Information Rights Officers
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeUnited Kingdom17 hours ago
InternshipBusiness Development, Sales
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Milton Keynes – you will be operationally required to work at least four days at this location.
Job Summary
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office pursues our national interests and projects the UK’s role in the world. We promote the interests of British citizens, safeguard the UK’s security, defend our values, reduce poverty and tackle global challenges with our international partners. We employ more than 17,000 staff in 179 countries and territories, across our diplomatic and development offices worldwide, which consists of 282 officially designated Posts. Our UK-based staff work in King Charles Street, London, Abercrombie House in East Kilbride and in Milton Keynes.
Job Description
The Historical Information Rights (HIR) Team responds to information requests made by members of the public for information that is over twenty years old. The historical records of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and its predecessors are widely regarded as some of the world’s most important and challenging collections for global history. As an Information Rights Officer in the HIR Team, you will have the opportunity to work directly with these unique records, learn about how the FCDO operated in the past and develop an understanding of how releasing historical information can impact on international relations today.
You will be responsible for the handling of historical information requests from initial receipt through to final response. You will work closely and collaboratively with colleagues and a wide range of internal and external stakeholders at all levels, giving you valuable opportunities to hone your analytical, communication and influencing skills to deliver high quality responses within statutory deadlines.
The successful candidates will also liaise with The National Archives (TNA) for requests they receive for information which has been transferred closed by the FCDO under the Public Records Act, obtaining quality review decisions from subject matter experts and providing these to the TNA Freedom of Information (FOI) team so they can complete their requests within their own statutory deadlines.
Roles And Responsibilities
The successful candidate will:
The Historical Information Rights (HIR) Team responds to information requests made by members of the public for information that is over twenty years old. The historical records of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and its predecessors are widely regarded as some of the world’s most important and challenging collections for global history. As an Information Rights Officer in the HIR Team, you will have the opportunity to work directly with these unique records, learn about how the FCDO operated in the past and develop an understanding of how releasing historical information can impact on international relations today.
You will be responsible for the handling of historical information requests from initial receipt through to final response. You will work closely and collaboratively with colleagues and a wide range of internal and external stakeholders at all levels, giving you valuable opportunities to hone your analytical, communication and influencing skills to deliver high quality responses within statutory deadlines.
The successful candidates will also liaise with The National Archives (TNA) for requests they receive for information which has been transferred closed by the FCDO under the Public Records Act, obtaining quality review decisions from subject matter experts and providing these to the TNA Freedom of Information (FOI) team so they can complete their requests within their own statutory deadlines.
The Successful Candidate Will
Person specification
You must be a British Citizen at the time of application and, if invited to interview, you will need to bring proof of identity (British Passport/Driving Licence etc.) with you.
This role requires you to attain Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance.
For more information about this process, click here. Attaining DV will require you to have been resident in the UK for five of the last ten years. At least one year of this must have been a consecutive twelve-month period. Serving overseas with HM Forces, in some other official capacity as a representative of His Majesty’s Government or having lived overseas as a result of your parents’ or partner’s Government employment counts as UK residency for the purposes of security clearances.
It is essential in your application that you provide evidence and proven examples in each of the following Minimum Criteria, the Behaviours and the Technical question as far as you are able to do so. These responses will be further developed and discussed with those candidates invited for interview.
Essential Criteria
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
This vacancy uses the Success Profiles Framework and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Ability.
Please see the ‘Hints and Tips’ that are provided for your information about how to prepare Behaviour examples at the Application and/or Interview stage.
Application Stage
You will be required to complete the following as part of the online application:
In the event of a large number of applications, we may conduct an initial sift by a lead Behaviour. For this campaign we will be prioritising Managing a Quality Service. Only candidates who meet the minimum standard in this Behaviour will have the rest of their application fully assessed.
Interview Stage
At the start of your interview, you will be asked a non-assessed warm-up question about your motivation for applying for the role.
The Behaviours you will be assessed on during the interview are as follows:
Please see the attached candidate pack for the selection process details.
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
Contact Government Recruitment Service via [email protected] as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
Complete the ‘Assistance required’ section in the ‘Additional requirements’ page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Further Information
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Any move to FCDO from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
If you are experiencing accessibility problems reading the Candidate Pack, such as through screen reader software, please contact our Team via [email protected] and we will share a Word version of this.
If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf.
However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing [email protected] stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
This role is full time only. Applicants who wish to work an alternative pattern are welcome to apply however your preferred working pattern may not be available and you should discuss this with the vacancy holder before applying.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
Open to UK nationals only.
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact
The FCDO’s recruitment processes are underpinned by the principle of selection for appointment on merit, on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should, in the first instance, contact [email protected]. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the FCDO, you can contact the Office of the Civil Service Commissioners.
Job Summary
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office pursues our national interests and projects the UK’s role in the world. We promote the interests of British citizens, safeguard the UK’s security, defend our values, reduce poverty and tackle global challenges with our international partners. We employ more than 17,000 staff in 179 countries and territories, across our diplomatic and development offices worldwide, which consists of 282 officially designated Posts. Our UK-based staff work in King Charles Street, London, Abercrombie House in East Kilbride and in Milton Keynes.
Job Description
The Historical Information Rights (HIR) Team responds to information requests made by members of the public for information that is over twenty years old. The historical records of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and its predecessors are widely regarded as some of the world’s most important and challenging collections for global history. As an Information Rights Officer in the HIR Team, you will have the opportunity to work directly with these unique records, learn about how the FCDO operated in the past and develop an understanding of how releasing historical information can impact on international relations today.
You will be responsible for the handling of historical information requests from initial receipt through to final response. You will work closely and collaboratively with colleagues and a wide range of internal and external stakeholders at all levels, giving you valuable opportunities to hone your analytical, communication and influencing skills to deliver high quality responses within statutory deadlines.
The successful candidates will also liaise with The National Archives (TNA) for requests they receive for information which has been transferred closed by the FCDO under the Public Records Act, obtaining quality review decisions from subject matter experts and providing these to the TNA Freedom of Information (FOI) team so they can complete their requests within their own statutory deadlines.
Roles And Responsibilities
The successful candidate will:
- Respond to historical information access requests from members of the public, working within the framework of information rights legislation including the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) and the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).
- Manage, prioritise and respond to their own cases effectively, by researching each request, conducting comprehensive searches of FCDO holdings both electronic and paper for relevant information and recording results on our case management system.
- Draft replies clearly, ensuring our response is compliant with our legal obligations and within statutory deadlines, including preparing and despatching any information approved for release.
- Engage with the FCDO Services Sensitivity Review Service and relevant internal and external stakeholders for views on release or redaction of information.
- Process and keep accurate records of requests for review of closed FCDO material from The National Archives which have been requested under information rights legislation to them as the holding department, recognising when to escalate more complex queries to the Deputy Head of Historical Information Rights.
- Ensure all enquiries to the mailbox are actioned within 48 hours, escalating more complex queries where appropriate.
The Historical Information Rights (HIR) Team responds to information requests made by members of the public for information that is over twenty years old. The historical records of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and its predecessors are widely regarded as some of the world’s most important and challenging collections for global history. As an Information Rights Officer in the HIR Team, you will have the opportunity to work directly with these unique records, learn about how the FCDO operated in the past and develop an understanding of how releasing historical information can impact on international relations today.
You will be responsible for the handling of historical information requests from initial receipt through to final response. You will work closely and collaboratively with colleagues and a wide range of internal and external stakeholders at all levels, giving you valuable opportunities to hone your analytical, communication and influencing skills to deliver high quality responses within statutory deadlines.
The successful candidates will also liaise with The National Archives (TNA) for requests they receive for information which has been transferred closed by the FCDO under the Public Records Act, obtaining quality review decisions from subject matter experts and providing these to the TNA Freedom of Information (FOI) team so they can complete their requests within their own statutory deadlines.
The Successful Candidate Will
- Respond to historical information access requests from members of the public, working within the framework of information rights legislation including the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) and the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).
- Manage, prioritise and respond to their own cases effectively, by researching each request, conducting comprehensive searches of FCDO holdings both electronic and paper for relevant information and recording results on our case management system.
- Draft replies clearly, ensuring our response is compliant with our legal obligations and within statutory deadlines, including preparing and despatching any information approved for release.
- Engage with the FCDO Services Sensitivity Review Service and relevant internal and external stakeholders for views on release or redaction of information.
- Process and keep accurate records of requests for review of closed FCDO material from The National Archives which have been requested under information rights legislation to them as the holding department, recognising when to escalate more complex queries to the Deputy Head of Historical Information Rights.
- Ensure all enquiries to the mailbox are actioned within 48 hours, escalating more complex queries where appropriate.
Person specification
You must be a British Citizen at the time of application and, if invited to interview, you will need to bring proof of identity (British Passport/Driving Licence etc.) with you.
This role requires you to attain Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance.
For more information about this process, click here. Attaining DV will require you to have been resident in the UK for five of the last ten years. At least one year of this must have been a consecutive twelve-month period. Serving overseas with HM Forces, in some other official capacity as a representative of His Majesty’s Government or having lived overseas as a result of your parents’ or partner’s Government employment counts as UK residency for the purposes of security clearances.
It is essential in your application that you provide evidence and proven examples in each of the following Minimum Criteria, the Behaviours and the Technical question as far as you are able to do so. These responses will be further developed and discussed with those candidates invited for interview.
Essential Criteria
- Resilience and good time management skills to manage multiple strands of work concurrently, working at pace to prioritise and deliver to tight statutory deadlines.
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to draft high quality responses which will stand up to legal scrutiny.
- Natural curiosity and the ability to search large amounts of information in a structured and methodical way and record results clearly and concisely.
- A proactive approach and a proven ability to liaise and communicate with a variety of stakeholders.
- Interest in and an aptitude for developing knowledge of information rights legislation.
- Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances.
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Managing a Quality Service
- Delivering at Pace
- Communicating and Influencing
- Working Together
- Managing a Quality Service
- Delivering at Pace
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
This vacancy uses the Success Profiles Framework and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Ability.
Please see the ‘Hints and Tips’ that are provided for your information about how to prepare Behaviour examples at the Application and/or Interview stage.
Application Stage
You will be required to complete the following as part of the online application:
- Civil Service Verbal Test
- Civil Service Numerical Test
- A CV detailing your career history (including any relevant qualifications). CVs will be assessed against the Essential Criteria outlined in the Person Specification section above.
- A Personal Statement of 500 words explaining how you consider your skills, qualities and experience provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with specific reference to the Essential Criteria. These responses will be explored further during the interview process for shortlisted candidates.
- Managing a Quality Service
- Delivering at Pace
In the event of a large number of applications, we may conduct an initial sift by a lead Behaviour. For this campaign we will be prioritising Managing a Quality Service. Only candidates who meet the minimum standard in this Behaviour will have the rest of their application fully assessed.
Interview Stage
At the start of your interview, you will be asked a non-assessed warm-up question about your motivation for applying for the role.
The Behaviours you will be assessed on during the interview are as follows:
- Managing a Quality Service
- Delivering at Pace
- Communicating and Influencing
- Working Together
Please see the attached candidate pack for the selection process details.
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
Contact Government Recruitment Service via [email protected] as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
Complete the ‘Assistance required’ section in the ‘Additional requirements’ page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Further Information
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Any move to FCDO from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
If you are experiencing accessibility problems reading the Candidate Pack, such as through screen reader software, please contact our Team via [email protected] and we will share a Word version of this.
If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf.
However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing [email protected] stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
This role is full time only. Applicants who wish to work an alternative pattern are welcome to apply however your preferred working pattern may not be available and you should discuss this with the vacancy holder before applying.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
Open to UK nationals only.
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact
- Name : FCDO Recruitment Team
- Email : [email protected]
- Email : [email protected]
The FCDO’s recruitment processes are underpinned by the principle of selection for appointment on merit, on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should, in the first instance, contact [email protected]. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the FCDO, you can contact the Office of the Civil Service Commissioners.
Key Skills
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