At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage information requests and ensure compliance with data protection laws.
- Company: Join Lancashire County Council, a leading local authority in England.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 26 days holiday, flexible working, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Supportive team environment with excellent work/life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public service while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in information governance and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 32061 - 36363 £ per year.
Salary £32,061 - £36,363 per annum | 37 hours per week | Permanent, Full time | County Hall | Preston, Lancashire
Lancashire County Council is the fourth largest local authority in England, and we are committed to making Lancashire the best place to live, work, visit, and prosper. We are currently seeking a highly capable and motivated Information Access Officer to join our Information Governance Team. This is a key role in supporting the council’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the safeguarding of personal data.
As an Information Access Officer, you will play a vital role in ensuring the council meets its statutory obligations, particularly during periods of organisational change. You will be responsible for managing requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA), Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR), and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). We are looking for a professional with experience of working within a political environment and who has a strong understanding of delivering high-quality, efficient, and inclusive public services.
The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent communication skills and a proven ability to manage complex issues with confidence and discretion. You will work collaboratively with internal services and external stakeholders to ensure timely and compliant responses to information requests, upholding the council’s legal responsibilities and public service values. This role is based within a small, supportive team operating in a large and complex public sector organisation. Applicants should be able to evidence relevant experience in a similar role, ideally within the public sector. This is a full-time, permanent post working 37 hours per week within Governance Services based at County Hall, Preston. Although the council offers flexible working opportunities, this is NOT a remote working post and regular attendance at the County Council's Preston Office is required in line with service requirements.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage requests for information under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004
- Manage requests for personal data under the provisions of the UK General Data Protection Regulation and Data Protection Act 2018
- Provide advice and assistance to council employees with regards to all aspects of data protection legislation (UK GDPR/DPA), FOI and EIR
- Ensure legal knowledge and awareness remain current and in line with legislative updates and best practice
What We’re Looking For:
- Experience in an information governance or compliance setting and a strong understanding of FOIA, EIR, UK GDPR, and the Data Protection Act 2018 and practical experience of supporting individuals to exercise their information rights.
- Good general political awareness, with experience of working within or alongside a political organisation or environment.
- Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to provide clear, confident advice and support to colleagues and the public.
- A commitment to discretion, confidentiality, and the principles of good governance.
Why join us:
- You'll be fully supported by your line manager and the rest of the team.
- You'll learn new skills and feel valued and achieve both a great work/life balance and job satisfaction.
- Lancashire County Council offers competitive salary, great holiday entitlement starting at 26 days per annum plus bank holidays, opportunities for flexible working, health and wellbeing, family friendly employer, financial and travel benefits, and access to training and development.
For further details please follow the link: Staff benefits - Lancashire County Council. Please refer to the job description and personal specification for further information regarding the scope of work and responsibilities for the post. Please ensure you address all the essential criteria from the person specification at the application stage in your supporting evidence. Some criteria will also be addressed further at the interview stage. Please take care to upload your supporting documentation before submitting your application. No additional documentation will be accepted after the closing date.
If you're already a Lancashire County Council employee you must apply via the internal vacancies option on Oracle Fusion. You can do this by logging into Oracle Fusion and then going to Me - Current Jobs.
Interviews will be held at County Hall, Preston, PR1 8XJ, date TBC. Job Description and Person Specification. In return Lancashire County Council offers a range of benefits, which can be found on LCC Vacancies website. We reserve the right to close down a vacancy early, before the closing date, if we receive sufficient applications.
Information Access Officer | Full time | County Hall | Preston, Lancashire employer: Lancashire County Council
Lancashire County Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its employees. As an Information Access Officer, you will benefit from a competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement, and opportunities for professional development, all while contributing to the council's mission of transparency and accountability in public service. With a strong emphasis on work-life balance and employee wellbeing, this role offers a meaningful opportunity to make a positive impact within the community from the heart of Preston.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Information Access Officer | Full time | County Hall | Preston, Lancashire
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work at Lancashire County Council. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of FOIA, EIR, and UK GDPR. We want to see that you’re not just familiar with the terms but can also discuss how they apply in real scenarios.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your communication skills! During the interview, be clear and confident when discussing your experience. Remember, this role is all about providing advice and support, so let your personality shine through.
✨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 serious about joining our team at Lancashire County Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Information Access Officer | Full time | County Hall | Preston, Lancashire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our Information Governance Team!
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your work history, focus on your experience with FOIA, EIR, and UK GDPR. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their understanding of these regulations and how they’ve applied them in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:Use straightforward language and get to the point. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to complex issues. This will show us that you can communicate effectively, which is crucial for this role.
Check Your Documents:Before hitting that submit button, double-check that all your supporting documents are uploaded and that you've addressed all the essential criteria. We won’t be able to accept any additional documentation after the closing date, so let’s get it right the first time!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancashire County Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Freedom of Information Act, Environmental Information Regulations, and UK GDPR. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will show that you understand the core responsibilities of the Information Access Officer role.
✨Demonstrate Political Awareness
Since this role involves working within a political environment, it’s crucial to showcase your understanding of how local authorities operate. Be prepared to discuss any previous experiences you've had in similar settings and how they relate to the position.
✨Showcase Communication Skills
Excellent communication is key for this role. Think of examples where you've provided clear advice or support, especially in complex situations. Practising how you articulate these experiences can help you come across as confident and capable.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and discretion. Prepare scenarios where you had to manage sensitive information or navigate challenging requests, and be ready to explain your thought process and actions.
