At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure housing services comply with data protection and information governance standards.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Harrow, committed to transparency and accountability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration across services.
- Why this job: Play a vital role in safeguarding residents' personal data and improving housing operations.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of UK data protection law and experience in public sector or housing.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The London Borough of Harrow is seeking to appoint a Housing Information Governance Officer to support the delivery of high‑quality, compliant housing services. The post holder will play a key role in ensuring that all housing functions adhere to relevant legislation and best practice relating to data protection, freedom of information, records management and wider information governance requirements. This role will focus on embedding robust information governance principles within day‑to‑day housing operations, safeguarding residents’ personal data and promoting secure, lawful and efficient information sharing across services.
The successful candidate will provide expert advice, guidance and oversight to housing teams, ensuring that information is handled appropriately and consistently in line with statutory obligations and organisational policies. They will also be responsible for monitoring compliance, identifying risks, and supporting continuous improvement in information management practices. Through collaboration with colleagues across housing and related services, the Housing Information Governance Officer will offer assurance that information governance standards are maintained, contributing to the Council’s commitment to transparency, accountability and the protection of sensitive information.
About You
- Demonstrable working knowledge of UK data protection law (UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018), Freedom of Information Act, Environmental Information Regulations, and records management principles.
- Experience working in or advising within a public sector setting, ideally in housing, local government, or social housing.
- Experience handling subject access requests, FOI requests, data breaches, or DPIAs.
- Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret legislation and guidance and translate into practical guidance for non-specialists.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, able to engage and influence staff at all levels.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines, work independently, and prioritise under pressure.
- Good IT skills and familiarity with common systems (Microsoft Office suite, document management, database systems).
- High attention to detail, confidentiality, professionalism, and integrity.
- A degree or equivalent qualification, or significant relevant experience in information governance or related disciplines.
Housing Information Governance Officer employer: Harrow Council
The London Borough of Harrow is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. As a Housing Information Governance Officer, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to upholding the highest standards of information governance while ensuring compliance with legislation. With a focus on collaboration and continuous improvement, this role provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community, all within a vibrant and diverse borough that values transparency and accountability.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Housing Information Governance Officer
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like Harrow Council looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Housing Information Governance Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at Harrow Council. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harrow Council
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with Harrow Council’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
