Freedom of Information and Data Protection Case Officer Salary: £36,650 Hours: Full Time / Part Time (Min 0.8 FTE) Contract Type: Open Ended Location: Polaris House, Swindon (Hybrid Working) Grade: D Closing Date: Sunday 31st August 2025 Click below to view a Day in the Life blog which will give you a real sense of what it's like to be part of our team - what we do, how we collaborate, and why our work matters. (11) Freedom of Information and Data Protection Case Officer - Day in the life | LinkedIn Job Overview: The Information Governance Group supports UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) in meeting its statutory responsibilities under data protection, freedom of information and environmental information regulations legislation. The successful candidate will work with Senior Information Rights Managers to deliver timely, high-quality responses to Freedom of Information Act (FOI) and Environmental Information Regulation (EIR) requests or data protection subject rights requests. They will provide day-to-day case handling for information rights requests and will be responsible for the initial assessment of requests, gathering information and assessment of any exemptions that may apply. They will be the first point of contact with the requester and relevant business areas and they will also support the embedding of good information governance across UKRI. The role requires an in-depth understanding of both freedom of information legislation and data protection legislation. They will ensure strong linkages between the Information Governance Group and UKRI councils and business areas. Reporting To: Senior Information Rights Manager Key Responsibilities: Respond to data subject rights requests and supporting Senior Information Rights Managers in handling complex requests. Respond to FOI and EIR requests and supporting the Senior Information Rights Managers in handling complex requests. Determine whether material requested is exempt from disclosure, applying the public interest test where appropriate. Work with Senior Information Rights Managers to ensure compliance with legislation. Keep up to date with best practice and developments in data protection legislation and freedom of information legislation, sharing with the team as necessary. Provide support to data protection team in responding to general enquiries and incidents when required. Provide input to the regular update of policies and procedures. Stakeholder Relationships: Internal Contacts across UKRI for input to information requests, assistance with information provision and advice and input on information governance and other issues Relevant internal committees, working groups, information rights contacts in UKRI institutes Legal team External UK Shared Business Services Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (UKRI's sponsor department) and other Government Departments Information Commissioner's Office The public and other stakeholders, including 3 rd parties UKRI works with Person Specification: (S) - Shortlisting Criteria (I) - Interview Criteria (S & I) - Shortlisting and Interview Criteria Essential Demonstrable experience working with information rights legislation in a complex organisation (S) Understanding of freedom of information and data protection legislation (I) Proven ability to interpret legislation and guidance relating to information rights requests, apply knowledge to make decisions on the release of information and the application of exemptions effectively (I) Effective communication skills (S & I) Strong team working skills with the ability to network beyond the core team and consult subject matter experts and other stakeholders (S & I) Ability to formulate and offer clear advice to colleagues and stakeholders on information rights, legal, regulatory and policy issues (I) Effective written skills and attention to detail (S & I) Ability to multi-task, prioritise own work load and work proactively (S & I) Flexible approach to working, to meet changing business priorities and meet targets and deadlines (S & I) Proficiency in IT skills (Office 365 and redaction software) (S) Demonstrable analytical, research and problem-solving skills (I) Desirable Holds a professional freedom of information/data protection qualification (S) Ability to manage complex cases involving multiple exemptions (S & I) Experience of working with eCase (case management system) (S & I) Candidates selected for interview will be expected to complete a written test exercise as part of the interview process. Application Guidance: How to evidence the criteria: You are encouraged to use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) in the cover letter to evidence your ability to meet the 'person specification' criteria in the job description. Cover letters should be no more than two sides of A4 (minimum font size 11). For examples of the STAR method, please visit: The STAR method | National Careers Service '. Benefits We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package! We are committed to supporting employees' development and promote a culture of continuous learning! A list of benefits below; An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme 30 days' annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent) Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice Flexible working options Please click here for more details on the https://www.discover.ukri.org/benefits-of-working-at-ukri/index.html UKRI - UK Research and Innovation UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation. Supporting some of the world's most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation. More information can be found at www.ukri.org. Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI. How we support EDI in the workforce At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit 'How we support EDI in the workforce'. Disability Confident Employer As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. How to apply Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the 'experience' section of the application. UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion - a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us. The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.