Information Officer

About Network Rail

About Network Rail...

Join Our Team at Network Rail!

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Brief Description

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.
About the role (External)

What does this look like in practice?

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.

As an Information Officer you'll be dealing with a large and busy workload of 20 to 25 individual cases at any one time. They might touch on commercial, security, legal, data protection, political and any number of any issues. You'll have to work to meet Network Rail's legal obligations and deal with a diverse group of stakeholders (including applicants, colleagues and third parties) to help you do so.

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.

Apply now and help us create a brighter future together!

For a full list of the key accountabilities and the essential/desirable criteria, please click apply and you will be redirected to the Network Rail external website where you will find the dedicated job description for this post.]]>