Information Officer

We are looking for an Information Officer for a permanent (full time) opportunity based in Milton Keynes. The job is exciting, difficult and interesting. You need to be able to get to grips with key pieces of legislation (the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR), UK GDPR), deal with technically and legally challenging issues, write and speak confidently and persuasively, solve problems, make decisions and stay on top of a diverse and challenging case load.

You’ll need to be organised with attention to detail and a positive attitude to learning and developing in the role. The cases you deal with will require communication/negotiation with stakeholders, complex administration, an understanding of the law, weighing evidence, nuanced decisions, calculating risk and communicating complex technical and/or legal ideas in an accessible manner.

You’ll need to be resilient because the job involves some tough negotiation. You’ll need to be capable of picking up new ideas quickly and putting them into practice because there’s a lot to learn about the railway and about FOI, and we’re a dynamic team that’s always looking for ways to improve.

This is a big job but one which is fun and offers lots of opportunity for development. Once people start with us, they tend to stay: that’s partially because the job is fun and interesting; partially because we’re a friendly, supportive team; and partially because working here allows you to do something that really improves public services.

What essential skills and experiences are required?

Problem-Solving: We need someone who can spot problems, find solutions, and make decisions confidently.

Quick Learner: You should be able to think analytically and pick up technical details fast.

Communication Pro: Your ability to communicate, both in writing and speaking, is crucial.

Influencer: We want someone who can influence and manage stakeholders and customers effectively.

Organised and Meticulous: You should be highly organised and pay great attention to detail.

Team Player and Relationship Builder: We value teamwork and the ability to build positive relationships.

What skills and experiences are desirable?

Legal Background: Having a paralegal or legal background would be a plus.

Relevant Degree: A degree in a relevant subject or equivalent experience is desirable.

Knowledge of FOI and EIR: Understanding the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) regime, as well as current legislative requirements, is beneficial.

Information Access Savvy: Familiarity with broader information access legislation like the Data Protection Act and principles of good information management is a bonus.

FOI Training: If you're willing and able to undertake formal FOI training, that's a great advantage.

Tech-Savvy: Being IT literate and experienced with various information management systems is preferred.

Are you ready to make a difference in people's lives? At Network Rail, we connect passengers and freight customers, ensuring safe and efficient transportation across the country. We're an organisation where people truly matter, and when you join us, you matter to us and millions of others.

We're dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the passengers we serve. To achieve this, we're committed to becoming an open, diverse, and inclusive workplace, leveraging the skills and expertise of our talented workforce. Together, we strive to create a safe and accessible railway for everyone. Discover more about the importance of Diversity and Inclusion at Network Rail by clicking here.

Investing in our people is key to enhancing the safety, reliability, and efficiency of our railway system. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact, then this opportunity is for you!

About our people and the recruitment process - We're an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone! We encourage our colleagues to work flexibly, as we know traditional working patterns don't always fit. If you want to consider working flexibly, just let us know and we'll do our best to help and invest in your career with us, whilst you have a healthy work life balance., Since 2015 we’ve been subject to the FOIA and the EIR. Anyone anywhere can ask for any information we hold and we're obliged to provide it unless one of the exemptions of the legislation applies. Sourcing information and working out whether it should be released is an interesting and often complex challenge.

We are funded by the taxpayer and ensuring our compliance with the FOIA and EIR encourages Network Rail to be a more responsible and accountable organisation. The work by our team has contributed to changes in how we work as an organisation such as the Varley Review which changed the way in which we interacted with the environment. We also deal with high profile requests which attract media attention, ranging from serious subjects like industrial action in the rail industry and the Stonehaven derailment to less serious matters like preserving Banksy paintings and how much taxpayers’ money we spend on biscuits.

Band & Salary: Band 5: £29,120 - £31,261 per annum, (dependent upon experience) Plus a range of family friendly benefits including (but not limited to):

“We’re delighted to have been named as one of The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality 2023.”

Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.

Defined benefit pension scheme

75% subsidy on train/underground season tickets.

️ Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets.

Discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass.

Flexible/hybrid working arrangements.

️ Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.

Plus more….

What does our recruitment process look like?
1. Once you have applied, our FOI team will look at your written submission.
2. If your experience matches what we're looking for, you'll be invited to a face to face interview with the hiring manager.

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