Information Access Officer

Watford Borough Council; Watford; On-site; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority is seeking a motivated Information Access Officer to support transparency and customer service initiatives. The role involves coordinating information requests, maintaining compliance with FOIA and UK GDPR regulations, and ensuring high‑quality responses. Ideal candidates will possess strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a proactive approach. Training will be provided for necessary regulations like FOIA and GDPR. This position is based in Watford, which has excellent transport links and a skilled workforce.

Qualifications

• An awareness of FOIA 2000, EIR 2004, UK GDPR.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong judgement and attention to detail.
• Effective relationship-building skills.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office and digital tools.
• Flexibility, resilience, and a proactive approach.
• Experience in information governance or customer service is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and progress information requests.
• Ensure statutory deadlines are met.
• Issue high‑quality, legally compliant responses.
• Work with Customer Services and CLOs.
• Support service improvement and compliance.

Skills

Excellent written communication skills

Excellent verbal communication skills

Strong judgement

Attention to detail

Effective relationship‑building skills

Confidence using Microsoft Office

Flexibility and resilience

Education

Awareness of FOIA 2000, EIR 2004, UK GDPR

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Teams

Digital case management tools

Job description

Work Pattern: 3 hours per day for 5 days

The role

We are looking for a motivated and organised Information Access Officer to join our Customer & Corporate Services team. This is a key role supporting the Council’s commitment to transparency, excellent customer service, and compliance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) and UK GDPR.

You will be responsible for coordinating and progressing information requests, working closely with Customer Services and Customer Liaison Officers (CLOs) to ensure statutory deadlines are met and that high‑quality, legally compliant responses are issued. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong organisational skills, an eye for detail and an interest in information governance, service improvement and customer service.

What we are looking for

• An awareness of FOIA 2000, EIR 2004, UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 (training provided).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines.
• Strong judgement, attention to detail and the ability to interpret and apply legislation and guidance.
• Effective relationship‑building skills, engaging confidently with CLOs, the Monitoring Officer, Legal and colleagues across the organisation.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams) and digital case management tools.
• Flexibility, resilience and a proactive, self‑starting approach.
• Experience in information governance, customer service, regulatory compliance or administrative roles is desirable; however, full training will be provided.

About Watford Borough Council

Watford is an urban borough in South West Hertfordshire. The borough has excellent transport links with mainline rail connections to London. Watford is the centre of a sub‑region serving around 500,000 people living within a 20‑minute travelling time catchment. As part of the London commuter belt, Watford is strongly influenced by London, which brings the benefits of a buoyant economy.

At a glance

• £1.4bn local investment happening – mix of public and private funding.
• 3,500 registered businesses.
• Higher than average working age population.
• Skilled workforce.
• Home to many major international head offices.

Closing Date: 15 March 2026.

For an informal discussion, please contact Mira Mutty.

A Basic Disclosure Check will be carried out for this post.

At Watford Borough Council, we consider equality issues alongside other factors when making decisions as an employer of choice. We are committed to ensuring that we have effective policies, strategies, procedures, and processes and that we encourage behaviour which promotes equality, encourages diversity, and contributes to an inclusive organisational culture.