Participation and Access to Records Worker (SAR) – AR

Job Details

Participation and Access to Records Worker (SAR)

Job Purpose

To support adults, including care-experienced individuals, in accessing their children’s social care records in a timely, sensitive, and supportive way. The role combines subject access request (SAR) processing, emotional support, and participation work, ensuring individuals understand their records while maintaining compliance with data protection and freedom of information legislation.

Key Responsibilities

  • Act as the main point of contact for individuals requesting access to their social care records
  • Support applicants throughout the process, helping them understand and manage the emotional impact of their records
  • Coordinate and process Subject Access Requests (SARs) and Freedom of Information (FOI) requests within statutory deadlines
  • Work with Information Governance and Legal teams to ensure accurate, compliant, and sensitive disclosure of information, including redaction and third-party consent
  • Liaise with Children’s Services teams to gather contextual information to support individuals accessing their records
  • Develop and improve processes for accessing records, ensuring a person-centred and trauma-informed approach
  • Deliver guidance and support to staff to promote best practice in record keeping and data protection
  • Support the development of a Voice Ambassadors programme, ensuring the voices of children, young people, and families inform service delivery
  • Provide supervision and day-to-day support to Voice Ambassadors where required
  • Contribute to wider participation activities, events, and engagement work

Key Skills & Experience

  • Experience working within children’s services, social care, or a related setting
  • Knowledge or experience of Subject Access Requests, Data Protection, or FOI processes
  • Ability to support vulnerable individuals in sensitive situations
  • Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex information clearly
  • Good organisational skills and ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines
  • Understanding of confidentiality, safeguarding, and information handling

What This Role Offers

  • A unique opportunity to combine support work, data protection, and participation
  • The chance to make a meaningful impact by helping individuals understand their personal histories
  • Involvement in shaping services through participation and lived experience work