Access to Information Officer in Taunton

Salary: Grade 13, ranging from £25,989 to £28,142 per annum

Are you ready to play a part in building trust and openness across your local community? Join Somerset Council and play a vital role at the heart of transparency and trust in local government. In this role, you’ll work on sensitive and often high‑profile information requests, collaborating with partners like the Police and national bodies to ensure all information is handled lawfully and responsibly. This is a unique opportunity to be involved in meaningful, fast‑paced work that helps protect people’s rights and supports vital services, with a particular focus on Freedom of Information. You’ll be part of a supportive, forward-thinking team where your contribution really matters and makes a difference to our residents every day.

Role Summary

As our Access to Information Officer, you will play a key role in ensuring Somerset Council meets its legal and ethical responsibilities for managing and sharing information. You’ll ensure requests are handled accurately, securely, and within statutory deadlines while supporting transparency and accountability across the Council. Through your work, you’ll contribute to building public trust and strengthening how information is managed and shared across the organisation.

What you’ll do - Key Responsibilities

• Manage and process a range of Data Protection and information requests, ensuring they are handled accurately and within statutory deadlines.
• Liaise with internal teams and external partners to gather, review, and prepare information for disclosure.
• Assess requests against relevant legislation, making informed decisions on exemptions and the release of sensitive information.
• Handle complex and sensitive cases, working with stakeholders to resolve issues and ensure compliance.
• Monitor case progress and maintain accurate records, producing reports to track activity and performance.
• Support improvements to systems and processes to ensure efficient and consistent handling of requests.
• Work collaboratively with organisations such as the Police and other professional bodies to enable appropriate information sharing.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of data protection legislation and best practice, applying this in day‑to‑day work.

What We’re Looking For – Knowledge, Experience and Skills

• Comprehensive understanding of Data Protection laws and regulations.
• Familiarity with legislation such as Freedom of Information, Sarah’s Law and Clare’s Law.
• Awareness of data security policies and practices.
• Experience in managing Data Protection or information requests.
• Experience of working with professional bodies such as the Police or ICO.
• Experience handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to make sound judgements.
• Ability to manage and prioritise multiple tasks effectively.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy when handling data.
• Relevant qualification in Data Protection or Information Governance, or training in data security/information management.
• Knowledge of iCasework or experience using similar case management systems.
• Understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion principles.
• Knowledge of information sharing protocols with professional bodies.
• Experience in a similar role within a public sector organisation.
• Experience producing reports and monitoring compliance.
• Certification in Data Protection (e.g. GDPR).
• Degree in a related field such as Law, Information Management or Public Administration.
• Professional membership of a relevant body.
• Commitment to continuous professional development in Data Protection.

Additional Information

Permanent, Full-time role (37 hours per week). 25 days’ annual leave, increasing to 28 days after 5 years’ service (additional to Bank Holidays). This position offers flexible hybrid working and a strong work-life balance. Regretfully, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for VISA sponsorship. Interviews are due to take place week commencing 15 June 2026.