Information Governance Officer in Grimsby

Are you experienced in Information Governance, data protection, handling sensitive information, or looking to develop a career in Information Governance within Adult Social Care? We are looking for an Information Governance Officer to support the safe, lawful and effective handling of information across our services. This is a key operational role, working to statutory deadlines, handling complex and highly sensitive information, and providing day-to-day Information Governance support.

Main duties of the job

• Managing information rights requests, including Subject Access Requests
• Handling, reviewing and redacting sensitive information
• Maintaining Information Governance records, logs and registers
• Supporting the handling of data protection incidents and breaches
• Assisting with audits, training, and other Information Governance activities

What we’re looking for

• Experience in Information Governance, data protection, or a relevant compliance, governance or assurance role, or strong transferable skills and a clear commitment to developing a career in this field.
• Confidence handling sensitive and confidential information
• Ability to work accurately to strict statutory deadlines
• Clear, professional communication skills
• Strong organisation and attention to detail

About us

Focus is an independent Social Enterprise (Community Interest Company) providing Adult Social Work across North East Lincolnshire. We believe that being an independent social work practice provides us with unique opportunities to be more flexible and creative in our approach, benefiting our service users, their families and carers, and our staff.

Job purpose

To provide operational support to the Information Governance (IG) function within Adult Social Care, ensuring effective compliance with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and associated legislation. The post holder will manage information rights requests, support the handling of information governance incidents, maintain accurate IG records, and provide routine advice and guidance to services, contributing to a culture of good information handling and continuous compliance through the organisation’s Information Governance Management Framework (IGMF).

Principal duties & responsibilities

• Manage incoming requests for information and requests to exercise information rights, including Subject Access Requests, ensuring statutory timescales are met.
• Act as a first point of contact for routine Information Governance queries from colleagues, partner organisations and members of the public.
• Liaise with individuals, family members and representatives regarding information requests, providing clear and timely communication.
• Co-ordinate the retrieval of information from internal teams and systems, monitoring responses to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
• Process and prepare responses to information rights requests, including redaction and application of exemptions, in line with legislation, policy and guidance, escalating complex or high-risk cases as required.
• Maintain accurate Information Governance records, including logs of information rights requests, disclosures and personal data breaches.
• Support the management of personal data breaches and information governance incidents, including initial assessment, evidence gathering, and administrative coordination, under the direction of senior IG staff.
• Make routine operational decisions relating to Information Governance activity within agreed policies and procedures, escalating complex, novel or high-risk matters appropriately.
• Support the maintenance and accuracy of Information Asset Registers, Records of Processing Activities (ROPA) and other key compliance documents.
• Assist with the application of corporate and statutory retention schedules, including advising internal teams on secure disposal of records.
• Support the completion and coordination of Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs), including advising on process and documentation, tracking progress, and escalating high-risk or complex assessments to senior Information Governance staff.
• Support Information Governance audits, spot checks and assurance exercises, including collation of evidence and tracking of agreed actions.
• Assist with monitoring compliance with Information Governance requirements and escalating emerging risks, trends or non-compliance in line with organisational procedures.
• Support the delivery of Information Governance training and awareness activities, including new starter inductions, promoting good information handling practice and a culture of confidentiality and compliance.
• Contribute to the ongoing development, implementation and review of Information Governance policies, procedures and guidance relating to Adult Social Care.
• Support the collection of evidence and operational activity required for the NHS Data Security and Protection Toolkit submission, as applicable to Adult Social Care.
• Provide general administrative support to the Information Governance and wider corporate functions as required.

Deputising / Cover Arrangements

In the absence of the Information Governance Manager / Data Protection Officer, provide interim operational advice and support to the organisation on routine data protection and information governance matters, in line with agreed policies and guidance. Escalate complex, high-risk or novel issues to the Data Protection Officer or appropriate senior staff member as soon as practicable. Act as a mentor and first point of contact for junior Information Governance staff, providing guidance, quality checking work and supporting development, escalating issues through appropriate management channels.

Information Systems

Support the creation and maintenance of spreadsheets, logs and databases used for monitoring, reporting and assurance purposes. Assist with data quality checks and performance reporting in relation to Information Governance activity.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Evidence of a sound educational background to GCSE standard or equivalent.
• High level of literacy skill to an equivalency of at least GCSE English (Grade A-C or 4-9) or demonstrable competency.
• Information Governance Qualification or willingness to work towards it.
• Undertaken Data Security awareness training or similar Information Governance training.

Skills / Abilities

• Meticulous attention to detail including a demonstrable ability to accurately review and redact information records.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to communicate, often with sensitivity, with a range of people including service users, carers, staff, partners and external agencies.
• Ability to organise and prioritise workload effectively to meet competing deadlines.
• Ability to work methodically and accurately, following policies, procedures and guidance.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong digital literacy skills including the ability to use a range of IT packages including Microsoft Office.
• Good interpersonal skills which should be used to build and maintain good working relationships.
• Ability to make routine decisions regarding the handling of sensitive and confidential information, including third-party information, in line with established policies, procedures and guidance.
• Ability to manage sensitive and challenging situations in relation to working with individuals, carers and partners.
• Ability and willingness to continue to develop knowledge of Information Governance and data protection through ongoing training and professional development.

Knowledge

• Understands and respects confidentiality in relation to all aspects of work.
• Has knowledge and understanding of the UK General Data Protection Regulations (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018.
• Aware of Information Governance challenges within Adult Social Care.

Experience

• Proven experience in providing accurate administrative services to a high standard.
• Experience of working to pre-determined and non-negotiable deadlines and ability to prioritise work to meet those deadlines.
• Experience of working in a social work or health and care setting, and an awareness of the specific information governance challenges in this sector.
• Relevant administrative, governance or compliance experience.