At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate information requests and ensure compliance with transparency regulations.
- Company: Join Watford Borough Council, a dynamic urban borough with a commitment to excellent customer service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and full training provided.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community transparency while developing your skills in information governance.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and a keen eye for detail; training on legislation provided.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for career growth in a supportive and inclusive environment.
The predicted salary is between 33106 - 35479 £ per year.
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 15 hours per week
Work Pattern: 3 hours per day for 5 days
Salary: £33,106 - £35,479 per annum (pro rata)
The role
We are looking for a motivated and organised Information Access Officer to join our Customer & Corporate Services team. This is a key role supporting the Council’s commitment to transparency, excellent customer service, and compliance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) and UK GDPR.
You will be responsible for coordinating and progressing information requests, working closely with Customer Services and Customer Liaison Officers (CLOs) to ensure statutory deadlines are met and that high-quality, legally compliant responses are issued. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong organisational skills, an eye for detail and an interest in information governance, service improvement and customer service.
What we are looking for
- An awareness of FOIA 2000, EIR 2004, UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 (training provided).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines.
- Strong judgement, attention to detail and the ability to interpret and apply legislation and guidance.
- Effective relationship-building skills, engaging confidently with CLOs, the Monitoring Officer, Legal and colleagues across the organisation.
- Confidence using Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams) and digital case management tools.
- Flexibility, resilience and a proactive, self-starting approach.
Experience in information governance, customer service, regulatory compliance or administrative roles is desirable; however, full training will be provided.
About Watford Borough Council
Watford is an urban borough in South West Hertfordshire. The borough has excellent transport links with mainline rail connections to London. Watford is the centre of a sub-region serving around 500,000 people living within a 20-minute travelling time catchment. As part of the London commuter belt, Watford is strongly influenced by London, which brings the benefits of a buoyant economy.
At a glance:
- £1.4bn local investment happening – mix of public and private funding.
- 5 major development and regeneration projects happening.
- 3,500 registered businesses.
- Higher than average working age population.
- Skilled workforce.
- Home to many major international head offices.
Closing Date: 15 March 2026.
For an informal discussion, please contact Mira Mutty.
A Basic Disclosure Check will be carried out for this post.
At Watford Borough Council, we consider equality issues alongside other factors when making decisions as an employer of choice. We are committed to ensuring that we have effective policies, strategies, procedures, and processes and that we encourage behaviour which promotes equality, encourages diversity, and contributes to an inclusive organisational culture.
Information Access Officer in Watford employer: Watford Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Watford Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Information Access Officer in Watford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work at Watford Borough Council. A friendly chat can give you insights and maybe even a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of FOIA, EIR, and UK GDPR. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role but that you understand the key responsibilities that come with it.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since this role involves liaising with various teams, being able to articulate your thoughts clearly will set you apart. Consider mock interviews with friends or family.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Information Access Officer in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Information Access Officer. We want to see how you can contribute to our commitment to transparency and excellent customer service.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since this role requires excellent written and verbal communication, be sure to showcase these skills in your application. Use clear and concise language, and don’t forget to proofread for any typos or errors!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Even if you don’t have direct experience in information governance, mention any relevant roles or responsibilities that demonstrate your organisational skills and attention to detail. We value diverse backgrounds and experiences!
Apply Through Our Website: For a smooth application process, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all submissions. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Watford Borough Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the Freedom of Information Act, Environmental Information Regulations, and UK GDPR. Understanding these laws will not only show your commitment to the role but also help you answer questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your written and verbal communication abilities. Think about times when you successfully managed multiple cases or deadlines, as this will demonstrate your organisational skills and ability to engage with various stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Be ready to discuss how you ensure accuracy in your work. You might want to share specific instances where your attention to detail made a difference, especially in compliance-related tasks or customer service scenarios.
✨Be Proactive and Flexible
During the interview, convey your proactive approach and adaptability. Share examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, showing that you're a self-starter who can thrive in a dynamic environment.