Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
Central Freedom of Information Manager
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Central Freedom of Information Manager
Senior Freedom of Information Officer
📍 Locations: Birmingham, Blackpool, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Sheffield.
📅 Note regarding Newcastle placement: For candidates working in Newcastle, this role will initially be based at Benton Park View (from September 2025), with relocation to 1 Pilgrim Place, Newcastle city centre (by the end of 2027).
Job Summary
This is a critical role within the Central Freedom of Information Team, ensuring the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) meets its statutory obligations under the Freedom of Information Act and related legislation.
Job Description
Role Overview
The Senior Freedom of Information Officer will:
- Manage a portfolio of FOI casework, ensuring responses are accurate, timely, and legally compliant.
- Support the department in adhering to statutory obligations while maintaining operational efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
Case Management
- Coordinate complex Freedom of Information (FOI) requests with precision.
- Escalate and resolve high-risk or sensitive enquiries.
- Ensure compliance with legal deadlines and government FOI guidelines.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Provide strategic advice to business areas on FOI-related risks.
- Collaborate with senior leaders to anticipate and mitigate compliance issues.
Risk & Performance
- Manage risks, escalations, and performance reporting related to FOI operations.
- Contribute to continuous improvement, streamlining workflows and reducing error rates.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
You must demonstrate the following:
✅ Security Clearance: Obtainable at SC (Security Check) level. ✅ Stakeholder Management:
- Proven ability to engage senior leaders and interdepartmental teams.
- Experience navigating competing priorities while maintaining accountability. ✅ Communication Skills:
- Exceptional written and verbal communication—ability to synthesise complex information into clear, actionable guidance. ✅ Case & Deadline Management:
- Experience handling high-volume FOI/literature casework with tight deadlines. ✅ Judgement & Legislation:
- Strong understanding of FOI, Data Protection, and government policy.
- Confidence in applying legislation and risk assessment.
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Desirable Criteria
✔ Knowledge/experience of Freedom of Information Act best practices. ✔ Familiarity with FOI disclosure options (e.g., negative/positive viewing, blanket waivers). ✔ Experience with FOI request management systems (e.g., government compliance portals).
Behaviours
We assess candidates against the following:
- Making Effective Decisions (Critical for complex FOI enquiries.)
- Communicating & Influencing (Building trust with stakeholders.)
- Managing Quality Service (Delivering consistent, compliant responses.)
- Working Together (Collaborating across teams to achieve goals.)
Evidence of these traits will be evaluated during the application process.
Benefits
Financial & Career Support
- Salary: £38,772 base (starting).
- Civil Service Pension: £11,232 annual contribution (fire-fighting scheme).
- Career Development:
- Funded qualifications.
- Coaching, mentoring & leadership программы.
- Accreditation opportunities.
Work-Life Balance
- Flexible working: Job share, term-time hours, flexible start/finish times.
- Annual leave: Minimum 23 days + 9 privilege days (increases to 30 days).
- Family leave: Extended maternity/shared parental pay after 1 year’s service.
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Wellbeing & Inclusion
- EAP (Employee Assistance Programme): Counselling & mental health support.
- HASSRA: Discounts on gyms, travel schemes (cycle to work, train travel), shopping.
- Inclusion Networks: Women’s Network, National Race/Disability Networks.
Salary & Negotiation
- Entry-level salary: £38,772 (pro-rata for part-time).
- For internal transfers: Acceptance may require mobility and terms review.
Selection Process
Application Stage
- CV (Unassessed for sift but should include achievements).
- Personal Statement (Max 500 words) – Align with Essential/Desirable criteria.
- Lead Behaviour Example (Max 250 words) – Focus on "Making Effective Decisions".
Interview
- Panel/CDO-led questions assessing all four behaviours.
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- timetable* will be shared later.
Additional Information
Diversity & Inclusion
- Open to applications from underrepresented groups. -organisation is committed to reasonable adjustments for disabled candidates.
- Disability Confident Scheme: Meeting minimum standards does not automatically disqualify you.
Security
- Successful candidates will undergo:
- Security check (standard) → SC clearance requirement.
- DBS check & Internal Fraud Database clearance.
Nationality
Opens to:
- UK/Irish nationals.
- Commonwealth citizens with UK work rights.
- EU/EEA/Swiss nationals or those eligible via EU Settlement Scheme.
- Veterans’ initiative: Prioritises military service applicants.
Pension
- Scheduled modified entry: no pension contribution until shared parental/paternal leave deemed.
Contact
For queries: Chris Franks – (chris.franks@dwp.gov.uk) Recruitment enquiries: (dwprecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk)
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