Information Manager - Freedom of Information - CTPHQ

Job summary

Information compliance is essential in ensuring that we protect sensitive police information, yet still also allow the public to understand the important role that Met Police officers and staff play in protecting our communities.

Your role as the information manager will provide you with the opportunity to join the Information Access team in the Compliance and Assurance (C&A) pillar with Counter Terrorism Policing Headquarters (CTPHQ).

The unit manages Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Right of Access Requests (ROAR). FOIA entitles members of the public to request information that may be held by the Met as a public authority.The Data Protection Act enables individuals to submit a request (ROAR) to establish what information the Met holds about them. Our remit encompasses the Met’s Specialist Operations (SO) Command Units of Aviation Policing, Counter Terrorism Command, Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection (PaDP), RaSP and Protective Security and Operations, but may also include other Met units, as well as the CT Policing network.

Your primary role as the information manager will be to ensure the smooth and efficient processing of the Freedom of Information requests, providing guidance and support and drafting appropriate responses, which meet our statutory obligations.  

You will also undertake searches and enquiries in relation to ROAR where CT information is sought.

Therefore, it is expected that you will have a good working knowledge of these Acts as well as the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).

This position provides a unique opportunity for the role holder to gain experience of SO and the wider CT Policing network and liaise with our external stakeholders. You will work closely with staff of all ranks and grades, in a fast-paced environment with good development prospects.

You will be required to do the following:

• ensure the database of all FOIA requests received is maintained
• research all relevant FOIA requests on secure systems
• research all FOIA requests received on the Met intranet and the external internet for information in the public domain
• consult with internal stakeholders to ensure that information is provided to allow an appropriate response to be drafted
• draft FOIA responses that are time compliant
• assist other Commands in their search for information that may relate to SO or CT related information
• work collaboratively with external and internal stakeholders, ensuring a consistent approach to FOIA and compliance with Data Protection legislation.
• supervision of the Information Officer
• keep up to date on developments in the field of information legislation and record management to ensure that CTPHQ and SO are compliant
• attend training to develop relevant knowledge and skills
• liaise with the Met's Information Rights Unit and the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) National Referral Team on FOIA requests
• assist with Right of Access Requests where CT information is sought
• act as deputy for the senior information manager in their absence
• undertake other tasks as directed by Unit lead