Job Description
Salary £32,061 - £36,363 per annum | 37 hours per week | Permanent, Full time | County Hall | Preston, Lancashire
International Sponsorship – this role is not open to international sponsorship (Shortage Occupations only)
Lancashire County Council is the fourth largest local authority in England, and we are committed to making Lancashire the best place to live, work, visit, and prosper.
We are currently seeking a highly capable and motivated Information Access Officer to join our Information Governance Team. This is a key role in supporting the council’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the safeguarding of personal data. As an Information Access Officer, you will play a vital role in ensuring the council meets its statutory obligations, particularly during periods of organisational change.
You will be responsible for managing requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, Environmental Information Regulations 2004, and the UK General Data Protection Regulation.
We are looking for a professional with experience of working within a political environment and a strong understanding of delivering high‑quality, efficient, and inclusive public services. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent communication skills and a proven ability to manage complex issues with confidence and discretion.
You will work collaboratively with internal services and external stakeholders to ensure timely and compliant responses to information requests, upholding the council’s legal responsibilities and public service values. This role is based within a small, supportive team operating in a large and complex public sector organisation. Applicants should be able to evidence relevant experience in a similar role, ideally within the public sector.
This is a full‑time, permanent post working 37 hours per week within Governance Services based at County Hall, Preston. Although the council offers flexible working opportunities, this is NOT a remote working post and regular attendance at the County Councils Preston Office is required in line with service requirements.
Key Responsibilities
* Manage requests for information under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004
* Manage requests for personal data under the provisions of the UK General Data Protection Regulation and Data Protection Act 2018
* Provide advice and assistance to council employees with regards to all aspects of data protection legislation (UK GDPR/DPA), FOI and EIR
* Ensure legal knowledge and awareness remain current and in line with legislative updates and best practice
What We’re Looking For
* Experience in an information governance or compliance setting and a strong understanding of FOIA, EIR, UK GDPR, and the Data Protection Act 2018 and practical experience of supporting individuals to exercise their information rights.
* Good general political awareness, with experience of working within or alongside a political organisation or environment.
* Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
* Excellent communication skills, with the ability to provide clear, confident advice and support to colleagues and the public.
* A commitment to discretion, confidentiality, and the principles of good governance.
Why join us
You’ll be fully supported by your line manager and the rest of the team. You’ll learn new skills and feel valued and achieve both a great work/life balance and job satisfaction.
Benefits
* Competitive salary
* Great holiday entitlement starting at 26 days per annum plus bank holidays
* Opportunities for flexible working
* Health and wellbeing
* Family friendly employer
* Financial and travel benefits
* Access to training and development
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