Information Governance Officer - Permanent
Permanent, Full Time
£28,349 to £33,351 per annum
Location: Chelmsford
Working Style:
Closing Date: Monday 16th March 2026 at 11.59pm
Are you an Information Governance professional? Do you have proven experience of reading and redacting subject access requests, preferably in a local authority setting? Are you seeking a new challenge in a fast-paced local government environment?
This position has been classed as an anywhere worker role but has an expectation that the successful candidate will attend the office, in Chelmsford 1 day per month, with the remaining time for remote working if desired, in line with the organisation’s needs.
Note: We are also looking to recruit for a 18 month Fixed Term Contract (or Secondment), in addition to this permanent role
We are looking for individuals who have experience in information governance, data protection, and information rights to join our dynamic team.
The post holders will predominantly be required to prepare cases for disclosure under the subject access provisions of the Data Protection Act 2018, and may be asked to assist with Freedom of Information Act 2000, and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.
The Opportunity
The post holders will be required to prepare cases for disclosure under the subject access provisions of the Data Protection Act 2018, Freedom of Information Act 2000, and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.
You will be required to understand the complexities around information disclosures as influenced by legislation including the Human Rights Act, Mental Capacity Act, and common law of confidentiality; and maintain detailed records of decisions/risk assessments and exemptions applied.
You should have good legislative and practical knowledge in this field and the ability to convey this to colleagues, partners, clients, and other stakeholders, as well as apply this knowledge to information right requests and complaints. Strong ICT skills are also required.
Accountabilities
1. Responsible for managing a large and widespread workload ensuring completion to tight statutory timescales; and maintain detailed records of decisions/risk assessments and exemptions applied.
2. The resilience to prepare cases for disclosure under the relevant legislation. This does sometimes involve preparing potentially distressing information.
3. Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.
The Experience You Will Bring
Essential:
4. Proven experience of reading and redacting subject access requests (SAR’s), preferably in a local authority setting is essential.
5. Evidence of continuing professional development in Information Governance and Transparency.
6. Experience of working within an information governance, data protection, information rights environment, particularly in recent years.
7. Proven experience of working effectively with internal and external customers.
Desirable:
8. Excellent ICT skills and good working knowledge of Microsoft.
9. Good interpersonal skills, particularly oral and written communications skills, presentation of text and other materials to the good standards and attention to detail.
10. Completion of relevant professional qualifications is highly desirable.
11. Educated to RQF Level 3 (A-level) including English and Maths, or equivalent by experience.
Why Essex?
As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.
In February 2025, Greater Essex was accepted onto the Government’s devolution priority programme, which will see local authorities in Essex work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026. You can read more about
, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
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