Information Governance Assistant

This position has been classed as an anywhere worker role but has an expectation that the successful candidate will attend the office, in Chelmsford 1 day per month, with the remaining time for remote working if desired, in line with the organisation’s needs.

Interview Date: 12^th May 2026.

To read more about our business area, please visit: Corporate Services

The Opportunity 

This role provides essential administrative support to the Information Governance Team, with a primary focus on supporting the end‑to‑end handling of Subject Access Requests (SARs). The postholder will be responsible for managing activities related to the collation, organisation, and preparation of information for disclosure, ensuring responses are accurate, complete, and compliant with data protection legislation.

The role requires experience in handling sensitive and confidential information, including the ability to review, organise and prepare large volumes of data from multiple systems in a clear and structured way. This includes identifying relevant information, ensuring it is correctly presented for review, and supporting the redaction process where required. Experience of working with Subject Access Requests, Freedom of Information requests, or in a role with a strong focus on confidentiality, data protection or regulatory compliance is highly desirable.

The postholder must demonstrate strong organisational skills and the ability to work to tight statutory deadlines, often managing competing priorities. They will be expected to prioritise their own workload, work accurately under pressure, and use their initiative to resolve issues or escalate concerns appropriately.

Good IT skills are essential, as the role involves working across multiple systems and databases to retrieve and prepare information. Confidence using Microsoft Office applications, document management systems and case management tools is required, along with the ability to learn new systems quickly.

Overall, the role demands attention to detail, discretion, and a clear understanding of the importance of information governance, confidentiality, and data protection in handling personal and sensitive data.

Accountabilities 

• Responsible for logging, recording, requesting case files and volumizing Subject Access and other information right requests. 
• Responsible for processing all associated documentation regarding requests made by data subjects including photocopying, scanning, consents, and identification checks ensuring that processes are consistent, transparent, and legally compliant. 
• Delivers comprehensive, professional, and effective administrative support to the Information Governance Team. 
• Provides support to officers in the delivery of information rights requests and advice and information to members of the public regarding these requests. 
• Arrange meetings and visits with external customers and partners and raising invoices. 
• Undertake the processing, triaging and publication to the website of FOI and EIR requests.
• Answer routine queries and manage simple FOI and EIR responses. 
• Undertake project activities as directed. 

The Experience You Will Bring 

• Educated to GCSE standard including English and Maths a Grade ‘C’ and above or equivalent by experience.
• Evidence of continuing professional development in Information Governance and Transparency is desirable. 
• Good organisational skills and ability to work to tight deadlines, prioritise own work and use own initiative.
• Good interpersonal skills, particularly oral and written communications skills. 
• Good ICT skills and good working knowledge of Microsoft is essential. Knowledge and experience of MS Dynamics and Adobe Pro is desirable.
• Awareness of confidentiality and the ability to be tactful and diplomatic. 
• Ability to adapt and respond quickly to conflicting demands whilst remaining calm under pressure.  

Why Essex?

As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in Everyone's Essex. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.

In February 2025, Greater Essex was accepted onto the Government’s devolution priority programme, which will see local authorities in Essex work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026. You can read more about devolution and local government reorganisation (LGR) on our careers site.

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.

Once you’ve secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs.

At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.

As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained. For further information on the DBS update service please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

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If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email Resourcing Team - Resourcing.Team@essex.gov.uk

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