Location
London Borough of Hounslow

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£50,676 per annum

About the Role
We are looking for an experienced Senior Information Request Officer to join our Information Request Team. In this role, you will help lead and drive effective and efficient processes, sharing advice, support and training to services on Freedom of Information (FOI), Environmental Information Requests (EIR), Subject Access Requests (SAR) and General Data Protection requests (GDPR). You will be an active member of the Digital, IT & Resilience service, with specific responsibilities within the information request area, helping to promote the value of feedback and lessons learned to drive service improvements. You will work in a multi-functional team, embracing new approaches and empowering our residents in line with our customer and staff charters and the Council's values and behaviours whilst ensuring adherence to data protection legislation in relation to handling these requests. You will proactively ensure that the council adopts a strategic and corporate approach to the implementation of all policies relating to dealing with FOI, EIR, and SAR.

About Us
We are an outstanding council serving one of London’s most diverse boroughs. With visionary leadership, a dynamic Cabinet and a can-do culture, we have built strong partnerships that have transformed how we serve our community. Hounslow is a vibrant and diverse borough full of potential, and we are committed to stepping up for our residents like never before.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
We live by five core values: Lead with Heart, Do New, Pass on the Power, Harness the Mix and Be a Rock. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of all our work, best articulated in “Harness the Mix”. We serve a diverse community, have a diverse workforce and are committed to being an inclusive employer. We work hard to create representation across our workforce and leadership community, support thriving employee network groups and provide learning and development programmes that promote ways of working to eliminate inequality, inequity, injustice and bias. As a Disability Confident Employer, we make reasonable adjustments to accommodate candidates.

Our Benefits
If you join us, you will have access to a range of employee benefits designed to support your wellbeing and development.

Experience
- Experience working in an Information Request or FOI response team.
- Comprehensive knowledge of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, Environmental Information Regulations 2004 and Data Subject Rights under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, ideally within a local government setting.
- Experience providing advice, maintaining guidance materials, and delivering training courses and presentations.
- Experience managing people with confidence and providing leadership.

About You
- Strong understanding of communication requirements for internal and external stakeholders.
- Familiarity with customer care issues and experience dealing confidently and effectively with external agencies, members of the public, colleagues and senior stakeholders.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to handle enquiries from multiple channels.
- Commitment to transparency and ability to convey its importance across the organisation.
- A role model who leads by example and supports team development.

Qualifications
Relevant qualifications or training in information governance, data protection or related fields would be advantageous but are not explicitly required. A commitment to continuous professional development is essential.