Information Governance Officer

Pendle; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council in the United Kingdom is seeking a proactive Information Governance Officer to ensure compliance with data protection and freedom of information legislation. Key responsibilities include managing data requests, maintaining records, and providing training on governance policies. The position offers flexible working arrangements and various benefits, including up to 31 days of annual leave and a Local Government Pension Scheme. Candidates should have strong organisational and communication skills.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Local Government Pension Scheme

Option to buy extra annual leave

Cycle to Work Scheme

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of UK GDPR, Data Protection Act, and FOI legislation.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Strong communication skills to engage with stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience in handling sensitive information and maintaining confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Act as the council's subject matter expert on data protection and information governance.
• Manage and respond to Freedom of Information (FOI) and Subject Access Requests (SARs).
• Maintain and update the council's Information Asset Register and Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs).
• Provide advice and training to staff on information governance policies and procedures.
• Monitor compliance and assist with audits, reporting findings to senior management.
• Support the development and implementation of policies relating to data security and retention.
• Assist with corporate governance compliance.

Skills

Understanding of UK GDPR

Strong communication skills

Organisational skills

Ability to handle sensitive information

Job description

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Information Governance Officer to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in ensuring the council meets its statutory obligations around data protection, freedom of information, and records management.

You will be responsible for supporting compliance with legislation such as the UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, and Freedom of Information Act, while promoting best practice in information governance across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the council's subject matter expert on data protection and information governance.
• Manage and respond to Freedom of Information (FOI) and Subject Access Requests (SARs) within statutory timescales.
• Maintain and update the council's Information Asset Register and Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs).
• Provide advice and training to staff on information governance policies and procedures.
• Monitor compliance and assist with audits, reporting findings to senior management.
• Support the development and implementation of policies relating to data security and retention.
• Assist with corporate governance compliance.

About You

• Strong understanding of UK GDPR, Data Protection Act, and FOI legislation.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Strong communication skills to engage with stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience in handling sensitive information and maintaining confidentiality.

Pendle is in Lancashire's scenic Pennines, close to the Yorkshire Dales, Lake District, and Manchester.

We offer:

• Flexible working, including no set core hours, up to 2 flexi days per month, and compressed hours.
• Up to 31 days annual leave.
• Flexible contracts requiring 2-3 days in the office each week (more if needed), so you should live within commuting distance of Nelson, Lancashire.

Our Benefits include:

• Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Option to buy extra annual leave.
• Cycle to Work, home tech, and car salary sacrifice schemes.
• Discounts at major retailers via the Vivup programme.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate on any basis, including disability, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or age.

How to apply

Please apply online via the link provided.

Please note, we do not accept CVs, an online application form must be submitted.