Information Governance Officer

About the role

We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Information Governance Officer to join our Information Governance function.

This is a varied, practical role supporting services across the Council to manage information responsibly, comply with statutory requirements and deal effectively with information governance risks.

You will work across data protection, information rights, records management, information sharing and information governance assurance, helping colleagues apply sometimes complex requirements in a clear and proportionate way.

You will have the opportunity to work on both individual cases and wider improvements, contributing to how information governance is embedded across the Council.

• What you’ll be doing
• Providing practical information governance advice and support to services across the Council.
• Supporting Data Protection Impact Assessments and privacy risk assessments, helping services identify risks and put proportionate controls in place.
• Managing a personal caseload of complex information governance matters, including complaints, incidents and personal data breaches.
• Supporting statutory information rights requests, including Freedom of Information, Environmental Information Regulations and subject access requests, as well as internal reviews.
• Advising services on information sharing, data sharing agreements, privacy notices and lawful processing.
• Helping services maintain accurate Records of Processing Activities and understand their record-keeping responsibilities.
• Supporting records retention, disposal and archiving so that information is managed appropriately throughout its lifecycle.
• Supporting the triage, investigation and escalation of information incidents and potential personal data breaches.
• Contributing to audits, compliance reviews and assurance activity, including identifying gaps and tracking improvement actions.
• Maintaining information governance records and contributing to reporting, dashboards and assurance updates.
• Helping to review and develop policies, procedures, standards and guidance as legislation and organisational requirements evolve.

You will also work with Information Asset Owners and data protection champions, helping colleagues understand their responsibilities and manage information risks effectively.

About You

We are looking for someone who can combine a sound understanding of information governance with a practical, helpful approach.

You should have experience of applying data protection, confidentiality, records management or information governance requirements within a working environment, together with experience of supporting areas such as risk assessments, Data Protection Impact Assessments, incident reviews or breach investigations.

Experience of supporting or managing statutory information rights requests is also important.

This could include Freedom of Information requests, Environmental Information Regulations requests, subject access requests or internal reviews.

You will need a good working knowledge of relevant legislation and principles, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), Data Protection Act 2018, Freedom of Information Act 2000, Environmental Information Regulations 2004 and records management principles.

• What we’re looking for
• The ability to give colleagues clear and practical information governance advice.
• Good judgement when assessing risks and identifying proportionate controls.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex requirements in plain English.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and meet statutory and organisational deadlines.
• An understanding of confidentiality, data protection and information security responsibilities when handling sensitive information.
• An organised and evidence-based approach to maintaining records, decisions and actions.
• Experience of supporting audits, compliance reviews or other information governance assurance activity.

A degree-level qualification, or equivalent relevant experience in information governance, data protection, records management, information management, law, compliance or a related field, is essential.

Evidence of continuing professional development is also required, while relevant professional qualifications or specialist training would be an advantage.

Why this role?

This is an opportunity to work across a wide range of Council services and build experience across the breadth of modern information governance.

Rather than focusing on a single area, you will be involved in data protection, information rights, information sharing, records management, privacy risk, incidents and corporate assurance.

You will work directly with services to help turn legislative and policy requirements into approaches that are practical, consistent and sustainable.

The role also provides contact with colleagues across the Council and, where required, external partners, regulators, public bodies and technology providers on information governance matters.

Benefits

• Flexible Working Hours - We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
• 36 Hour Week - Enjoy a standard 36-hour workweek for all full time staff.
• Generous Holiday Entitlement - increasing with length of service (for non-casual roles).
• Hillingdon Sports & Leisure - Stay active and healthy with discounts at council owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes - option to join schemes for cycle purchase, electric vehicle leasing and additional voluntary pension contributions (subject to scheme rules).
• Cycle to Work - Eco-friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre.
• Local Government Pension Scheme - access to Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
• Perkbox Benefits - Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Perkbox Benefits.
• Mental Health Support and Counselling Services - Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues.

Access free 24-hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.

• Travel Support - Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking.
• Trade Union Membership - The Council recognises UNISON, Unite, AEP and GMB and supports employees’ freedom of choice in relation to trade union membership.
• Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace.

This commitment means that all employees, job applicants and others who work for us will be treated fairly.

The aim is for our workforce to be representative of all sections of society and Hillingdon residents so we welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds.

We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities.

Join us in building a workplace where everyone feels respected, able to give their best and be themselves at work, whilst contributing meaningfully to our organisation's success.

Recruitment Information

Hillingdon Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities that meet the essential criteria for the role and wish to be considered under this scheme.

We believe in the option to choose, so candidates declaring a disability have the choice to opt in for consideration under this scheme, on a ‘per application’ basis.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Some posts are subject to The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2019 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

In addition to verifying Right to Work in the UK and a new starter health questionnaire, the post is subject to the following pre-employment screening:

• 2 years of Referencing

Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Hillingdon Council.

Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.

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