At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Freedom of Information and Data Protection processes in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, a diverse and inclusive employer.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension contribution.
- Other info: Great career development opportunities and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in keeping Britain’s roads safe and sustainable.
- Qualifications: Experience in FoI/DP roles and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30485 - 30485 £ per year.
This job is with Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, an inclusive employer. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) helps keep Britain moving, safely and sustainably. We do this by helping people through a lifetime of safe and sustainable journeys, helping them keep their vehicles safe to drive, and protecting them from unsafe drivers and vehicles.
Joining our department comes with many benefits, including:
- Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary.
- 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave), plus 8 bank holidays and a privilege day for the King's birthday.
- Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.
The job holder is responsible for researching and producing initial draft responses to requests for information made under the Freedom of Information Act (FoiA) and the Environmental Impact Regulations Act (EIR). Work must comply with GDPR. They are also responsible for completing subject access requests (SARs) and Schedule 2 requests in line with the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR. They will also be a central point of contact along with other members of the team in supplying advice and information to other parts of the Agency.
Your responsibilities will include, but aren't limited to:
- Drafting accurate and concise FOI responses
- Collation and delivery of accurate responses to Subject Access Requests
- Managing requests received and prioritising them appropriately
- Management of the group inbox: dealing with the allocation of incoming requests
- Registering of all cases onto central databases, and maintenance of those databases in line with data protection regulations
To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:
- Proven, accountable experience in working in an FoI/DP role for a minimum of a year
- Good oral and written communication skills
- Good understanding of legislative work and the importance of clarity, detail, accuracy
- Able to communicate effectively with individuals, across teams and at various levels
- Able to work independently, multi-task, managing own time and deadlines, but also able to work as part of a team to deliver an overall joint goal
- Experience in use of spreadsheets and databases
Working hours consist of 37 hours per week. This role is suitable for hybrid working, which is a non-contractual arrangement where a combination of workplace and home-based working can be accommodated subject to business requirements. The expectation at present is a minimum of 60% of your working time a month will be spent at either your designated workplace or, when required for business reasons, in another office/work location/visiting stakeholders.
Please note that we do not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker Licence sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship. Candidates must ensure they have the appropriate rights to work in the UK before application.
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process: Delivering at Pace, Seeing the Big Picture, Making Effective Decisions, Communicating and Influencing.
Alongside your salary of £30,485, Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency contributes £8,831 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Being part of our brilliant Civil Service means you will have access to a wide range of fantastic benefits:
- Access to the staff discount portal.
- Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department.
- Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.
- 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
For more information about how we hire, and for useful tips on submitting your application for this role, visit the How We Hire page of our DfT Careers website.
Freedom of Information (FoI) and Data Protection (DP) Support Officer employer: Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is an exceptional employer that prioritises inclusivity and employee well-being, offering a generous pension contribution of 28.97% and up to 30 days of annual leave. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees have access to various training opportunities and flexible working arrangements, fostering a supportive work culture that values work-life balance and diversity.
Contact Details:
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Freedom of Information (FoI) and Data Protection (DP) Support Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the DVSA and its mission! Research their values and recent projects. This will help you tailor your responses during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since this role involves drafting responses and liaising with various teams, being clear and concise is key. Try mock interviews with friends or use online platforms to refine your delivery.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational skills! Prepare examples of how you've managed competing deadlines in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find additional resources and tips that can help you stand out in the selection process.
We think you need these skills to ace Freedom of Information (FoI) and Data Protection (DP) Support Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and personal statement to highlight your experience in FoI and Data Protection. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what they're looking for.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since good communication is key for this role, provide examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively across teams and with various stakeholders. This will help us see how you can fit into our team.
Be Clear and Concise:When drafting your responses, especially for the FOI requests, clarity and accuracy are crucial. Make sure your writing is straightforward and free of jargon, so it’s easy for anyone to understand.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our careers site. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find more resources to help you along the way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
✨Know Your FoI and DP Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Freedom of Information Act and Data Protection regulations. Understand the key principles and recent updates, as you'll likely be asked about them. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Show Off Your Organisational Skills
Since this role requires managing multiple requests and deadlines, prepare examples of how you've successfully prioritised tasks in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and demonstrate your ability to handle a fast-paced environment.
✨Communicate Clearly
Good communication is key in this role. Practice explaining complex information in simple terms, as you may need to do this with various stakeholders. During the interview, focus on being concise and clear in your responses to showcase your written and verbal skills.
✨Be Ready for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions that assess your behaviours, like 'Delivering at Pace' and 'Making Effective Decisions'. Think of specific instances where you've demonstrated these behaviours in your previous roles. This will help you align your experiences with what the agency is looking for.
