Information Governance Officer

Application Deadline: 9 February 2025
Department: CEO Office
Location: Milton Keynes

Description

A little bit about us:

East West Rail is an infrastructure programme linking communities between Oxford and Cambridge. The area is currently let down by a lack of transport choices, and we have a once in a generation opportunity to fix that – improving prosperity for people and places along the way.

East West Railway Company (that's us) was created by the Department for Transport (DfT) to oversee the delivery of East West Rail from construction through to wheels in motion, making sure the railway comes together in the right way.

At East West Railway Company, we're committed to building an inclusive railway for all. We believe that to do that, we must nurture a diverse team that represents the UK communities that we impact. Our approach is simple – to create an environment where everyone is welcome and able to be themselves. We celebrate diversity and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications of all backgrounds and experiences.

Role Summary:

This role will work within EWR Co's Legal Team (reporting to the Head of Legal) and alongside colleagues across the company to manage the caseload in relation to Information Governance, Freedom of Information, Environmental Information and Data Protection.

Function:

The Chief Executive's Office will work across the organisation to help deliver the EWR's strategic priorities and oversee activities to support the Chief Executive, Executive and Board. The Chief Executive Officer serves as the public face of the company in most cases and is the main interface with our Client, the Department for Transport.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on the day-to-day caseload of information requests received under the Freedom of Information Act and the Environmental Information Regulations, in compliance with statutory timeframes and Internal policy.
• Provide support in updating and maintaining EWR Co's Publication Scheme.
• To clarify, analyse and interpret information requests to ensure accurate responses are given and liaising with colleagues as necessary, including writing draft responses.
• Provide exemption and exception advice to colleagues for information requests and raising these with the Senior Legal Counsel as required.
• Assist with the redaction 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.
• Assist the DPO to continue to establish a proactive and integrated approach to Information Governance through developing and maintaining robust and effective policies, systems and processes. Manage the day-to-day management of Data Protection matters on behalf of the Data Protection Officer, including handling DSAR's and personal data breaches, in collaboration with the Senior Legal Counsel.
• Provide practical advice across the business on day-to-day information management tasks.
• Support the Data Protection Officer with developing and maintaining a data protection compliance framework which ensures the business meets its statutory, regulatory and performance obligations in relation to Data Protection Act 2018, the General Data Protection Regulations, Confidentiality, Information Sharing and data security.
• Organise and support with delivering training with regard to FOI, EIR, and Data Protection legislation. Support the IT and commercial team to specify and design security requirements that comply with Data Protection law.
• Maintain all relevant Data Protection registers and logs, ensuring accuracy and reporting requirements are followed when required.
• Provide complex administrative support, monitoring and reporting on projects where IG support has been provided.
• To identify and support completion and compliance with Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIA).
• Take responsibility of your own and others' health and safety by adopting and working to the EWR Co Health and Safety principles.
• Demonstrates a cost-conscious mindset, keeping taxpayers' money at the forefront of decisions. Shows a commitment to innovation by proactively seeking creative solutions to challenges and opportunities.
• 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.