Information Access Officer in Plymouth

Plymouth City Council is seeking an Information Access Officer to join our Information Governance service. This is an important role supporting the Council to meet its legal duties while protecting the personal information of our residents.

You will assess and respond to requests for information under the Data Protection Act, Freedom of Information Act and Environmental Information Regulations. You will play a key role in ensuring that information is disclosed appropriately and lawfully, while maintaining high standards of confidentiality and accuracy.

You will be responsible for reviewing and analysing records held by the Council and deciding what information can be released. This will involve redacting sensitive information and explaining decisions clearly to applicants. You will also support requests from partner agencies such as the police and courts in line with policy and legislation. You will manage multiple requests at different stages while ensuring compliance with statutory timescales. You will also provide advice to colleagues across the Council on information rights and legal obligations.

You will have a good understanding of information rights legislation including the Data Protection Act, Freedom of Information Act and Environmental Information Regulations. You will be confident working with sensitive information and applying confidentiality principles in practice. You will be able to analyse complex records, make informed decisions and communicate clearly with a range of audiences including members of the public and partner organisations. You will be organised, resilient and able to manage competing demands.

• Experience of working within a local authority or social care setting.
• Understanding of social services legislation and records.
• Experience of using social care or case management systems.
• Ability to interpret exemptions and exceptions within information rights legislation.
• Experience of processing subject access requests or Freedom of Information requests.
• Strong data handling and redaction skills with high levels of accuracy.
• Experience of working with digital systems such as document management tools.
• Confidence in using Microsoft Office and information governance systems.
• Experience of using Copilot would be desirable but not necessary.

You will be part of a professional and supportive Information Governance team contributing to transparency, accountability and the protection of personal data across the Council. This is a varied and interesting role with opportunities to develop your knowledge and experience in information rights law and practice. We are a flexible employer and provide a variety of working arrangements tailored to the needs of each role.

For more information or an informal discussion regarding this role, please contact Lucy Dew, via e‑mail, lucy.dew@plymouth.gov.uk.

Closing date Monday 29 June 2026.

Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation. As part of our commitment to promoting equality we offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or are an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years.