Job Title: Information Governance and Disclosure Officer
Salary: Β£42,123 to Β£43,149 per annum
Hours: 37 hours per week
Location: Carlisle or Workington
Contract: Permanent
About this opportunity
Are you passionate about transparency, data protection, and helping public services operate with trust and integrity? We're looking for an experienced Information Governance & Disclosure Officer to support our statutory obligations and strengthen our approach to information rights across the Council.
This is a key role within our Information Governance team-ensuring the Council manages and responds to information requests efficiently, ethically, and in full compliance with legislation including the Freedom of Information Act (FOI), Environmental Information Regulations (EIR), and the Data Protection Act (DPA) and UK GDPR.
About the role
- Provide expert advice and guidance to senior managers, elected members, and members of the public on information governance issues.
- Review responses to statutory information requests, applying appropriate exemptions, redactions, and legal considerations.
- Act as a primary point of contact for public, police, and external information requests, including cases where information may be withheld.
- Lead the development and maintenance of information governance policies, training, and corporate learning to support continuous improvement.
- Drive forward a proactive "publication and transparency" approach, ensuring the Council publishes high quality, timely information in line with our publication scheme.
- Review data breach reports, assess risks, recommend containment actions, and produce incident documentation.
- Support and deputise for the Data Protection Officer and Information Governance Manager when required.
About you
- Has strong knowledge of FOI, EIR, DPA, UK GDPR and wider information legislation.
- Is confident analysing complex information and applying legal exemptions.
- Communicates clearly and professionally with a wide range of audiences.
- Can manage sensitive and confidential information responsibly.
- Works well under pressure, with excellent attention to detail.
- Enjoys improving systems, processes, and training to strengthen organisational compliance.
Experience in a similar information governance, data protection, or disclosure-related role is desirable-but we welcome candidates with transferable skills and a commitment to learning.
This role is available on a permanent basis.
Who we're looking for
We're looking for individuals who embody our organisation's core values: ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative. We believe in the power of these values to drive positive change, deliver excellent public services and shape a better future for our communities.
We're also about potential over perfection and we can help you grow in the role and thrive in your career.
Be sure to take a look at the post specification (below) for the essential criteria for this role.
Contact
For more information about the role or to arrange an informal chat prior to your application, please contact Sarah Pearce by email at sarah.pearce@cumberland.gov.uk
Guaranteed Interviews
We offer a guaranteed interview to the following applicants as long as your application can demonstrate you meet the essential criteria for the role.
- Those who consider themselves disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010
- Those in care or who have left care and are aged 24 and under
- Those who identify as a member of the British Armed Forces community (service leavers, veterans, their partners or spouses, reservists, cadets).
If you meet one or more of the criteria above, and wish to be considered for this scheme, select 'yes' to the appropriate question during your application. Find out more .
Diversity, Inclusion & Adjustments
We're dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. That's why we're a proud Disability Confident Leader and also an Age Friendly Employer - to provide opportunities for everyone to thrive.
If you need any reasonable adjustments
to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know by emailing Resourcing@Cumberland.gov.uk . While adjustments aren't always guaranteed, we'll always listen and we'll try our best to accommodate your needs.
Interview information
- Closing date: 20/11/2026
- Interview date: 15/12/2026 - In person at Allerdale House, Workington
Please read the supporting information:
- Post Specification
Please also refer to our Careers site to find out more:
- Our Staff Benefits
- Candidate Support
- About Cumberland Council
Information Governance & Disclosure Officer - CMB2794e in Carlisle employer: Westmorland & Furness Council
St Martin and St Mary Church of England Primary School offers a supportive and nurturing work environment, where the focus is on fostering both educational excellence and personal growth. With a commitment to the Christian ethos, employees benefit from a collaborative culture that values integrity and community involvement, alongside opportunities for professional development in the education sector. Located in the picturesque Windermere, this role not only provides meaningful work but also allows for a balanced lifestyle in a beautiful setting.
Contact Details:
Westmorland & Furness Council Recruitment Team