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.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for career growth in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- 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.
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
Watford Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work environment that prioritises transparency and customer service. With a commitment to employee growth through training in information governance and compliance, staff can thrive in a culture that values diversity and inclusivity. Located in the vibrant borough of Watford, employees benefit from excellent transport links and a dynamic local economy, making it an ideal place for meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Information Access Officer in Watford
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like Watford Borough Council looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Information Access Officer in Watford
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 Watford Borough 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 Watford Borough 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 Watford Borough Council’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
