OR24408 – Access to Information Officer – Legal

Information Access Officer 

Main purpose of the role:
To support the Council in meeting its legal information governance duties by processing Subject Access Requests (SARs), Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, reviewing and redacting documents, and providing administrative support to ensure requests are handled accurately and within statutory deadlines.

What a typical day may look like:
Review and redact documents for SARs, process FOI and EIR requests, update case management records, prepare draft responses, manage the IG inbox, liaise with colleagues for information, and escalate any complex cases to senior Information Governance staff.

Reports to: Interim Head of Information Governance (DPO)

Key Responsibilities

1. Carry out document review and redaction of personal data for SAR responses, ensuring accuracy and consistency.

2. Assist in the logging, coordination, and timely processing of Subject Access Requests, Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, and EIR requests.

3. Prepare draft responses using standard processes and templates.

4. Identify and escalate complex issues, risks, and potential exemptions to senior IG staff.

5. Maintain accurate records, audit trails, and case‑management updates.

6. Provide general administrative and operational support to the wider IG team, including inbox management, filing, and basic data handling tasks.

7. Handle and redact sensitive and sometimes distressing information in line with Council protocols.

8. Promote good IG practice in interactions with service areas and assist with awareness‑raising where required.

Skills, Knowledge & Experience Required

3 years or more solid experience handling personal data, redaction, or casework in a regulated environment.

Understanding of UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, and FOI principles.

High attention to detail and the ability to work with large volumes of documents.

Strong written communication skills.

Ability to manage workload to statutory deadlines.

Comfortable working with sensitive or distressing information

Work Pattern – Hybrid with mixture of office presence, but not fully remote

37 Hours a week