Information Governance Assistant
Permanent, Full Time
£25,959 to £28,621 Per Annum
Location: Chelmsford
Working Style: Anywhere worker
Closing Date: Sunday 5th July 2026 at 11.59pm
Interview Date: Thursday 16th July 2026 at County Hall, Market Road, Chelmsford, Essex. CM1 1QH.
The Role
Unlike many administrative roles, the Information Governance Assistant combines operational coordination with regulatory compliance responsibilities, providing a unique opportunity to work across a broad range of information governance disciplines. The role acts as a central hub for the Information Governance function, requiring the postholder to assess, prioritise and triage matters received through multiple channels, including data protection complaints, data subject rights requests, third‑party information requests, Freedom of Information requests and low‑level security incidents.
The postholder will also provide straightforward information governance advice and guidance, ensure enquiries are directed to the appropriate specialist, and coordinate the allocation of Information Governance Impact Assessments, such as Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs), to the relevant Information Governance Officer. This varied role requires strong organisational skills, sound judgement, and a customer‑focused approach, while playing a critical part in helping the organisation meet its legal, regulatory and governance obligations.
This position has been classed as an anywhere worker role but expects the successful candidate to attend the office, in Chelmsford, one day per month, with the remaining time for remote working if desired, in line with the organisation’s needs.
The Opportunity
The role of Information Governance and Transparency is to deliver effective and high-quality information governance, data protection and sharing, records management and information rights advice, to manage and report on security incidents, undertake impact assessments, respond to complaints, and handle access to information requests.
The Information Governance Assistant operates at the core of the council and requires good interpersonal skills. The role is important to the successful management of information governance and rights and ensuring the council remains compliant under the relevant legislation.
The role is responsible for assisting and supporting the effective administration of the Information Governance team. They will be responsible for all administration regarding information rights requests, administrative support across the team, arranging meetings and visits with external customers and partners and raising invoices.
Accountabilities
- Responsible for processing all associated documentation regarding requests made by data subjects including photocopying, scanning, consents, and identification checks ensuring processes are consistent, transparent and legally compliant.
- Delivers comprehensive, professional and effective administrative support to the Information Governance Team.
- Manages several team email inboxes and responsibilities or allocates various tasks to other officers within the Council.
- Provides support to officers in the delivery of information rights requests and advice and information to members of the public regarding these requests.
- Arranges meetings and visits with external customers and partners and raises invoices.
- Undertakes the processing, triaging and publication to the website of FOI and EIR requests.
- Answers routine queries and manages simple FOI and EIR responses.
- Undertakes project activities as directed.
The Experience You Will Bring
- Previous experience of continuing professional development in Information Governance and Transparency.
- Educated to GCSE standard including English and Maths a Grade ‘C’ and above or equivalent by experience.
- Good organisational skills and ability to work to tight deadlines, prioritise own work and use own initiative.
- Good interpersonal skills, particularly oral and written communication skills.
- Good ICT skills and good working knowledge of Microsoft essential.
- Awareness of confidentiality and the ability to be tactful and diplomatic.
- Ability to adapt and respond quickly to conflicting demands whilst remaining calm under pressure.
Legal & EEO
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. We also interview all veterans and career leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.
We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.
As part of employment with Essex County Council, if your role requires a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained. For further information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk.
