Overview:
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.

About you:

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.

Related Documents:
For more information, please refer to the Role Profile/Selection Criteri

• 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