Location
Harrow

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£41,712 per annum

About the Role
Are you detail-oriented, passionate about data protection, and keen to make a real difference in how information is managed? Do you thrive in a role where you ensure compliance and provide valuable guidance? If so, London Borough of Harrow has a fantastic opportunity for you!

We are looking for a motivated Information Governance Officer to join our supportive Information Governance Team within ICT Services.

In this important role, you will:
- Process and manage a high volume of information rights requests, including Subject Access Requests (SARs), Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, and Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) requests, ensuring they are handled within statutory timescales.
- Ensure compliance with key data protection and information access legislation, including UK GDPR, DPA 2018, FOI, and EIR.
- Provide best practice advice and guidance on Data Protection and Information Governance issues to the organisation and our residents/customers.
- Effectively manage and utilise key systems such as iCaseWorks and Adobe Redaction software.
- Take ownership of information rights requests within a specified service area (Corporate, Adults & Children's, or Environment & Planning).
- Respond to queries and investigate complaints from the public regarding access to information and data protection, independently resolving low to mid-level cases.
- Contribute to the development and maintenance of Information Governance policies and procedures.
- Prepare training materials and potentially deliver training on Data Protection and Information Governance.
- Serve as a primary point of contact for your designated service area regarding SARs, FOIs, and disclosures.
- Assist in identifying the cause of service changes and contribute to developing practical solutions.
- Review records prior to release, undertaking necessary redactions to ensure legislative compliance.
- Champion the delivery of Information Rights requests and compliance across the council.

About Us
Harrow Council is the 12th largest London borough and one of the most culturally diverse local authorities in the UK, making it a great place to live, work and visit with a range of cultures, religions and opinions that come together to produce high achieving schools and a close and friendly community. Located 10 miles from the city centre and just 13 minutes to Euston from Harrow & Wealdstone station there are great transport links via the Metropolitan Line, Watford DC Line and national rail service. It is easily accessible to the M1, M25 and A406.

Other Information
Harrow Council is committed to equality of opportunity and values diversity. We promote equality in the workplace and in the services we deliver. We are a disability-confident employer committed to making recruitment practices accessible and barrier-free. We expect all staff and volunteers to share our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults through stringent safer recruitment procedures.

Due to the volume of applications, vacancies may close early if sufficient applications are received. Harrow redeployees will be given priority consideration.

Experience
- Experience working within an Information Governance Team, ideally within a local authority.
- Experience supporting projects.
- Experience producing and analysing performance data for service improvement.
- Experience delivering or developing training is desirable.

About You
- Highly organised and detail-oriented with a strong understanding of data protection principles.
- Excellent communicator with strong written and verbal skills.
- Able to work collaboratively as part of a team and engage effectively with multiple stakeholders.
- Sensitive and able to handle confidential information appropriately.
- Proficient in IT skills, with the ability to produce high-quality documents and reports.
- Able to prioritise workload and meet tight deadlines.
- Committed to providing great customer service.
- Eager to learn and develop knowledge in Information Governance.

Qualifications
- An Information Rights certification or relevant qualification, or equivalent relevant work experience is desirable.