Senior Information Governance Officer

City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council; Bradford; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council is seeking an experienced Information Governance professional to support compliance with information rights, advise managers, and improve governance practices. You will oversee requests, guide decisions, and help shape policies across the organisation.

You will coach and mentor staff, promote best practice, and deliver training while working closely with the Information Governance Manager in a fast-paced public sector environment.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in Information Governance or related governance.
• Strong knowledge of information rights legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Experience in coaching, mentoring and delivering training.
• Experience with risk assessment of data security incidents.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the allocation and monitoring of Freedom of Information, Environmental Information Regulations and Data Subject Rights requests.
• Provide specialist advice and guidance to Senior Managers, Elected Members and staff on information governance matters.
• Record, assess and investigate data security incidents, undertaking risk assessments and making recommendations to mitigate future risks.
• Support the development and implementation of Information Governance policies, procedures and guidance.
• Analyse and interpret complex legislation, case law and regulatory guidance to provide practical solutions.
• Develop and deliver training, awareness sessions and bespoke guidance materials.
• Build productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including partner organisations and regulatory bodies.
• Contribute to service improvements, organisational change initiatives and governance projects.

Skills

Information governance

Data protection

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder management

Training delivery

Policy advice

Tools

Microsoft Office

Case management systems

Job description

12 months fixed term contract initiallyAn exciting opportunity has arisen within the Corporate Information Governance Team for an experienced Information Governance professional to play a key role in supporting the Council's compliance with information rights legislation and promoting best practice across the organisation. This is a pivotal role within the Council's Information Governance framework, providing professional advice, guidance and practical interpretation of complex legislation including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), Data Protection Act 2018, Freedom of Information Act 2000 and Environmental Information Regulations 2004. Working closely with the Information Governance Manager, you will oversee the day-to-day operational workload of the team, ensuring information requests and data security incidents are managed effectively, consistently and within statutory timescales. You will also support the development of policies, procedures and best practice, whilst helping to drive continuous improvement across the Council. The successful candidate will be responsible for coaching, mentoring and supporting Information Governance staff, providing expert advice to managers and stakeholders, and promoting a strong culture of information governance across the organisation. The key responsibilities of the role will require you to:

• Oversee the allocation and monitoring of Freedom of Information, Environmental Information Regulations and Data Subject Rights requests.
• Provide specialist advice and guidance to Senior Managers, Elected Members and staff on information governance matters.
• Record, assess and investigate data security incidents, undertaking risk assessments and making recommendations to mitigate future risks.
• Support the development and implementation of Information Governance policies, procedures and guidance.
• Analyse and interpret complex legislation, case law and regulatory guidance to provide practical solutions.
• Develop and deliver training, awareness sessions and bespoke guidance materials.
• Build productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including partner organisations and regulatory bodies.
• Contribute to service improvements, organisational change initiatives and governance projects.

You will be looking for an organised, enthusiastic and resilient individual who can confidently manage competing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

You will be able to demonstrate:

Essential Knowledge and Skills

• Extensive experience of working within an Information Governance, Data Protection or related governance environment.
• Excellent understanding of information rights legislation and associated regulatory requirements.
• Ability to analyse, interpret and communicate complex information clearly to a range of audiences.
• Strong written communication skills, including report writing and preparation of formal correspondence.
• Demonstratable experience of prioritising and managing your own complex and varied caseload to meet strict statutory deadlines.
• Ability to coach, mentor and support colleagues and deliver presentations or training.
• Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work independently, use initiative and identify opportunities for service improvement.
• Experience of using a range of ICT systems, including Microsoft Office applications and case management/workflow systems.

Contact

For further information regarding this post please contact Harry Singh, Head of Information Governance by email: [e-mail]

Employee Offer

Why work for Bradford Council? Find out why by taking a look at Our Employee Offer.pdf

Equal Opportunities

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to thrive. If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process to support your application, please let us know, and we will work with you to meet your needs. The RESPECT Allyship Programme is available to all staff, which offers the opportunity to learn more about the diverse communities & groups and provides added benefits and resources to its members.