Information Governance officer

Ashford Borough Council; Ashford; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Ashford Borough Council seeks an experienced Information Governance Officer to bolster compliance with data protection laws and lead efforts in FOI and EIR management. This full-time role, ideal for candidates with a strong understanding of UK GDPR, offers a competitive remuneration package. Join us in promoting a culture of transparency and data protection within the community.

Benefits

Excellent salary linked pension scheme

Generous annual leave with flexi time

Free life insurance

Supportive relocation package

Opportunities for training and development

Qualifications

• Experience in managing FOI/SARs and advising on data protection.
• Ability to explain complex legislation in plain English.
• Strong understanding of data protection laws.

Responsibilities

• Co-ordinate and manage FOI, EIR, and Subject Access Requests.
• Investigate and advise on serious personal data breaches.
• Support Data Protection Impact Assessments.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Understanding of UK GDPR

Attention to detail

Passion for public service transparency

Education

Professional GDPR qualification

Job description

Information Governance Officer – closing date 11.08.2025
Salary from £38,667 to £41,769 pa
Permanent – Full time – 37 hour per week
Location: Ashford, Kent

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Information Governance Officer to join our Policy and Performance team. You will play a vital role in supporting the council’s compliance with data protection laws and Freedom of Information (FOI)/Environmental Information Regulations (EIR), helping to embed a strong information rights culture across the organisation.

You will be responsible for co-ordinating and managing FOI, EIR and Subject Access Requests, and providing expert advice to staff on complex FOI/public interest issues, exemptions, and data protection queries along with:

• Supporting Data Protection Impact Assessments and Records of Processing Activities.
• Investigating and advising on serious personal data breaches, complaints, and regulatory actions.
• Promoting awareness of data governance policies, maintaining intranet and transparency pages.
• Assisting in the delivery of FOI and data protection training to officers and elected Members.
• Contributing to cross-council projects, business continuity and emergency planning operations.

In order to be competent in this role it is essential that you have a strong understanding of UK GDPR, DPA 2018, FOI Act and EIR, along with having:

• Experience in managing FOI/SARs and advising on data protection in a complex organisation.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex legislation in plain English.
• An eye for detail, a drive for continual improvement, and a passion for public service transparency.

A professional GDPR qualification would be desirable.

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To apply click here.

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Tom Swain, Senior Governance & Data Protection Officer 01233 330432

Please ensure that you have received confirmation of a submitted application once completed. For any assistance in completing the application form, please [e-mail]

Hybrid Working- We are an organisation that puts people first and understands how important employee wellbeing is. We want to help you to balance your working life and home life and offer flexible ways of working to help structure your life in a positive and productive way; both at home and in the office. This maximises personal development and collaborative working. Competitive remuneration package- We offer an excellent salary linked pension scheme, generous annual leave with flexi time, free life insurance, supportive relocation package and opportunities for training and development.

With devolution news and talks evolving across the country for local authorities, we understand that there may be some uncertainty for those currently serving within the sector. Although Kent and Medway have not been included in the Devolution Priority Programme, discussions continue in this area. Kent, Medway and all District and Borough Councils in the South East will continue to work closely with each other to deliver vital services to our communities. This is an exciting, but stable time to join our organisation.

Ashford Borough Council recognises the need to ensure the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults when they come into contact with the services we provide

We welcome applications form the Armed Forces Community