Senior Information Governance Officer

Tower Hamlets; Greater London; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS

Annual leave 29–33 days + holidays

Flexible working

Staff loans

Learning & development

Job summary

Tower Hamlets Council is seeking a Senior Information Governance Officer to join the Information Governance Service. You will lead data protection, freedom of information, and information governance activities, translating legislation into practical solutions and supporting senior managers.

You will provide expert advice on SARs, manage information requests, and contribute to audits, risk assessments and policy development in a dynamic, public-sector environment.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of the FOI Act 2000, the Data Protection Act 2018, the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 and related legislation.
• Experience in undertaking complex investigations, analysing data and legislation, and preparing clear reports for senior managers.
• Experience improving business processes and working in a politically sensitive environment.
• Strong communication and collaborative skills in a diverse community.

Responsibilities

• Raise awareness of data protection and information governance through training, briefings and events for council officers and elected Members.
• Provide expert, timely advice on complex data protection matters and SARs, supporting compliance with UK GDPR, DPA 2018 and Council policies.
• Translate legislative requirements into practical solutions covering FOI, EIR, information security, records management and information sharing
• Handle information requests and support investigations into information security incidents, maintaining records and deadlines.
• Support audits, risk and privacy impact assessments, contract compliance and data sharing, and help develop information governance policies.

Skills

FOI & DP Act

SAR handling

Policy interpretation

Training delivery

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

About The Role

We are recruiting for a Senior Information Governance Officerto join our Information Governance Service.

If you are passionate about data protection, freedom of information and improving public services, we would love to hear from you. You will bring experience of complex investigations, interpreting legislation and working collaboratively with senior managers to deliver effective information governance.

In this role, you will:

• Raise awareness of data protection and information governance through training, briefings and events for council officers and elected Members.
• Provide expert, timely advice on complex data protection matters and subject access requests (SARs), supporting compliance with the UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and Council policies.
• Translate legislative requirements into practical solutions covering freedom of information, environmental information requests, information security, records management and information sharing
• Handle information requests and support investigations into information security incidents, maintaining accurate records and monitoring statutory deadlines.
• Support audits, risk and privacy impact assessments, contract compliance and data sharing arrangements, and help develop and review information governance policies and procedures.

About You

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• Knowledge of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Data Protection Act 2018, the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 and other relevant legislation.
• Experience of undertaking complex investigations, analysing data and legislation, and preparing clear reports and correspondence for senior managers.
• Experience of improving business processes, influencing senior managers and working in a politically sensitive environment.

• Strong communication and collaborative skills, with the ability to work effectively in a diverse community.

Our Benefits

• Local Government Pension Scheme membership.
• Generous annual leave: 29 days, rising to 33 with 5+ years’ service, plus bank holidays and 3 additional days at Christmas.
• Flexible and agile working to support work–life balance.
• Staff money-saving schemes (e.g., rent deposit loans, season ticket loans).
• Learning and development opportunities through our Learning Academy, with clear career development and leadership pathways.

About Tower Hamlets

Tower Hamlets is a truly unique borough at the heart of London – a place where history and innovation sit side by side. From the docks and markets that shaped the East End to the global business hub of Canary Wharf, we are proud to be one of the most dynamic, diverse, and ambitious communities in the UK. We are also one of the fastest growing and youngest boroughs in the country, offering unrivalled opportunities to make a real difference to people’s lives. Our residents are energetic, creative, and resilient, and our council is committed to delivering the best possible services and opportunities for them.

Our award-winning new Town Hall in Whitechapel provides a modern, flexible workplace for our staff, right at the heart of the borough and directly opposite Whitechapel Tube and Elizabeth line station. It is more than just a workplace – it’s a hub for collaboration, innovation and community, designed to bring out the best in our people.

As an employer, we put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do. Our active Employee Network Groups celebrate and champion our workforce, helping to ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging. Guided by our TOWER values – Together, Open, Willing, Excellent and Respect – we are building a positive, inclusive culture where colleagues can thrive.

At Tower Hamlets Council, you’ll find exciting challenges, supportive colleagues, and the chance to shape one of London’s most important and vibrant places. If you’re looking for a role where you can see the impact of your work every day, then Tower Hamlets is the place for you.