About Us

Information Access Officer 

Fixed Term Contract 12 months/Internal Secondment

Do you have experience of working with information requests made under the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA) or Freedom of Information Act 2000? (FOI)

Are you an experienced attentive administrator looking for a new challenge?

We are recruiting an Information Access Officer to join the Adult Social Care directorate at Richmond and Wandsworth Council. You will be working in a supportive team with a Senior Information Access Officer and two Information Access Officers to make a team of four.  

You will provide information relating to requests received within the Adults Social Care and the Public Health directorate. You will deal with requests made by political members or councillors via our shared inbox. You will work with key internal stakeholders about data requests and work closely with the senior management and staff to assist in directorate compliance in these areas - so strong communication and interpersonal skills will be key.

Your role will include communicating with internal staff members and collating information relating to Subject Access Requests (SARs) and Freedom of Information Requests (FOIs). We work towards legislative deadlines and will need an enthusiastic and organised motivated team member to support. If you have good administrative skills and are self-motivated to learn with an understanding of the data governance, please apply as we can provide training for certain elements. 

This is a 12-month fixed term contract or internal secondment for existing Richmond and Wandsworth Council staff. The role will involve flexible working, office based three times a week. 

As the Information Access Officer you will be:

• Acting as a first point of contact for all FOI Requests, Subject Access Requests, MP and Council Member enquiries for both boroughs.
• Liaising with the police and other agencies in response to requests to view records. 
• Logging, forwarding, processing, tracking and issuing responses to the above.
• Identifying and implementing improvements to processes in these areas.
• Developing and producing regular performance reports.

This is a demanding role and you will need excellent knowledge of IT systems including Outlook, SharePoint and Excel, as well as an eye for detail being flexible and able to manage competing deadlines. 

For an informal discussion please contact Monique Walcott, Business Support Manager (Information), 

Monique.Walcott@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk

; 0208 871 6732. 

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services. 

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer, if you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know. 

We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. 

We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.  

Indicative Recruitment Timeline:

Closing Date: 28^th March 2024

Shortlisting Date: W/C 20^th March 2024

Interview Date:  W/C 8^th April

Application Guidance:

Please refer to the job profile attached to this advert when you are completing your supporting statement. Pay particular attention to the criteria outlined in the person specification table, including how you have the suitable knowledge, skills, and experience. To be shortlisted for interview we require you to clearly evidence your suitability during the application stage.   

Useful Information: 

The application process for this campaign will be anonymised. 

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. 

Secondment Guidance:

All internal applicants for this secondment must seek permission from their current line manager before applying. Failure to do so may result in the secondment not being authorised.

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils