At a Glance
- Tasks: Support information rights and data protection while managing requests and maintaining records.
- Company: Join the vibrant Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman in Manchester.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture with strong support for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by ensuring public services are accountable and transparent.
- Qualifications: Experience with data protection legislation and a customer-focused mindset.
The predicted salary is between 29443 - 29443 £ per year.
Welcome to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) careers page. If you are an internal applicant, you will need to log into your MyHR employee self service to apply for the role.
Information Access Officer
Location: Manchester
Salary: £29,443
Contractual hours: 36
Basis: Full Time
Job category/type: Information Governance & Assurance
Date posted: 17/08/2026
Job reference: REQ000209
Closing date: 31 August 2026
Interview dates: 15 September 2026 (in person)
About us
The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) is a modern, vibrant organisation full of passionate, committed people. We make final decisions on complaints that have not been resolved by UK Government departments and the NHS in England. We work closely with people to understand where, how and why public services sometimes fall short and fail to put people first. And we find ways to put it right. Based in the centre of Manchester, we employ over 600 individuals, collaboratively working together to make voices heard. We have created a diverse and inclusive culture, whilst offering flexibility to give you the autonomy to work in the best way suited to you.
The role
Join our Information Assurance team and help support our work on information rights, data protection and transparency. This role plays an important part in helping us meet our obligations under Freedom of Information and data protection legislation, while supporting colleagues across the organisation to handle information safely and responsibly. The post combines administrative support, case handling and advice. Day-to-day work includes managing incoming information requests, maintaining records and disclosure logs, supporting the handling of security incidents and data breaches, and responding to Freedom of Information requests and less complex data rights requests.
What we are looking for:
- Experience of applying DPA or FOI or similarly complex legislation
- Experience of working in a customer focused environment
- Demonstrating empathy
- Problem solving and analytical skills
- Ability to understand legislation and to apply it to particular cases, and to understand the business of organisations across the public sector
- Interest in information security, data protection and/or privacy
We recognise the value of lived experience. If you have experience of complaining about any public body, we strongly encourage you to apply.
Our benefits:
- Civil Service Pension scheme
- 32.5 days annual leave (plus bank holidays on top)
- Hybrid working, 40% office based
- Flexible working
- Access to a free, confidential Employee Assistance Programme offering 24/7 advice and support from professionals and counsellors
- One day paid volunteering leave per year
- Comprehensive learning and development programme
- Employee discount scheme across hundreds of retailers
- Bicycle loan scheme
- Season ticket loan
- Gym membership subsidy
- Paid for professional memberships
- Eye test reimbursement
Inclusion & Wellbeing
Equality, diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing are vital to the way we work and our culture. We want our colleagues to feel included, valued, and supported at work. It is essential that we are representative and accessible for the people who work here and those who use our service. Actions we take to embed this include:
- An anonymised shortlisting process to make sure it is fair and unbiased
- Monitoring the demographic trends in our workforce and making measured, sustained efforts to improve our diversity at all levels
- Providing wellbeing support and opportunities for personal and professional development for all colleagues
- Creating spaces for connection and engagement through our employee network groups and social clubs
- Part of the disability confident scheme
- Providing reasonable adjustments
- Engaging in regular inclusion learning to enhance the cultural competency of our organisation
We know the value of having diverse, representative teams across our organisation. Which is why we particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented within the team. These include people who are: Asian, Black, Mixed Ethnicity or another ethnic background, disabled, LGBTQ.
Contact and important information
- Interviews: held onsite
- Feedback: we do not offer feedback at application stage
- Right to work: we can only consider candidates with the right to work in the UK.
- Sponsorship: we are unable to offer sponsorship (we do not have a licence).
- Agencies: no agencies; applications from individuals only.
- Early closure: we may close the advert early if we receive a high volume of applications.
- Salary: non negotiable
Information Access Officer in Manchester employer: Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
At the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values inclusion, wellbeing, and professional growth. Our modern, flexible work culture allows for a healthy work-life balance, with opportunities for collaboration in our vibrant Manchester and London offices. We offer comprehensive benefits, including generous annual leave, a supportive Employee Assistance Programme, and a commitment to diversity, ensuring every colleague feels valued and empowered to thrive.
Contact Details:
Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Information Access Officer in Manchester
✨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 Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Information Access Officer in Manchester
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 Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman. 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 Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman
✨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 Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
