Senior Information Governance Officer (Full Time) in Chelmsford

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.

Strong data management skills are essential for this role, including effective Information Asset Management and the application of clear data retention requirements. You will help ensure that our information is accurate, well‑governed and compliant with data protection legislation, supporting transparent, accountable services for the public.

The Senior Information Governance Officer operates at the core of the council and requires tact; they also need to have strong interpersonal skills. The role is integral to the successful management of information governance and rights and ensuring the council remains compliant under the relevant legislation.

This role sits within the Internal Information Governance Team, which has a specific focus on our Essex County Council service delivery and support for our employees rather than traded services.

The role will be required to provide complex legislative guidance and advice to officers across the organisation including the Senior Information Risk Owner and the Data Protection Officer, partners and providers, customers of our Information Governance Service and other stakeholders, therefore the ability to be diplomatic and understand the context of the situation is crucial to the success of this role.

• Responsible for providing complex Information Governance advice and guidance to officers, schools, partners and others on the current data protection and information legislation.
• Responsible as the lead officer and SME on specific tasks as allocated such as assessing new or existing data processing activities, information risk management, completion of DPIAs, staff training, drafting of policies, ROPA, information asset management, support to procurement, SIRO support, completion of the Data Security and Protection Toolkit, data management and surveillance oversight.
• Responsible for preparing external communications to a high level, including newsletters, letters and presentations.
• Supports the manager by providing direction to the team with the ability to focus on results and assist in developing a strong performing team from diverse backgrounds to achieve local objectives. This will include undertaking supervisory responsibility of colleagues.
• Supports the creation, development and maintenance of an Information Governance framework for the Council to ensure compliance with all regulations and legislation including the General Data Protection Regulation 2016, Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA), the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Computer Misuse Act 1990, Environmental Information Regulations 2004 and the Re‑use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2005.
• Responsible for investigating and responding to complex complaints, including those to the DPO, from the ICO and very complex or serious security incidents.
• Leading a review of consistent and robust data governance processes as part of data project lifecycle and creating agreements to better share data for key partnership agendas.
• Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.

• 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 communications skills, presentation of text and other materials to the highest of standards and attention to detail.
• Excellent ICT skills and good working knowledge of Microsoft is essential. 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.

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’re 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, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.

Once you’ve secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs.

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.

As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained.

For further information on the DBS update service please go to 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.

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For queries on this role or require anything further, please email.