Senior Information Governance Officer in Basildon

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.

About The Role:

• Provide complex Information Governance advice and guidance to officers, schools, partners and others on current data protection and information legislation.
• Lead and act as SME on tasks such as delivery of the IGS Trading service, DPIAs, staff training, drafting of policies, ROPA, support to procurement, SIRO support, completion of the Data Security and Protection Toolkit, records management and surveillance oversight.
• Prepare high‐level external communications including newsletters, letters and presentations.
• Support the manager by providing direction to the team, focus on results and assist in developing a strong‐performing team from diverse backgrounds; undertake supervisory responsibility of colleagues.
• Create, develop and maintain an Information Governance framework to ensure compliance with all regulations and legislation, including GDPR 2016, DPA 2018, FOIA 2000, Computer Misuse Act 1990, Environmental Information Regulations 2004 and Re‐use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2005.
• Investigate and respond to complex complaints, including those to the DPO, from the ICO and very complex or serious security incidents.
• Lead a review of consistent and robust data governance processes as part of data project lifecycle and create agreements to better share data for key partnership agendas.
• Achieve individual and shared targets and objectives defined annually within the performance management framework.

Experience and Qualifications:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent by experience; completion of relevant professional qualifications is highly desirable.
• Evidence of continuing professional development and expert knowledge in Information Governance and Transparency.
• Significant experience of working within an information governance, data protection, information rights environment, particularly in recent years.
• Strong interpersonal skills, particularly oral and written communication, presentation of text and other materials to the highest of standards and attention to detail.
• Excellent ICT skills and good working knowledge of Microsoft; knowledge of the NHS Data Protection and Security Toolkit is desirable.
• Proven experience of working effectively with internal and external partners, the community, senior officers and elected members; evidence of understanding and responding to differing viewpoints taking a cross‐organisational perspective.

Why Essex: As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we are committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in Everyone's Essex. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, Essex is the ideal place to develop your career or contribute to the local community.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and commit to interview all disabled applicants and veterans who meet the minimum requirements. We also support unpaid carers and offer flexible working arrangements. We value integrity and ethical behaviour. We ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles throughout the recruitment process.

Should a DBS check be required, you will be required to register with the DBS update service and maintain an annual subscription. 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.