Freedom of Information and Complaints Support Officer in Yate

Freedom of Information and Complaints Support Officer in Yate

Yate Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
South Gloucestershire Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join a supportive team to manage information requests and complaints effectively.
  • Company: Dynamic organisation committed to staff development and inclusivity.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and wellbeing support.
  • Other info: Diverse team with excellent training opportunities for career growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference while developing your skills in a hybrid role.
  • Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 in Administration or relevant experience required.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

Working as part of a small, supportive team, you will play a key role in collating and maintaining records to enable timely and effective responses to information requests and Subject Access Requests under the Data Protection Act 2018. It will be your responsibility to monitor the team's shared inbox in Dynamics 365, identifying and managing incoming enquiries such as Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, data breaches, MP enquiries and complaints. This will involve acknowledging requests, allocating them to the appropriate manager and logging and tracking progress against statutory deadlines. You will respond to information requests from the police, as well as enquiries from customers across specific service areas, ensuring clear, accurate guidance is provided in line with relevant legislation and council policies. There will be opportunities to support the investigation of complaints and information governance issues, enabling you to develop your skills and knowledge in these areas. On occasions, you may assist colleagues in delivering complaints handling and information governance training to other members of staff.

It is essential that you hold an NVQ Level 2 in Administration or 3 GCSE’s (grades C/4 or above) or an equivalent qualification. Alternatively, you may have relevant experience in an administrative or complaints-handling role. We are looking for someone who has a good understanding of the relevant processes and procedures, alongside knowledge of applicable regulations, codes of practice and required outputs. You will be able to demonstrate sound judgement and initiative, with the ability to manage and resolve day-to-day issues independently. Ideally, you will have experience in budget or financial monitoring, with the ability to support effective financial oversight and reporting.

This role is hybrid, with a mixture of working at our office in Yate and working from home.

We know our team work best when they have balance in their lives and we offer genuine flexibility to help them achieve that work/life balance. We value our staff as individuals, investing in their careers and we are recognised for the quality, breadth and depth of our training and development offer, which helps make the greatest long-term difference in work. As part of our benefits package, you will receive generous annual leave (pro rata), employee wellbeing support and you will have access to a range of staff discounts, including eye tests, travel, shopping and leisure activities. We recognise that our diverse team of skilled and dedicated people make us a great place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and ensure that individuals are selected, promoted and developed on the basis of their merits and abilities.

Freedom of Information and Complaints Support Officer in Yate employer: South Gloucestershire Council

As a Freedom of Information and Complaints Support Officer, you will thrive in a supportive and flexible work environment that prioritises your work/life balance. Our commitment to employee development is reflected in our comprehensive training programmes and generous benefits package, including wellbeing support and staff discounts. Join us in Yate, where your contributions will be valued, and you'll have the opportunity to grow within a diverse team dedicated to making a meaningful impact.

South Gloucestershire Council

Contact Details:

South Gloucestershire Council Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Freedom of Information and Complaints Support Officer in Yate

Join Compliance Communities

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We think you need these skills to ace Freedom of Information and Complaints Support Officer in Yate

Record Keeping
Data Protection Act 2018 Knowledge
Dynamics 365
Freedom of Information (FOI) Management
Complaint Handling
Legislation Compliance
Communication Skills

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 South Gloucestershire Council. 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 South Gloucestershire Council

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 South Gloucestershire Council’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!