Information Rights Officer - Permanent

What we Offer:

• 27.5 days paid annual leave (increasing with service to 32.5 days)
• The option to buy, sell, or carry over annual leave is reviewed each year and offered when possible
• Voluntary Health Cash Plan provided by BHSF
• Civil Service pension
• Civil Service maternity leave package
• PAM employee assistance programme
• Access to Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC) membership
• Cycle to work scheme
• Opportunity to enjoy the latest home and electronics in a more affordable way provided by Vivup
• Car Leasing Scheme
• Staff Networks focussed on each of the protected characteristics - run for staff, by staff: Enable Network, Age Network, Welsh Network, Pride and LGBTQ+ Network, Sex and Family Network, Race, Religion and Belief Network
• Learning and development tailored to your role.
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity

Additional Information:

Any move to the Independent Office for Police Conduct from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may, however, be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

Emotional Consideration:

In performing this role, you may have occasional exposure to distressing material which will likely be impactful, traumatic and challenging. Given the nature of the work, it is also possible that you will have contact with individuals who are experiencing extreme distress. The IOPC recognises this and offers all staff a range of wellbeing provisions, including TRiM (Trauma Risk Management), peer-to-peer support, a dedicated Wellbeing Advisor, and access to free confidential counselling. All staff are strongly encouraged to proactively access and engage with the support available. If you would like to speak about this element of the role with somebody already doing similar work at the IOPC please contact [email removed] and this can be arranged.

Security Clearance:

Please be aware that this position is subject to Security Clearance. Applicants must have maintained continuous residency in the UK for the previous 5 years to meet the eligibility requirements.

Rydym yn croesawu ymgeiswyr i ymgeisio am rolau trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg fel eu dewis iaith.

Job Introduction:

Ready to build your career in information rights? Come and join our knowledgeable and supportive Data Protection Team!

As an Information Rights Officer, you'll help ensure the IOPC meets its information rights obligations by processing Subject Access Requests and supporting Freedom of Information activities. It's not solely based on this task and is a role with real variety. One day you could be collaborating with colleagues to gather information, the next you could be sharing best practice, quality checking responses or helping others develop their understanding of information rights. If you enjoy problem-solving, working with people and making a positive impact, we'd love to hear from you.

This varied role also includes quality assurance, maintaining records, promoting best practice and supporting staff through guidance and training. It offers an excellent opportunity to develop your knowledge of information rights and contribute to transparency, accountability and public confidence in the police complaints system in England and Wales.

We'll assess you against these Higher Executive Officer (HEO) Level behaviours during the selection process:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a Quality Service
• Delivering at Pace

This vacancy is using Success Profiles, to find out more, please click here.

Throughout the recruitment process we will also assess your Experience.

As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete four sift Questions based on the essential criteria.

Anticipated assessment and interview dates are estimated to take place in September 2026. Successful cadidates will be invited to attend a Success Profile Interview.

• Acting as first point of contact for the processing of all subject access requests. Ensuring responses are accurate, compliant and timely.
• Providing high quality advice and support on the application of information rights law through the scoping and draft redacting of subject access request and FOI request responses.
• Understanding, interpreting and applying any relevant tribunal and Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) cases and guidance to subject access request and FOI request responses.
• Provide supporting material in regard to requests that potentially attract the exemption under section 36 FOIA.

Please refer to the Job Description for full role responsibilities.

The Ideal Candidate:

Essential Experience

• Professional qualification, equivalent qualification or demonstrable working experience in a similar role
• Proven ability to draft redact documents, and prepare disclosure schedules for proposed disclosures in accordance with Article 15 UK GDPR
• Ability to make evidence-based decisions taking into account the legislation that binds us for example the UK GDPR, the DPA, FOIA, and the PRA
• Good analytical skills in order to assess information disclosures
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to influence colleagues at all levels across the whole organisation.
• Good working knowledge and experience of records management, complaints processes, archive and retention principles and their supporting systems.
• Proven ability to provide advice to both internal and external stakeholders on a variety of complex issues (including legal issues), with a keen awareness of sensitivities.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to work under pressure to tight deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Proven ability to show initiative and contribute in a changing environment.

Essential Technical

• Theoretical and practical understanding of the Freedom of Information Act and Data Protection law
• A working knowledge of IT applications and systems, with knowledge of redaction tools an advantage.

Desirable Technical

• A knowledge of other pertinent legislation i.e. the Human Rights Act, Police Reform Act, Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act and Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act are desirable.

We believe that diverse perspectives contribute to a more innovative and dynamic workplace. We actively encourage applications from individuals who are typically under-represented or disadvantaged in society. This includes women, people from ethnically diverse backgrounds, parents and carers, and disabled candidates, including neurodiverse candidates.

We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all applicants and creating an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued and supported.

The role requires clearance to SC

National security vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Reasonable Adjustments:

The IOPC is a diverse and inclusi