Information Rights Specialist

National Energy System Operator (NESO) recognises the potential of bright and talented individuals, and we encourage you to join us as Great Britain’s energy system undergoes an ambitious, exciting, and vital transformation. Together with industry, we are creating a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

NESO is a public corporation which is subject to the Freedom of Information Act and the Environmental Information Regulations. The Information Rights Team manages FOI and EIR compliance and additionally responds to Data Subject Access Requests. We are expanding the team to add further capacity and expertise and to ensure that NESO is able to comply with statutory obligations.

The role of the Information Rights Advisor is to provide specialist advice and training to colleagues across the organisation and to requesters on the Freedom of Information Act, the Environmental Information Regulations, Data Subject Access Requests, and transparency. You will manage a case load of information access and Data Subject Access Requests ensuring that risks are managed and escalated appropriately and statutory deadlines complied with, whilst supporting the Information Rights and Data Protection Officer in the effective management of the team's caseload, the team's records, and the production of reports on the team's performance.

This role can be based in Warwick, and we continue to offer hybrid working from office and home. We are open to full time and part time applicants, as well as flexible working arrangements.

Key Accountabilities

• Providing advice on handling information access requests in line with UK legal requirements and ICO good practice guidance.
• Receiving and reviewing FOI, EIR and DSAR requests, engaging with the requestor, and internal teams, including the coordination of information retrieval.
• Managing responses, including identifying sensitive or exempt information that should not be disclosed.
• Consulting with third parties, where necessary, to make them aware of new requests that relate to them, explaining our obligations, and making them aware of any potential disclosures.
• Maintaining the FOI publication scheme.
• Developing and maintaining a disclosure log for FOI and EIR.
• Keeping appropriate records, monitoring key control indicators, and reporting as required within company governance.
• Providing training and raising awareness about the company's obligations under the FOIA, EIR and providing guidance to stakeholders on FOI, EIR and DSAR request requirements.
• Working with the Information Rights and Data Protection Officer to regularly review internal processes to ensure that ways of working are efficient and that improvements are made where necessary.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK by the start of employment. Visa sponsorship may not be available for this role and will be considered in line with business requirements.

About You

We’re forging the path, and we know we can’t do it alone. That’s why we need visionary minds like yours to join us on this transformative journey. In this case, we’re looking for someone who has/is:

• A good level of understanding of EIR and FOI legislation.
• FOI and EIR qualification/practitioner certificate is preferred.
• Experience of managing FOI requests, EIR requests and Data Subject Access Requests (DSARs).
• A strong communicator with excellent writing skills.
• Experience of developing effective networks of stakeholders and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels and gain support and commitment from colleagues.
• Experience of working with cross-functional teams and various stakeholders.
• Able to communicate complex data policies into terms that can be understood by different audiences.
• Demonstrates curiosity and strong attention to detail.
• Able to set and manage expectations with stakeholders and track progress through KPIs and metrics.
• The ability to self-organise, work independently, plan and prioritise workload, show initiative, and problem solve in a timely manner.

What You'll Get

A competitive salary of £58,000 - £70,000 dependent on experience and capability. As well as your base salary, NESO's core benefits are the essential perks and advantages that form part of your employee package:

• You will receive a bonus based on company performance.
• 26 days annual leave as standard.
• A competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%.
• Annual Enrollment to NESO Savings Plan, when you save between £20- £500 a month from your take-home pay, we will pay a 50% matching contribution.

NESO's flexible benefits programme provides you with more flexibility around your health, lifestyle and protection benefits, here's just a few available:

• Flexible Bank Holidays & Holiday Trading.
• Additional Birthday Day Off.
• Cycle to Work Scheme, Retail & Gym Discounts.
• Private Medical Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance & Personal Accident Insurance.

About Us

At the National Energy System Operator (NESO), we play a vital role in tackling climate change and securing Great Britain's energy future. We already operate the world's fastest decarbonising electricity system and are working towards our ambition to run it carbon-free for a short period this year - provided the market supplies electricity exclusively from renewable sources. Alongside this, we provide expert advice to government on how to deliver a clean power system by 2030.

In autumn 2024, the Electricity System Operator (ESO) transitioned to become NESO - an independent, expert public corporation with a whole-system view across electricity, gas, and hydrogen. NESO operates independently and transparently, always acting in the best interests of all energy users.

Licensed and regulated by Ofgem, we make impartial decisions that balance sustainability, affordability and security. Our organisation is fully independent from government, the regulator and all commercial interests, with a clear focus on system-wide benefit, long term thinking and public value.

The time to deliver is now. Join the energy transformation and help shape the future. Your energy. Our future. Together.

This role closes at 23:59, on the day before date shown above, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary.

Research shows that some people may hesitate to apply unless they meet every single requirement. At NESO, we believe potential comes in many forms and we're committed to a fair, inclusive recruitment process where everyone has the opportunity to show their talents. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds.