Freedom of Information Officer

Warwickshire Police; Rugby; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Warwickshire Police is seeking a Freedom of Information Officer based in Rugby for a permanent, full-time role. The post sits at Salary Grade E (£33,603 - £39,276) and requires handling FOI casework, advising staff, and ensuring responses meet statutory deadlines.

The role includes information compliance oversight, training review, incident reporting, and continuous improvement in FOI practices, with vetting and credit checks part of the process.

Qualifications

• A level 3 or equivalent qualification.
• Completion of FOI or Data Protection training.
• Good working knowledge of Data Protection and FOI legislation.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate information compliance within Corporate Communications via FOI case management.
• Advise staff and stakeholders on FOI matters as policy support officer and decision maker.
• Process information access applications within defined guidelines and maintain records.
• Research, retrieve and prepare information for disclosure within statutory deadlines.
• Monitor FOI risk reporting to FOI Supervisor and Senior Manager.
• Report information incidents arising from FOI duties including data protection.
• Review FOI training materials and standards for police officers and staff.
• Keep up-to-date with FOI legislation and promote best practices.
• Undertake other duties commensurate with role and grading.
• Comply with Health and Safety regulations.

Skills

Deadline management

Policy adaptation

IT skills

Written communication

Independent working

Education

Level 3 qualification

FOI/Data Protection training

Tools

Databases

Spreadsheet software

Resource planning systems

Job description

Freedom of Information Officer

Location: Rugby

Permanent Contract

Full Time

Salary Grade E (£33,603 - £39,276)

The closing date for this role is 12 noon on Friday 2nd October 2026

The main purpose of this role is to undertake case management decision making and review for Freedom of Information (FOI) requests for Warwickshire Police employing a continuous improvement approach.

Main Responsibilities:

• 1.To support the co-ordination of effective Information Compliance (IC) within Corporate Communications Department via case management of all FOI requests.
• 2.To provide advice and guidance to members of staff and other stakeholders on FOI matters as a policy support officer and decision maker responsible for the management of cases within Corporate Communications.
• 3. To process all information access applications on receipt within defined guidelines and to maintain computerised records for all applications received including the management and monitoring of email.
• 4. To research, retrieve and assist with preparing information for disclosure and to ensure any response is legal, appropriate and made within the statutory deadlines imposed by the legislation.
• 5. To ensure Corporate Communications successfully monitors the risk associated with FOI through environmental scanning and reports to both the FOI Supervisor and the Senior Corporate Communications Manager as required.
• 6. Responsible for reporting information incident reporting processes arising from FOI legal duties including data protection and FOI regimes.
• 7. Responsible for reviewing FOI training and awareness products and standards. This includes reviewing standards and services for police officers and police staff to increase knowledge and awareness of FOI.
• 8. Maintain awareness and knowledge of all current FOI legislation, methods and practices ensuring that an environment of continuous improvement, innovation and emerging best practice are evaluated.
• 9. To undertake other duties commensurate with the nature, level of responsibility and grading of this post, as required.
• 10. All members of the workforce are to comply with all Health and Safety regulations in accordance with the Warwickshire Police Health and Safety Policy.

Knowledge:

• A level 3 or equivalent qualification
• Evidence of completion of relevant information compliance courses or modules, e.g. Data Protection or Freedom of Information; short course modules.
• An understanding and good working knowledge of the key principles and requirements of Data Protection and Freedom of Information legislation.

Experience:

• Experience of co-ordinating information compliance processes in a large organisation.
• Experience of gathering, risk assessing and analysing evidence in order to make recommendations concerning information access and disclosure.
• Experience of working in a confidential environment demonstrating a high level of personal integrity and discretion when dealing with confidential matters.
• Experience of working and engaging with a variety of staff.

Key Skills:

• Ability to work to tight deadlines and changing priorities.
• Ability to quickly absorb information and understand new policies and processes.
• Excellent IT skills, including use of databases, spreadsheet applications and computerised resource planning systems.
• Proven written communication skills and report writing.
• Ability to be flexible using own initiative and working without direct supervision.

Special Conditions:

• Exposure to disturbing and/or unpleasant images ortasks.
• Politically restricted post.

We want our organisation to be as diverse as the community it serves. We welcome applicants from all sections of the community.

You will be required as part of Warwickshire Police recruitment process to successfully complete vetting and credit checks.

We support the \"Happy to talk flexible working\" campaign which aims to encourage uptake of flexible working for individuals, the flexible working options that may be considered for this role include;

Compressed Hours.