Information Governance Officer

Job Description

Are you detail-oriented, passionate about data protection, and keen to make a real difference in how information is managed? Do you thrive in a role where you ensure compliance and provide valuable guidance? If so, London Borough of Harrow has a fantastic opportunity for you!

We're looking for a motivated Information Governance Officer to join our supportive Information Governance Team within ICT Services. This offers a hybrid working model (minimum 2 days at Harrow Council Head Office, 3 days working from home), providing an excellent work-life balance.

In this important role, you will:

• Process and manage a high volume of information rights requests, including Subject Access Requests (SARs), Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, and Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) requests, ensuring they are handled within statutory timescales.
• Ensure compliance with key data protection and information access legislation, including UK GDPR, DPA 2018, FOI, and EIR.
• Provide best practice advice and guidance on Data Protection and Information Governance issues to the organisation and our residents/customers.
• Effectively manage and utilise key systems such as iCaseWorks and Adobe Redaction software.
• Take ownership of information rights requests within a specified service area (Corporate, Adults & Children's, or Environment & Planning).
• Respond to queries and investigate complaints from the public regarding access to information and data protection, independently resolving low to mid-level cases.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of Information Governance policies and procedures.
• Prepare training materials and potentially deliver training on Data Protection and Information Governance.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for your designated service area regarding SARs, FOIs, and disclosures.
• Assist in identifying the cause of service changes and contribute to developing practical solutions.
• Review records prior to release, undertaking necessary redactions to ensure legislative compliance.
• Champion the delivery of Information Rights requests and compliance across the council.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Highly organised and detail-oriented with a strong understanding of data protection principles.
• An excellent communicator with strong written and verbal skills.
• Able to work collaboratively as part of a team and engage effectively with multiple stakeholders.
• Sensitive and able to handle confidential information appropriately.
• Proficient in IT skills, with the ability to produce high-quality documents and reports, and ideally experience with systems like Adobe and Microsoft Office.
• Able to prioritise their own workload and meet tight deadlines.
• Committed to providing great customer service.
• Eager to learn and develop their knowledge in Information Governance.

Ideally, you will also have:

• An Information Rights certification or relevant qualification, or equivalent relevant work experience.
• Previous experience working within a local authority Information Governance Team.
• Experience of supporting projects.
• The ability to produce and analyse performance data for service improvement.
• Experience in delivering or developing training.

For more information, please refer to the Role Profile/Selection Criteria

About us

Harrow Council is the 12th largest London borough and one of the most culturally diverse local authorities in the UK, making it a great place to live, work and visit with a range of cultures, religions and opinions that come together to produce high achieving schools and a close and friendly community. Located 10 miles from the city centre and just 13 minutes to Euston from Harrow & Wealdstone station there are great transport links via the Metropolitan Line, Watford DC Line and national rail service. It is easily accessible to the M1, M25 and A406.

Other information

Support for candidates visit:Harrow.gov.uk Our behavioural indicators roles below G11 and above G11 Here at Harrow Council, the vision is one of 'Working together to make a difference for Harrow' Please click here to view Harrow Council's benefits

Important Note

To deliver our commitment to equality of opportunity in service provision, all staff are expected to promote equality in the workplace and in the services the Council delivers. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs at the London Borough of Harrow. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender, reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy, or maternity unless a Genuine Occupational Qualification applies. As such, we value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds. For further information, please read our equality statement.
As a disability-confident employer, we are committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and accessible to everyone. This includes reasonably adjusting the recruitment process for those with disabilities or long-term health conditions. For further information, please contact us at resourcing@harrow.gov.uk

London Borough of Harrow is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Harrow operates stringent, safer recruitment procedures.
Due to the high number of applications received for some posts, we may close vacancies before the stated closing date if sufficient applications are received. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible.
Harrow redeployees will be given priority consideration.
The personal information we have collected from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. If any of these are detected you could be refused certain services or employment. Your personal information will also be used to verify your identity. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas, any your data protection rights, can be found by visiting www.cifas.org.uk/fpn