Information Governance Officer

The External Affairs function is accountable for defining what EWR Co. is, and the impact it will deliver. It is accountable for securing the required approvals to deliver the scheme, being the custodian of the DCO submission, including statutory consultation, and building a compelling business case. It will hold design and delivery to account to create an asset which will realise the economic benefits.

This role will be a unique opportunity to support the development of a nationally significant infrastructure project, reporting to the Correspondence Manager within the External Affairs function. Providing strategic legal support as well as correspondence support. Working closely with EWR Co’s subject matter experts (in particular the Legal department) to coordinate and draft responses according to FOI and Correspondence management procedures and within service level agreement(s). Supporting the Head of External Engagement to act as a trusted advisor and critical friend to the EWR Co Board, Management Team and business.

• You will work closely with the Correspondence Manager to seek reviews and approvals for drafts.
• To give specialist advice to colleagues dealing with requests under the Freedom of Information Act and the Environment Information Regulations.
• Take responsibility of your own and others’ health and safety by adopting and working to the EWR Co Health and Safety principles.
• To work with correspondence executives to maintain a list of subject matter experts and store information for regular requests on the EWR Co "lines to take" application.
• Providing exemption and exception advice to colleagues for information requests and raising these with the Head of External Engagement as required.
• Keep abreast of developments in the field of information access, receiving training and disseminating information as appropriate.
• You will also be required to assist in the recording and housekeeping of all correspondence, including FOI requests received by EWR Co. which are logged on Salesforce CRM system.
• To clarify, analyse and interpret information requests as well as correspondence enquiries to ensure accurate responses are given and liaising with colleagues as necessary, including writing draft responses.
• Lead on the day-to-day caseload of information requests received under the Freedom of Information Act and Environmental Information Regulations, in compliance with statutory timeframes.
• Provide support in updating and maintaining EWR Co’s Publication Scheme.
• To assist with the reaction and preparation of information for release under the access to information legislation, ensuring the release of accurate and good quality information, and providing advice to EWR Co Staff when required.
• Act as a role model for EWR Co’s vision and behaviours, working in ways that are aligned with EWR Co’s Ways of Working, as well as encouraging and supporting others to do so too.

• Able to work unsupervised as well as being a team player, and to use initiative.
• Extensive experience in handling and responding to requests under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), including application of relevant legislation and guidance such as the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) Code of Practice.
• Exceptional IT tools
• Proven ability to redact documents and prepare disclosure schedules for proposed disclosures in accordance with legislation.
• Demonstrates a cost-conscious mindset, keeping taxpayers’ money at the forefront of decisions.
• You should already be accustomed to managing and prioritising your work in response to competing demands and you should be able to foster positive relationships with colleagues across the organisation.
• Theoretical and practical understanding of the Freedom of Information Act and the Environmental Information Regulations.
• To be discreet and able to maintain confidentiality.
• A relevant qualification in Information or Records Management at degree level, or equivalent professional experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills will be vital in this role, along with the ability to distill complex and technical material into key messages for different audiences.
• Excellent analytical skills to assess information disclosures, alongside an understanding of modelling and forecasting.

We are open to secondments through the Rail Industry Talent Exchange Programme.

EWR Co strives to embrace a flexible working environment, where a degree of flexibility is maintained to accommodate both the needs and preferences of employees and what is required to achieve business objectives. EWR Co will always work with any individual to assess and accommodate an individual’s work life balance and style.

• Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to a range of benefits on the Perkbox platform
• Life assurance
• 36 days holiday a year (including bank holidays) + up to 2 days to buy
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• Great work-life balance and flexible working opportunities
• Up to 12% employer’s pension contribution
• Competitive base salary
• Advanced learning and development programmes