Information Rights Manager Operations
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- Administration
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- 17 hours ago Post Date
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- 250000B5 Requisition #
UK Research & Innovation
Salary: £36,650
Hours: Full Time / Part Time (Min 0.8 FTE)
Contract Type: Open Ended
Location: Polaris House, Swindon (Hybrid working available)
Closing Date: Sunday 1st June 2025
Job Overview:
The Information Governance Group supports UKRI in meeting its statutory responsibilities under data protection, freedom of information and environmental information regulations legislation.
As one of a number of Information Rights Managers they will work with Senior Information Rights Managers to deliver timely, high-quality responses to FOIA/EIR requests or data protection subject rights requests, provide advice on data protection enquiries received by the team and support for data protection incident investigations.
They will provide day-to-day management of information rights requests and will be responsible for the initial assessment of requests, gathering information and assessment of any exemptions that may apply. They will be the first point of contact with the requester and relevant business areas. They will also support the embedding of good information governance across UKRI and deliver compliance through the application of policy and guidance. The role requires an in-depth understanding of both freedom of information legislation and data protection legislation.
They will ensure strong linkages between the Information Governance Group and UKRI councils and business areas.
Reporting To: Senior Information Rights Manager
Direct reports: none currently
Key Responsibilities:
- Respond to data subject rights requests and supporting Senior Information Rights Managers in handling complex requests.
- Respond to Freedom of Information Act and Environmental Information Regulation requests and supporting the Senior Information Rights Managers in handling complex requests.
- Determine whether material requested is exempt from disclosure, applying the public interest test where appropriate.
- Compile estimates of costs in terms of the Freedom of Information (Fees and Appropriate Limit) Regulations where appropriate.
- Provide advice and guidance on information rights issues, including undertaking assessments, advising on data protection by design and default and data sharing.
- Work with Senior Information Rights Managers to ensure compliance with legislation.
- Help raise awareness and understanding of information rights regimes, through the delivery of inductions and relevant awareness raising activities including training and workshop presentations.
- Keep up to date with best practice and developments in data protection legislation and freedom of information legislation, sharing with the team as necessary.
- Provide support to data protection incident investigations.
- Provide input to the regular update of policies and procedures.
- Deal with any other tasks as may be required.
Stakeholder Relationship Responsibilities:
- Contacts across UKRI for input to information requests, assistance with information provision and advice and input on information governance and other issues.
- Relevant internal committees, working groups, information rights contacts in UKRI institutes.
- Legal team
- UK SBS
- Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (UKRI’s sponsor department) and other Government Departments.
- Information Commissioner’s Office.
- The public and other stakeholders.
Person Specification:
(S) – Shortlisting Criteria (I) – Interview Criteria
- Holds a professional freedom of information/data protection qualification (S)
- Demonstrable experience working with information rights legislation in a complex organisation (S)
- Understanding of freedom of information and data protection legislation (I)
- Proven ability to interpret legislation and guidance relating to information rights requests, and applying knowledge to make decisions on the release of information and knowledge to identify and apply exemptions effectively where relevant (I)
- Effective communication skills (S & I)
- Strong team working skills with the ability to network beyond the core team and consult subject matter experts and other stakeholders (S & I)
- Ability to formulate and offer clear advice to colleagues and stakeholders on information rights legal, regulatory and policy issues (I)
- Effective written skills and attention to detail (S & I)
- Ability to multi-task, prioritise and work proactively (S & I)
- Flexible approach to working, to meet changing business priorities and meet targets and deadlines (S & I)
- Proficiency in IT skills (Office 365 and redaction software) (S)
- Demonstrable analytical, research and problem-solving skills (I)
Desirable
- Ability to manage complex cases involving multiple exemptions (S & I)
- Experience of working with eCase (case management system) (S & I)
Candidates selected for interview will be expected to complete a written test exercise as part of the interview process.
How to evidence the criteria:
You are encouraged to use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) in the cover letter to evidence your ability to meet the ‘person specification’ criteria in the job description. Cover letters should be no more than two sides of A4 (minimum font size 11). For examples of the STAR method, please visit: The STAR method | National Careers Service’.
About UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
UKRI launched in April 2018, UKRI is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).
Our organisation brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England, which is responsible for supporting research and knowledge exchange at higher education institutions in England, and the UK’s innovation agency, Innovate UK. Together we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision to ensure the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation. More information can be found at www.ukri.org.
Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit Benefits of working for UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.
How we support EDI in the workforce
At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’.
Disability Confident Employer
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
How to apply
Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.
UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.