At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage Subject Access Requests and Freedom of Information requests while ensuring compliance with data protection laws.
- Company: Join West Lothian Council, a supportive and collaborative local authority.
- Benefits: Fixed-term contract with competitive pay and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for secondment opportunities and career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in information governance and support your community.
- Qualifications: Experience with SARs/FOIs and knowledge of data protection legislation required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
36 hrs per week, 52.14 weeks per year, Fixed Term until 30 September 2028.
This is an exciting opportunity to join Social Policy as a Business Support Officer, with responsibility for the management and delivery of Subject Access Requests and the administration of Freedom of Information requests. The role operates within a clear statutory framework, supporting the Council to meet its obligations under data protection and access to information legislation while maintaining high standards of information governance.
You will support the effective handling of SARs and FOI requests in line with the UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, and ICO guidance, ensuring compliance, consistency, and alignment with corporate priorities.
Working in a collaborative, open-plan environment, you will engage with a wide range of services including Legal, HR and Operational teams. Reporting to the Business Support Team Manager, you will contribute to the Council’s compliance, governance, and risk management responsibilities.
The role involves managing the end-to-end process for SARs and FOI requests, including clarifying scope, coordinating information retrieval, applying exemptions and redactions, and ensuring responses are issued within statutory timescales. You will maintain accurate audit trails, mitigate risks relating to sensitive information, and provide advice and guidance to staff to support good information governance.
Essential Criteria- Experience of handling Subject Access Requests (SARs) and/or Freedom of Information (FOI) requests
- Knowledge of relevant legislation, including UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, and FOI (Scotland) Act 2002
- Ability to manage a high-volume workload and meet strict statutory deadlines
- Strong attention to detail, with the ability to review, redact, and quality assure sensitive information
- Experience of working with confidential and sensitive data and maintaining accurate records/audit trails
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to liaise with stakeholders at all levels
- Ability to interpret legislation and apply exemptions appropriately
- Strong organisational and problem-solving skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and/or case management systems
- Experience working within a local authority or public sector environment
- Familiarity with ICO guidance and best practice
- Experience of providing advice or training on information governance or data protection
- Understanding of wider information governance frameworks and risk management
- Experience of working with complex or high-risk cases
- Knowledge of records management practices and data handling procedures
- Experience contributing to process improvement or performance reporting
Secondment opportunities must be discussed with your current line manager prior to submitting an application for this post.
Business Support Officer x 2, West Lothian Civic Centre - 505.94 - WEL10519 in Livingston employer: West Lothian Council
West Lothian Council is an excellent employer, offering a collaborative and supportive work environment where employees can thrive in their roles as Business Support Officers. With a strong focus on compliance and governance, the council provides ample opportunities for professional growth and development, ensuring that staff are well-equipped to handle the complexities of data protection and information governance. Located in the heart of West Lothian, employees benefit from a vibrant community atmosphere and the chance to make a meaningful impact within local government.
