Information Rights Officer

Animal and Plant Health Agency; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Civil Service Pension

25 days annual leave

Learning & development opportunities

Employee discounts

Flexible working options

Job summary

Animal and Plant Health Agency in the United Kingdom is seeking an Information Rights Officer to support FOI, EIR and data protection work, ensure deadlines are met, and promote governance and openness across APHA.

You will handle requests, advise colleagues, maintain records in the eCase system, contribute to guidance, and help develop the publication scheme while enjoying generous civil service pension and flexible working options.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of FOIA, EIR, and Data Protection legislation.
• Practical experience handling information requests or working in a regulatory or compliance environment.
• Experience working in a fast-paced setting with varied and shifting priorities.

Responsibilities

• Process and coordinate Information Rights requests in line with deadlines and procedures.
• Provide advice and support on Information Rights legislation and best practice.
• Develop and maintain Information Rights guidance and the publication scheme.
• Collaborate with colleagues and external stakeholders to support Information Rights objectives.
• Maintain accurate records using the eCase system.

Skills

FOIA/EIR knowledge

Data Protection knowledge

Information rights handling experience

Organisational skills

Clear written and verbal communication

Teamwork / collaboration

Tools

eCase system

Job description

Can you thrive in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities while delivering high-quality outcomes?

Do you enjoy investigating information, solving problems and supporting good governance?

If so, we would love to hear from you!

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is a brilliant place to work where our people feel valued, have a voice and can be their authentic selves. We value difference and diversity, because it helps us be more innovative and make better decisions.

We are dedicated to being an inclusive employer, offering equitable opportunities for all individuals. Our goal is to build a diverse workforce, and we hope to attract applications from all backgrounds and underrepresented groups.

The Role

As an Information Rights Officer, you will support APHA’s Information Rights service, helping to manage requests made under:

The Freedom of Information Act (FOI)

The Environmental Information Regulations (EIR)

The Data Protection Act (data subject requests)

You will help ensure requests are handled efficiently, accurately, and in accordance with legislative requirements, while supporting a culture of openness, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

You will:

• Process and coordinate Information Rights requests, ensuring they are managed in accordance with statutory deadlines, organisational procedures and legislative requirements
• Manage Information Rights casework, including drafting responses, supporting internal reviews and ICO enquiries, and maintaining accurate records through effective use of the eCase system
• Provide advice, guidance and support to colleagues on Information Rights legislation, processes and good practice, seeking support from senior team members where required
• Promote awareness and understanding of Information Rights, records management and information governance across APHA, contributing to organisational compliance and best practice
• Contribute to the development, maintenance and continuous improvement of Information Rights guidance, procedures, processes and working practices, ensuring information remains accurate and up to date
• Support the management of APHA's publication scheme, helping to ensure information is published accurately, appropriately and in a timely manner
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues across APHA, Defra Group and external stakeholders to support the delivery of Information Rights activities and objectives
• Support colleagues within the team through collaboration, knowledge sharing and a positive approach to team working, contributing to the effective delivery of APHA's Information Rights service

Person specification

Experience

You will be able to demonstrate the following:

• Knowledge of FOIA, EIR, and Data Protection legislation
• Practical experience handling information requests or working in a regulatory or compliance environment
• Experience working in a fast-paced setting with varied and shifting priorities

Skills and Ability

• Strong organisational and analytical skills, with excellent attention to detail
• Confident communicator with clear written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to build effective working relationships and support stakeholders
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to proactively resolve issues

Technical / Other Knowledge

• Understanding of how public sector bodies operate, including the role of information governance

Alongside your salary of £29,715, Animal and Plant Health Agency contributes £8,608 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

Learning and Development

At APHA, we are committed to supporting you to develop your skills, knowledge, and professional capability throughout your career.

From day one, you will be welcomed through a structured induction programme, helping you understand the Civil Service, our work, and how we operate. You’ll work closely with your line manager to set clear priorities and develop a performance, learning, and development plan tailored to your role.

We will support you to build and maintain your expertise in information rights and related disciplines, including working towards relevant practitioner qualifications. You’ll also be encouraged to engage with the wider profession through networks, working groups, and professional bodies, helping you stay connected to emerging best practice across KIM and the Civil Service.

Alongside formal training, you will have opportunities to apply and develop your knowledge in a practical environment, contributing to continuous improvement and innovation in how we manage information.

Inclusion, support, and the wellbeing of our people are central to what we do, ensuring everyone at APHA can thrive both professionally and personally.

• Civil Service Pension - Defra contributes an average of 28.97% of your salary towards your pension
• A minimum of 25 days of paid annual leave, increasing by 1 day per year up to a maximum of 30.
• An extensive range of learning & professional development opportunities tailored to your role.
• Access to a range of retail, travel and lifestyle employee discounts from retailers such as Highstreet coffee shops, Cinema’s, supermarkets, Highstreet retailers and many, many more.
• Staff bonuses and recognition including appreciate vouchers of up to £200 and larger in year awards of up to £1000,
• Salary sacrifice benefit options and an employee discount scheme such as bike to work, Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) scheme, every £8 they pay in, the government adds £2, up to a maximum of £2,000 a year for each child.
• Discounted gym membership with Fitness First or Pure Gym.
• Special Leave with pay, per year, for volunteering.
• Making it work for you - With so many flexible working options, most people can find a work schedule to suit their circumstances.

We will also consider application for part time, job share and flexible working.

Closing date - 11.55pm on Tuesday 8th September 2026