Legal Officer / Information Governance Officer

Basildon Borough Council; Basildon; Presencial; GBP 31.000 - 44.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Carrington Blake Recruitment is seeking an Information Governance Specialist for Basildon Council. You will manage Subject Access Requests, FOI and EIR requests, redact sensitive information, and ensure compliance with data protection laws and statutory deadlines.

The role includes advising colleagues on GDPR and information governance matters. You will review privacy notices, monitor data processing activities, and support audits while collaborating with the Information Governance Manager and

Formación

• Essential knowledge of UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.
• Understanding FOIA and EIR obligations in local government.
• Ability to interpret legislation and ICO guidance.
• Strong IT skills and accuracy in handling documents.

Responsabilidades

• Manage SARs, FOI and EIR requests and ensure statutory deadlines.
• Review documents and apply exemptions with redactions.
• Provide data protection and information governance advice to colleagues.
• Investigate data breaches and maintain incident logs.
• Assist with audits and privacy notices review.

Conocimientos

UK GDPR knowledge

Data Protection Act 2018 knowledge

FOIA knowledge

EIR knowledge

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Educación

Relevant qualification in data protection / information governance

Herramientas

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

SharePoint

Descripción del empleo

Work Pattern: 36.25 Hours per week, Minimum 3 days per week onsite

PAYE Pay Rate: £27.29 per hour

Main Purpose of the Role

To support Basildon Council’s Information Governance and Legal teams in ensuring compliance with data protection and freedom of information legislation.

The role involves managing information requests, particularly Subject Access Requests (SARs), Freedom of Information (FOI) requests and Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) requests. You will provide advice to colleagues, review sensitive information, redact documents and ensure all requests are handled accurately and within statutory deadlines.

Typical Day Overview

• Manage and respond to incoming Subject Access Requests (SARs), FOI and EIR requests.
• Review documents and identify sensitive or confidential information requiring redaction.
• Ensure requests are processed within statutory deadlines.
• Provide advice to council officers on GDPR, data protection and information governance matters.
• Investigate and record personal data breaches, ensuring appropriate actions are taken.
• Assist with complaints and enquiries from members of the public.
• Review privacy policies, procedures, privacy notices and data protection documentation.
• Maintain accurate records of information requests, complaints and data breaches.
• Work alongside the Information Governance Manager, Data Protection Officer and Legal team.

Key Skills and Responsibilities

Information Governance & Legislation

• Strong practical knowledge of UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
• Understanding of Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA).
• Knowledge of Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR).
• Ability to interpret legislation and ICO guidance.

Subject Access Requests & Redaction

• Experience managing complex Subject Access Requests.
• Reviewing large volumes of documentation and identifying sensitive information.
• Applying exemptions and carrying out appropriate redactions.
• Ensuring information is disclosed accurately and lawfully.

Data Protection & Compliance

• Supporting data breach investigations and maintaining incident logs.
• Monitoring data protection compliance and assisting with audits.
• Reviewing privacy notices, policies and procedures.
• Maintaining records of processing activities and data lifecycles.

Communication & Stakeholder Management

• Providing clear and practical advice to council officers.
• Responding to public enquiries and complaints.
• Communicating effectively with elected members, colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Working collaboratively with Legal, Customer Services and Information Governance teams.

Essential Requirements & Qualifications

• Relevant qualification and knowledge of data protection legislation.
• Practical understanding of the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR.
• Understanding of local and national government legislation.
• Excellent IT skills, particularly:
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • SharePoint
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail, particularly when reviewing and redacting sensitive documents.
• Ability to manage competing workloads and meet strict statutory deadlines.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive personal information appropriately.