​Head of Information Governance and Access Rights

London

£41,747 - £47,591

Permanent Full Time Role

37 hours a week

Hybrid Role

ASAP Start following Vetting process

About the company

Sue Hill Recruitment are delighted to be working with our UK government departmental client who is responsible for affairs both here and overseas. An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head of Information Governance and Access Rights to work in the Freedom of Information Rights and Access within the Knowledge and Information Management (KIM) team. This role is central to the Department’s commitment to openness, transparency and compliance with

Public Records legislation. The KIM team is responsible for all aspects of managing the department’s record keeping systems whilst aligning with the Public Records Act.

The post holder will manage all FOI and Subject Access Requests and will have a particular responsibility for working closely with the Legacy team on FOI and Subject Access Requests that are linked to issues from the past but remain relevant to work today. A strong understanding of the management of personal data both under FOI and GDPR will be essential.

Duties will also include the responsibility for monitoring compliance and raising awareness of the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).

This position with be subject to Security clearance to Developed Vetting (DV) Security Clearance level

What you’ll be doing

The main responsibilities of the role include but are not limited to:

·         Engaging with senior managers regarding the management and access to information requests including taking ownership of FOI’s, Information requests and DPA compliance and reporting.

·         Managing and monitoring the progress of requests under the Freedom of Information Act, Data Protection Act and Environmental Information Regulations to meet statutory deadlines and providing advice and guidance to business groups on requests, applications of exemptions and appeals.

·         Briefing ministers and senior officials on complex information access requests involving public interest tests and restrictions on disclosure of sensitive information.

·         Raising awareness within the organisation, promoting information management, ensuring delivery of staff training in information access and personal and that staff awareness remains high.

·         Ensuring a collaborative and joined up approach to managing requests for information that impact on the work of the Legacy team

·         Assisting records and information management projects and providing input to overall branch objectives, management, Board members and relevant external organisations.

·         Collaborating with the Data Protection Officer (DPO) to ensure GDPR compliance.

Why you will be hired

To be considered for this role you will require:

•                     Thorough understanding of the Freedom of Information Act (2000). This will include but not be restricted to,

a strong understanding of the exemption provisions provided under the FOI Act and how they are applied

and a good understanding of Public Interest Tests and when and how they should be applied

•                     Certified Data Protection Practitioner qualification advantageous

•                     Demonstrable experience of managing electronic document and records management systems

•                     A sound understanding of the Data Protection Act (2018), in particular a good understanding of the General

Data Protection Regulation (GDPR

•                     Strong written and oral communication skills

•         Ability to build positive relationships and work collaboratively with colleagues and key stakeholders, as well as working independently.

•         Self-motivated and hardworking with excellent attention to detail.

•         Ability to solve problems quickly and sensitively and find new solutions.

•         Confident, positive, and energetic individual with a can-do attitude.

Our client is committed to being an inclusive employer with a diverse workforce and encourage applications from people from the widest possible diversity of backgrounds, cultures and experiences. They strive to be an inclusive employer and are recognised by its staff and externally as being an employer where Diversity and Inclusion are valued. They hold a Diversity & Inclusion Charter Mark and are an accredited Disability Confident Leader organisation.