Information Access and Compliance Researcher

As the living, growing home of our national story, The National Archives is a special place to work. We’re an institution nearly 200 years old with a collection spanning 1,000 years of history. We’ve set ourselves the challenge of becoming the 21st Century national archive - a different kind of cultural and heritage institution: Inclusive, Entrepreneurial, Disruptive. We won’t become this overnight. It will take time, focus, effort and daring. That’s where you come in. Because we can’t do this without you.

This post enables The National Archives to remain compliant with information rights legislation – the Freedom of Information Act and Data Protection Act – by undertaking work on Reclosure at The National Archives. Reclosure occurs when information in open records may be subsequently closed by The National Archives. It applies to records (including digital records) that have been transferred to The National Archives for permanent preservation. The circumstances in which this would be required are outlined in our published Reclosure Policy.

This role works closely with the Information & Access Compliance Lead in undertaking reviews into records flagged for Reclosure. Using your knowledge of information rights legislation, you will assess the scale of the work, undertake research, and review files to support access decisions made for these records. You will work closely with staff within the Freedom of Information Centre (in which this role is based) to ensure that there is a consistency of approach towards Reclosure and compliance. This role will report to the Reclosure Panel, who are responsible for the reclosure of records. This is an internal Panel composed of staff with expertise in Freedom of Information (FOI) and Data Protection, along with records and catalogue specialists from across The National Archives.

Reclosure cases need careful handling, with balanced and considered recommendations being put forward to the Reclosure Panel, to ensure that the appropriate action is taken and in a timely manner. An important part of this role will therefore be to keep those involved with Reclosure regularly informed of progress; you will need to judge when to escalate concerns to senior management, to ensure not just compliance, but to maintain a level of good customer service, while safeguarding TNA’s reputation.

Working within the Freedom of Information Centre, you will also be expected to carry out research into closed records held in the archive in response to FOI requests, assess whether exemptions apply to those records, and correspond with requesters. As a result, you will develop expert knowledge regarding the application of the FOI Act and related information rights legislation. Working to tight deadlines, the role requires you to have good decision making and communication skills, as well as the ability to organise a heavy workload.

This is a full time post. However, requests for part-time working, flexible working and job share will be considered, taking into account at all times the operational needs of the Department. A combination of onsite and home working is available and applicants should be able to regularly travel to our Kew site for a minimum of 60% of their work time.

Application Process

• Interview: Interviews will be held on-site in August 2026.
• Personal Statement: We ask all applicants to submit work history details and a personal statement of up to 750 words, ideally around 250 words per criteria.

Selection for interview will be based on the three ‘essential’ requirements as listed below so please ensure that your application demonstrates in detail how you meet these requirements.

• Degree in history or related subject, or significant relevant experience, demonstrating the ability to carry out research into records, analyse contents and summarise findings clearly and concisely.
• Demonstrate ability to make decisions, using sound judgement, escalating issues as required.
• Ability to work to deadlines, work well under pressure, and prioritise/balance demanding workloads.

Applicants invited to interview will be assessed against ALL of the essential criteria.

SC clearance/willingness to obtain SC clearance will be required for this role. This requires candidates to have been resident in the UK for at least the past three years. Please do not apply if you have been resident in the UK for less than three years as your application will be rejected.

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

Job Description Role and Responsibilities

• Enable The National Archives to remain compliant with information rights legislation through:
• Researching and reviewing files flagged for Reclosure and making recommendations for their access status.
• Working closely with the FOI Centre and the Reclosure Panel to ensure that there is a consistency of approach towards reclosure and compliance.
• Working collaboratively across the organisation to provide advice and assistance on Reclosure and compliance risks, to ensure reclosure concerns are addressed.
• Reporting progress and recommendations when necessary to the Reclosure Panel.
• Developing expert knowledge regarding the application of the FOI Act and related information rights legislation.
• Working to tight statutory deadlines, carry out research into, and produce reports on, closed records held by The National Archives in response to Freedom of Information requests.

Working Conditions

• Normal office environment
• Display Screen Equipment user
• Moving items up to 10kg in weight
• Will come into contact with distressing material

Person Specification

Essential criteria:

• Degree in history or related subject, or significant relevant experience, demonstrating the ability to carry out research into records, analyse contents and summarise findings clearly and concisely.
• High standard of communication, both written and verbal.
• Good team-working skills and flexibility in approach to work, to meet targets.
• Demonstrate ability to make decisions, using sound judgement, escalating issues as required.
• Commitment to providing a professional service to the public and/or to other government departments.
• Ability to work to deadlines, work well under pressure, and prioritise/balance demanding workloads.

Desirable criteria:

• Knowledge of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and related legislation.
• High level of IT literacy, including strong knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, and SharePoint.
• Use of case management/tracking systems.
• Project management experience.

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found.

Benefits

• Generous benefits package, including pension, sports and social club facilities, onsite gym, discounted rates at our on-site cafe and opportunities for training and development.
• Annual leave entitlement of 22 days per calendar year (rising to 25 after the first year, and incrementally to 30 days after six years) and 10½ days public and privilege holidays per annum.
• Any move to The National Archives from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare.

Reasonable adjustments

If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes. If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:

• Contact The National Archives via careers@nationalarchives.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
• Complete the ‘Reasonable Adjustments’ section of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process.

Security

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check. People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• Nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• Nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• Individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities.

Contact point for applicants:

Name: The National Archives Recruitment Team

Email: careers@nationalarchives.gov.uk