Information Rights Specialist - NESO

About the role

National Energy System Operator’s (NESO) strength lies in our people. Together, we’re shaping the future where clean, affordable energy is accessible for all. Every day is an opportunity to make a real difference, accelerating the progress of sustainable GB energy, keeping people connected and society thriving as we create a brighter tomorrow.

NESO is a public corporation which is subject to the Freedom of Information Act and the Environmental Information Regulations. The Information Rights Team manages FOI and EIR compliance and additionally responds to Data Subject Access Requests. We are expanding the team to add further capacity and expertise and to ensure that NESO is able to comply with statutory obligations.

The role of the Information Rights Specialist is to provide specialist advice and training to colleagues across the organisation and to requesters on the Freedom of Information Act, the Environmental Information Regulations and Data Subject Access Requests. You will manage a case load of information access and Data Subject Access Requests ensuring that risks are managed and escalated appropriately and statutory deadlines complied with.

This role is based in Warwick, and we continue to offer hybrid working from office and home. We are open to full time and part time applicants, as well as flexible working arrangements.

• Providing advice on handling information access requests in line with UK legal requirements and ICO good practice guidance.
• Receiving and reviewing FOI, EIR and DSAR requests, engaging with the requestor, and internal teams, including the coordination of information retrieval.
• Managing responses, including identifying sensitive or exempt information that should not be disclosed.
• Consulting with third parties, where necessary, to make them aware of new requests that relate to them, explaining our obligations, and making them aware of any potential disclosures.
• Maintaining the FOI publication scheme.
• Developing and maintaining a disclosure log for FOI and EIR.
• Keeping appropriate records, monitoring key control indicators, and reporting as required within company governance.
• Providing training and raising awareness about the company's obligations under the FOIA, EIR and providing guidance to stakeholders on FOI, EIR and DSAR request requirements.
• Working with the Information Rights and Data Protection Officer to regularly review internal processes to ensure that ways of working are efficient and that improvements are made where necessary.

We’re forging the path, and we know we can’t do it alone. That’s why we need visionary minds like yours to join us on this transformative journey. In this case, we’re looking for someone who has/is:

• FOI and EIR qualification/practitioner certificate.
• A good level of understanding of EIR and FOI legislation.
• Strong experience managing FOI requests, EIR requests and Data Subject Access Requests (DSARs).
• A strong communicator with excellent writing skills.
• Experience of developing effective networks of stakeholders and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels and gain support and commitment from colleagues.
• Experience of working with cross-functional teams and various stakeholders.
• The ability to communicate complex data policies into terms that can be understood by different audiences.
• Demonstrates curiosity and strong attention to detail.
• The ability to set and manage expectations with stakeholders and track progress through KPIs and metrics.
• The ability to organise, work independently, plan and prioritise workload, show initiative, and problem solve in a timely manner.
• Strong administrative and case-load management skills to ensure that statutory deadlines are met.

A competitive salary between £60,000 - £65,000pa – dependent on experience and capability.

As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus based on company performance, 26 days annual leave as standard and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%.

The creation of National Energy System Operator (NESO) is driven by an urgent…