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Job Information
Achieving for Children is a Community Interest Company that has a public sector ethos, combined with the freedom to innovate enabling us to do things differently. As a not-for-profit social enterprise owned by three local authorities (Windsor & Maidenhead, Kingston and Richmond), we offer the freedoms of a social enterprise with the employment benefits of local government. To find out more about us click here.
Information Governance Support Officer
In this role you will be responsible for coordinating and processing Freedom of Information (FOI) and Data Subject requests in compliance with GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Beyond handling requests and redacting information, the officer maintains effective recording systems and supports Achieving for Children (AfC) staff by offering advice, training, and assistance in designing compliance policies.
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of information governance legislation and confidentiality principles, alongside excellent analytical, problem-solving, and multitasking skills. The position requires outstanding communication abilities to explain complex issues clearly and foster collaborative relationships. Furthermore, the ideal applicant will be highly organized, capable of working independently, and driven by a passion for AfC's mission to support children and young people in living safe, happy, and successful lives. Having experience in a Children's Services or Health environment is also desirable.
About the role
Achieving for Children (AfC) is looking for a driven, energetic, and highly organised individual to join our Information Governance Team. As our Information Governance Support Officer, you will play a crucial role in ensuring AfC remains compliant with the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Reporting to the Head of Information Governance and Policy, you will support our public response to Freedom of Information (FOI) and Data Subject requests.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Coordinating and processing FOI and Data Subject requests, including the redaction of information and preparation of public reports.
- Maintaining effective systems for recording and controlling all received information requests.
- Providing essential support, advice, and training to AfC staff regarding FOI and data protection matters.
- Collaborating with the management team to design and implement policies and processes that ensure strict legal compliance.
We work in a hybrid way, with currently one day a week (Thursday) in our Twickenham office to support, learn and collaborate with each other.
If you wish to have an informal discussion about the role please contact Suzanne Payne on suzanne.payne@achievingforchildren.org.uk
About you
We are looking for an independent and flexible person who brings a positive and child focused approach to the world of data protection. To be successful in this role, you should bring:
- A strong working knowledge of the Data Protection Act 2018, GDPR, and FOI legislation, alongside a deep understanding of confidentiality and information security principles.
- Experience of responding to FOIs and Subject Access Requests, redactions and rectifications
- Outstanding customer management and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex, specialist issues clearly to a wide range of individuals, including colleagues and partners, children, young people and their parents and carers.
- Proven analytical, problem-solving, and multitasking abilities to manage conflicting deadlines and prioritise your workload effectively.
- A good level of literacy and numeracy (GCSE level C or above in Maths and English is desirable), and ideally, previous experience working in a Children's Services or Health environment.
If you have the ambition to deliver excellent outcomes for children and the expertise to handle sensitive information with care and discretion, we'd love to hear from you!
About our benefits
We are focused on creating a positive supportive environment, where you will have access to a really wide range of resources, as well as a competitive salary and all the perks to enable hybrid working. In AfC you will also have access to:
- 29 days annual leave, increasing to 33 days after 2 years and 35 days after 4 years with an additional day off in your birthday month (Or for term-time workers, your leave entitlement consists of the non-working periods in your contract)
- Tailored induction sessions commencing on the date you start working for AfC
- Local Government salary and pension scheme (LGPS or Teachers Pension)
- Flexible working options - helping to keep a good work life balance
- A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
- A range of staff benefits and discounts
- An excellent learning and development offer to support your career pathway
To find out about all of the breadth of benefits of working for Achieving for Children click here. For our social work offer click here. For our Recruitment Journey, click here.
Important Information
Start dates: Achieving for Children have set start dates meaning successful candidates join on a set date in each month. Candidates are advised to prepare for this should a job offer be accepted to ensure eligible continuous service is not affected.
Right to work: The UK has introduced a new points-based immigration system affecting EU and Non-EU workers and sponsorship requirements. We advise checking the GOV.UK website for right to work guidance.
Equality: We particularly welcome applications from sections of the community who are currently underrepresented within our teams. Achieving for Children are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.
Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
