Information Access and Compliance Researcher

Job Overview

Salary: £29,258 per annum

Contract type:
Permanent

Band: D / Executive Officer

Closing date:
Wednesday 29th July 2026 at midnight

This post enables The National Archives to remain compliant with information rights legislation – the Freedom of Information Act and Data Protection Act – by undertaking work on Reclosure at The National Archives. Reclosure occurs when information in open records may be subsequently closed by The National Archives. It applies to records (including digital records) that have been transferred to The National Archives for permanent preservation.

The circumstances in which this would be required are outlined in our published Reclosure Policy.

• Work with the Information & Access Compliance Lead to undertake reviews into records flagged for Reclosure, assess the scale of work, conduct research, and review files to support access decisions.
• Collaborate with staff within the Freedom of Information Centre to ensure a consistent approach toward Reclosure and compliance.
• Report to the Reclosure Panel, prepare careful and timely recommendations for reclosure, and communicate progress to those involved while escalating concerns to senior management when necessary.
• Balance compliance with good customer service and safeguard The National Archives' reputation.
• Carry out research into closed records in response to FOI requests, assess exemptions, and correspond with requesters, developing expert knowledge of the FOI Act and related information rights legislation.
• Work to tight deadlines, exercise sound decision making, and manage a heavy workload effectively.
• Contribute to maintaining consistency of approach and best practice within the FOI Centre.

This is a full-time post. Requests for part-time working, flexible working and job share will be considered, taking into account operational needs of the Department. A combination of onsite and home working is available, and applicants should be able to regularly travel to our Kew site for a minimum of 60% of their work time.

• Degree in history or related subject, or significant relevant experience, demonstrating ability to carry out research into records, analyse contents and summarise findings clearly and concisely.
• Demonstrated ability to make decisions using sound judgement and escalate issues as required.
• Ability to work to deadlines, work well under pressure, and prioritise/balance demanding workloads.
• SC clearance or willingness to obtain SC clearance; applicants must have been resident in the UK for at least the past three years.

• Interview:
  Interviews will be held on-site in August 2026.
• Personal Statement:
  Submit work history details and a personal statement of up to 750 words (ideally around 250 words per criteria).
• Selection for interview will be based on the three essential requirements listed above.

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application; all examples and statements must be truthful and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism is identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others or generated by AI as your own) applications may be rejected.