Freedom Of Interest (FOI) Officer - Braintree District Council
Braintree District Council
Fixed Term, Full Time
£30,313 to £34,612 per annum
Location: Braintree
Closing Date: 4th August 2025
Essex County Council (ECC) are delighted to be supporting Braintree Council to recruit this Freedom of Information (FOI) Officer
To Apply for this role please click here: FOI Officer . Please DO NOT click the Apply button on the left.
The Opportunity:
Are you passionate about transparency, public service and making a real impact? We’re looking for a dynamic and driven Freedom of Information (FOI) Officer to join our small but mighty team.
This is a full-time opportunity on a fixed term contract for two years to provide additional support to the FOI function.
The role sits within our Performance and Improvement Team and you will play a crucial role in ensuring the public has access to information in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act and Environmental Information Regulations.
You will be responsible for processing and managing FOI and EIR requests, providing guidance and training to colleagues across the Council and working with the Governance Team as appropriate to ensure compliance with key data protection and information access legislation.
Experience:
We are seeking a proactive individual who has the relevant experience or may already be working in FOI, data protection or a compliance role and has a keen eye for detail and a love of clear, accurate communication and have the ability to juggle priorities and meet deadlines.
We offer a supportive and collaborative work environment, opportunities for professional development and a chance to be part of a forward-thinking organisation.
Accountabilities:
- Process and manage Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, and Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) requests, in line with the Councils procedures and case management system, ensuring they are handled within statutory timescales.
- Actively engage with internal Council services and external stakeholders to ensure clarity and understanding of FOI and EIR processes and requirements.
- Provide practical guidance, training and support on FOI, EIR across all Council services
- Review records prior to release, undertaking necessary redactions to ensure legislative compliance in accordance with advice from the Governance Team where appropriate.
- Regularly monitor and report on the performance of FOI and EIR request handling, identifying areas for improvement and implementing necessary changes.
- Identify and manage risks associated with the handling of FOI and EIR requests, ensuring that any potential issues are addressed promptly and effectively.
- Maintain responsibility for own caseload ensuring deadlines are met and any delays are communicated to the requester.
- Maintain the information published on the Councils website specifically related to Freedom of Information requests
- Routinely update the Councils Publication schemes under the Freedom of Information Act
- Ensure compliance with key data protection and information access legislation, including UK GDPR, DPA 2018, FOI, and EIR.
Why choose Braintree District Council?
Braintree District Council is an ambitious and forward-thinking authority with a vision of creating a great place for our residents and businesses.
As a Council our role is as a guardian of the place and its people; where residents live well in healthy and resilient communities; a well-connected district with high-quality homes delivered with the infrastructure and a place which attracts and provides good employment opportunities.
We are becoming one of the fastest growing Districts in the East of England with three growing towns, London just 45 minutes away and the district located directly between the international transport centres of Stansted Airport and Harwich and Felixstowe International Ports. We have a deserved track record for delivering and a strong reputation within the business community and are committed
Braintree District Council is a great place to work. We pride ourselves on our creative and innovative approach which is led by our staff. We are committed to having an engaged workforce who understand our strategy and how they can help deliver it. Some of the benefits of working for Braintree District Council are:
- Flexible working
- Hybrid working arrangements are available in this role (home/office based) subject to business need
- Free parking
- Local government pension scheme
- Learning and development for all staff
- Staff recognition schemes
- Extensive health and wellbeing programme including discounted gym membership.
If you’re excited by the idea of joining a team that values integrity, impact and innovation, we’d love to hear from you.
If you would like an informal chat about the post, please contact Tracey Headford on 01376 552525.
To apply, click here: FOI Officer . Please DO NOT click the Apply button on the left.
Closing date for receipt of applications: Midnight on Monday 4 th August
Interviews will take place during the w/c 18 th August
Please Note: Essex County Council is advertising this role on behalf of Braintree District Council and if successful you will be employed by Braintree District Council.
To apply, click here: FOI Officer . Please DO NOT click the Apply button on the left.