At a Glance
- Tasks: Handle historical information requests and work with unique global records.
- Company: Join the UK's leading diplomatic and consular service with a global presence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a Civil Service pension, skill development, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on international relations by managing historical information.
- Qualifications: Strong attention to detail, time management skills, and interest in information rights legislation.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We lead the UK’s diplomatic, development and consular work around the world. We employ around 17,000 staff in our global network of 281 offices worldwide. Our UK-based staff work in King Charles Street in London, Abercrombie House in East Kilbride and in Milton Keynes.
The Historical Information Rights (HIR) Team responds to requests from members of the public for information that is over twenty years old. The FCDO has generated some of the world’s most important records relating to global history, and this role will give you the opportunity to work directly with these unique records, develop knowledge of information rights legislation and an understanding of the ways in which releasing historical information can affect international relations today.
Main purpose of the job: When you join us as an Information Rights Officer, you’ll be responsible for the handling of historical information requests from the receipt of an initial enquiry through to the final response. These requests will come from members of the public, and you’ll work within the framework of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) and the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).
- Managing, prioritising and responding to all requests efficiently and effectively.
- Conducting comprehensive searches of our paper and electronic records to identify information relevant to the request, recording your findings accurately.
- Liaising with a variety of stakeholders, including the FCDOS Sensitivity Review Service, for their views on the suitability for release of information.
- Drafting legally compliant responses within the relevant statutory deadlines, including preparing and despatching copies of information which has been approved for disclosure.
- Liaising with and supporting The National Archives (TNA) relating to information requests they receive for records which have been transferred closed from public access by the FCDO under the Public Records Act.
- Obtaining quality review decisions from subject matter experts and communicating these to TNA’s Freedom of Information team.
Who we’re looking for: To be a success in this unique role you should be highly resilient, possess the time management skills necessary to manage multiple strands of work at the same time, and be capable of prioritising your tasks and working at pace as you deliver to tight deadlines. It’s vital that you have strong attention to detail and the ability to draft high quality responses which stand up to legal scrutiny, while your natural curiosity will allow you to search large amounts of information in a structured and methodical way, recording results clearly and concisely. Flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances, your excellent communication skills and proactive approach will see you collaborating and liaising with a diverse range of colleagues and stakeholders. In addition, we’ll also expect you to have a genuine interest in and aptitude for developing and deepening your knowledge of information rights legislation.
Please be aware that you must be a British Citizen at the time of application and will be required to attain Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance. We operate an agile workforce, so from time to time you may be asked to undertake other duties that we may reasonably require. We value diversity and inclusion and actively encourage and welcome applications from all communities. Everyone here gets the support to develop their skills and capabilities as well as benefits that help to make the most of life in and out of work, including a Civil Service pension. Use your talent and experience to shape our nation’s future, and deliver tangible improvements to millions of lives, including your own.
Closing date: 20 April 2026.
Information Rights Officers in Milton Keynes employer: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Contact Detail:
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Information Rights Officers in Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Information Rights Officers on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the role. Personal connections can give you insights that job descriptions just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of information rights legislation. Familiarise yourself with the Freedom of Information Act, Environmental Information Regulations, and GDPR. Being able to discuss these confidently will show you're serious about the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions. Think about how you would handle multiple requests at once or how you’d ensure accuracy in your findings. The more prepared you are, the more relaxed you'll feel during the actual interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Information Rights Officers in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of an Information Rights Officer. We want to see your passion for information rights legislation and how you can contribute to our team.
Showcase Your Attention to Detail: Since this role involves drafting legally compliant responses, it’s crucial to demonstrate your attention to detail. Use examples from your past work where you’ve successfully managed complex information or produced high-quality documents.
Communicate Clearly: Effective communication is key in this role. When writing your application, ensure your language is clear and concise. We appreciate straightforwardness, so avoid jargon and get straight to the point about your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly. We’re excited to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
✨Know Your Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the Freedom of Information Act, Environmental Information Regulations, and General Data Protection Regulations. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will show your genuine interest in the role and demonstrate that you understand the legal framework you'll be working within.
✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail
Prepare examples from your past experiences where your attention to detail made a difference. Whether it was drafting documents or managing information requests, being able to highlight specific instances will illustrate your capability to handle sensitive information accurately.
✨Demonstrate Time Management Skills
Think of scenarios where you successfully managed multiple tasks under tight deadlines. Be ready to discuss how you prioritised your workload and what strategies you used to stay organised. This will reassure the interviewers that you can handle the demands of the role.
✨Engage with Curiosity
Express your natural curiosity about historical information and its impact on international relations. Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the team’s work. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also your proactive approach to learning and collaboration.