Job Details

Legal Officer – Information Governance & Data Protection

Basildon Borough Council | Basildon, Essex

Pay: £27.29 PAYE
Hours: 36.25 hours per week
Contract: Initial 2-month temporary contract
Working Arrangement: Minimum 3 days per week onsite
Closing Date: Monday 9th November 2026

About the Role

We are currently recruiting an experienced Legal Officer specialising in Information Governance and Data Protection to join Basildon Borough Council on an initial 2-month temporary contract.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Information Governance, Data Protection or Information Rights professional to support the council in ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, including UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) and Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR).

You will play an important role in managing complex information requests, including Subject Access Requests (SARs), Freedom of Information requests and data protection enquiries. You will also review sensitive documentation, apply appropriate exemptions and redactions, manage information-related incidents and provide advice and guidance to colleagues across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and respond to Subject Access Requests (SARs), Freedom of Information (FOI) and Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) requests.
• Ensure all information requests are handled accurately and within statutory deadlines.
• Review, assess and redact sensitive or confidential information before disclosure.
• Apply relevant legislative exemptions and provide advice on information disclosure.
• Provide guidance to council officers on UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 requirements.
• Support the investigation, recording and management of personal data breaches.
• Maintain accurate records of data protection incidents, complaints and actions taken.
• Review and update data protection policies, procedures, privacy notices and relevant contracts.
• Support compliance audits, data protection assessments and information governance processes.
• Maintain records of processing activities and information management requirements.
• Assist with developing and delivering staff training on data protection and information governance.
• Work closely with Legal Services, the Data Protection Officer and customer resolution teams.

Essential Requirements

• Relevant qualification and knowledge of data protection legislation, particularly UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
• Practical experience handling information rights requests, including SARs and FOI.
• Understanding of relevant local and national government legislation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and SharePoint.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet strict deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail, particularly when reviewing confidential information and completing document redactions.
• Ability to provide clear advice and guidance to colleagues and members of the public.

Desirable Experience

• Previous experience working within a local authority or public-sector organisation.
• Experience handling complex SARs, FOI and EIR requests.
• Knowledge of ICO guidance, information disclosure exemptions and data breach procedures.
• Experience supporting data protection audits, policies and compliance processes.
• A degree or professional qualification in Law, Data Protection, Information Governance or a related subject.

Why Apply?

• Competitive hourly rates of £27.29 PAYE
• Initial 2-month contract with Basildon Borough Council.
• 36.25 hours per week.
• Opportunity to gain valuable experience within a local authority Legal and Information Governance environment.
• Play an important role in protecting personal information and ensuring regulatory compliance.

How to Apply

If you have experience in Information Governance, Data Protection, GDPR compliance, FOI or Subject Access Requests and are available for this opportunity, we would love to hear from you.

Please apply with your up-to-date CV to be considered.

Please note: A minimum of three days per week onsite in Basildon is required.