Information Rights Team Leader

Job summary

Are you ready to lead a high‑performing Information Rights service at the heart of a national organisation protecting animal and plant health?

Do you have the expertise to ensure compliance with information rights legislation while championing transparency, accountability, and best practice?

At the Animal and Plant Health Agency, this is an opportunity to take on a pivotal leadership role within our Knowledge and Information Management (KIM) Team, where you’ll shape how we manage, protect, and provide access to information across a complex organisation.

Why Join APHA?

At APHA, we are proud to be an organisation where our people feel valued, heard, and empowered to be their authentic selves.

We put people first, with a strong focus on wellbeing, flexibility and a supportive working environment

We recognise that diversity of thought, experience, and background strengthens our organisation — enabling us to be more innovative, make better decisions, and deliver the best outcomes for the public we serve.

We are committed to being an inclusive and equitable employer, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented groups, as we continue to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Join us and be part of a supportive, inclusive environment where your contribution matters and your voice is valued.

Job description

As Information Rights Team Leader, you will lead APHA’s Information Rights service, taking responsibility for managing requests under:

• The Freedom of Information Act (FOI)
• The Environmental Information Regulations (EIR)
• The Data Protection Act (data subject requests)

You will ensure requests are handled effectively and in line with legislative requirements, while promoting a culture of openness and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

You will:

• Lead and develop APHA’s Information Rights service, ensuring it operates effectively and delivers to a high standard
• Provide expert advice on information rights legislation, supporting colleagues and senior stakeholders
• Ensure compliance, managing requests in line with statutory deadlines and regulatory expectations
• Oversee complex casework, including internal reviews, ICO investigations, and tribunal contributions
• Maintain and develop policies and guidance, ensuring they reflect current legislation and best practice
• Manage APHA’s publication scheme, ensuring timely and accurate publication of responses

You will also:

• Act as lead user for the eCase system, supporting effective case management across the team
• Promote understanding of information rights, building capability across APHA
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the Defra Group and wider profession
• Lead and support team members, fostering their development and performance
• Contribute to the wider KIM agenda, promoting strong records and information management practices

Leadership & Impact

In this role, you will:

• Inspire and guide a small, dedicated team
• Influence senior stakeholders, providing clear, confident advice
• Shape organisational practice, strengthening how information is managed and protected across APHA

Person specification

We are looking for a knowledgeable and adaptable professional who can lead with confidence and deliver a high‑quality Information Rights service.

Experience

• Experience of working within an information rights service in a public sector organisation. Practical knowledge gained through managing requests under the relevant legislation.
• Experience providing line and functional management support

Skills and Ability

• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across teams and external bodies
• Able to analyse and summarise complex information, including legal material
• Strong organisational skills, with experience prioritising workloads for self and team

Technical

• Practical understanding of the application of the Freedom of Information Act (FOI), the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) and the Data Protection Act (data subject requests), including the use of relevant tools, systems and guidance.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• 1. Your knowledge of the information rights legislation.
• 2. Your use of the information rights legislation.

We only ask for evidence of these technical skills on your application form:

• 1. Your knowledge of the information rights legislation.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £34,765, Animal and Plant Health Agency contributes £10,071 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

Learning and Development

At APHA, we are committed to supporting you to develop your skills, knowledge, and professional capability throughout your career.

From day one, you will be welcomed through a structured induction programme, helping you understand the Civil Service, our work, and how we operate. You’ll work closely with your line manager to set clear priorities and develop a performance, learning, and development plan tailored to your role.

We will support you to build and maintain your expertise in information rights and related disciplines, including working towards relevant practitioner qualifications. You’ll also be encouraged to engage with the wider profession through networks, working groups, and professional bodies, helping you stay connected to emerging best practice across KIM and the Civil Service.

Alongside formal training, you will have opportunities to apply and develop your knowledge in a practical environment, contributing to continuous improvement and innovation in how we manage information.

Inclusion, support, and the wellbeing of our people are central to what we do, ensuring everyone at APHA can thrive both professionally and personally.

Benefits

• Civil Service Pension - Defra contributes an average of 28.97% of your salary towards your pension
• A minimum of 25 days of paid annual leave, increasing by 1 day per year up to a maximum of 30.
• An extensive range of learning & professional development opportunities tailored to your role.
• Access to a range of retail, travel and lifestyle employee discounts from retailers such as Highstreet coffee shops, Cinema’s, sup