIR processes and provide ideas and solutions to continuously improve processes and outcomes.
Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Technical Qualifications:
Essential
- Demonstrable ability to identify/solve problems and make decisions.
- Demonstratable ability to think analytically and absorb technical detail quickly.
- Proven evidence of strong oral and written communication skills.
- Evidence of Influencing and stakeholder and customer management skills.
- Demonstrable high level of organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Evidence of teamwork and building positive relationships
- Ability to maintain a positive attitude and remain effective in dynamic environments, including through times of change.
- IT literate and experienced in using the basic Microsoft suite of applications: Word, Outlook, Excel.
Desirable
- Paralegal/legal background
- Degree in a relevant subject or equivalent
- A working knowledge of the FOI Act / EIR regime and an understanding of current legislative requirements
- An understanding of wider information access legislation such as the Data Protection Act and the principles of good information management.
- Willingness and capacity to undertake formal FOI training.
Vacancy Details:
Duration: Fixed Term up to 31st March 2028 contract/secondment
Location: London Waterloo
Salary: up to £34,836
Closing date: 24th November 2026
DFTO Locations:
DFTO currently have office locations in London, Birmingham and Leeds and individuals can be based from any of the three locations. Whilst we do offer hybrid working there are sometimes demands to travel to the other office locations.
DFTO Benefits:
Annual Leave: Starting at 25 days and rising to an additional day per year of service completed within the first 5 completed years up to a maximum of 5 additional (30 days)
DC Pension Scheme: 10% Employer contribution, 5% Employee contribution
Opportunities to learn and network across the wider industry
Additional Information…
Disclaimer: Candidates applying for this position on a secondment basis must inform their line manager prior to submitting their application. This is to ensure transparency and facilitate any necessary discussions regarding workload and responsibilities.
About our people and the recruitment process - We're an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone! We encourage our colleagues to work flexibly, as we know traditional working patterns don't always fit. If you want to consider working flexibly, just let us know and we'll do our best to help and invest in your career with us, whilst you have a healthy work life balance.
Contact: If you have any questions or reasonable adjustments, please contact Amra.Hurley@dftoperator.co.uk.
Please do not email any CV's to us, your application must be made by clicking the 'Apply' button.
FOI (Freedom of Information) Officer in London employer: DfT Operator
DFTO is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead transformative change in Britain's railway system while enjoying a supportive and inclusive work culture. With competitive benefits such as a generous annual leave policy and a robust pension scheme, employees are encouraged to grow and develop their careers within a dynamic environment that values flexibility and collaboration across multiple locations including London, Birmingham, and Leeds.
