Freedom of Information Officer

Reed Secure is a specialist provider of permanent, contract, temporary and outsourced recruitment solutions for security cleared professionals.

We require an Information Manager - Compliance and Assurance to cover an existing workload within Counter Terrorism Policing, based in Empress State Building (Hybrid working).

This is a permanent position offering a competitive salary of £35,998 – £38,523 (Location allowance of £1,928 and a non-pensionable allowance of £1,000) per annum.

Job purpose and key tasks:

• Research all relevant FOIA requests on secure systems.
• Research all FOIA requests received on the MPS intranet and the external internet for information in the public domain.
• Consult with internal stakeholders to ensure that information is provided to allow an appropriate response to be drafted.
• Draft FOIA responses that are time compliant.
• Ensure the database of all FOIA requests received is maintained
• Assist other Commands in their search for information that may relate to SO or CT related information.
• Work collaboratively with external and internal stakeholders, ensuring a consistent approach to FOIA and compliance with Data Protection legislation.
• Supervision of the Information Officer
• Keep up to date on developments in the field of information legislation and record management to ensure that CTPHQ / SO are compliant.
• Attend training to develop relevant knowledge and skills.
• Liaise with the MPS Data Rights Unit and the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) – National Referral Team on FOIA requests.
• Assist with Right of Access Requests where CT information is sought.
• Act as deputy for the Senior Information Manager in their absence.

Skills and experience needed to be successful in this role:

• Recent and practical experience in managing Freedom of Information (FOI) requests.
• Strong understanding of the FOI Act, including: (How to assess information, how to apply relevant exemptions & how to respond to requests appropriately)
• Ability to influence and educate stakeholders who may lack FOI knowledge.
• Demonstrated assertiveness and decision-making skills.
• Experience in explaining FOI legislation and justifying decisions regarding disclosure or refusal.
• Preferred Background – Ideally, experience within a policing or public sector environment, though not essential.
• Candidates should be able to hit the ground running with FOI work, requiring minimal training on the legislation itself.
• Experience in information governance or information rights roles may be relevant but must include substantial FOI responsibilities.
• Exclusions – Candidates with only data protection (DP) or information security experience, without FOI expertise, will not be considered. Applications that focus solely on DP knowledge rather than FOI will be sifted out.
• Additional Requirements – Ability to work independently without needing close supervision.
• Willingness to work in a hybrid model, with approximately 2 days on-site, subject to operational needs.
• Must be eligible for Security Clearance (SC) vetting.

Any offers would be subject to SC Metropolitan Police vetting and right to work checks.

Please apply now and join us in loving Mondays!