Information officer - Legal - Expressions of Interest

** Expressions of Interest **

We are about to embark on a recruitment campaign across the DFTO Legal and Compliance Directorate and welcome any expressions of interest in the opportunities. We will be looking to recruit an Information Officer to work within the Legal directorate.

Information officer Legal (Expressions of Interest)

About DFT Operator

DfT Operator Ltd (DFTO) is the public sector owning group behind four key train operators: LNER Northern Southeastern and TransPennine Express. Were here to make your rail journeys smoother safer and more reliable. Since taking on LNER in 2018 weve focused on delivering better train services enhancing customer experiences and boosting performance across the network. Today DFTO helps 270 million passenger journeys happen each year with a team of nearly 17000 dedicated colleagues. We now manage 25 of Britains railway and are committed to shaping the future of train travel to better serve passengers.

We work closely with the DfT but operate independently with our own governance and leadership teams. Our priority is ensuring efficient dependable rail services for everyone.

Who are we looking for

DFTO is looking for a Legal Officer to Log process and respond to information access requests for the Train Operating Companies (TOCs) and Department for Transport Operator Ltd (DFTO) in line with the requirements of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2000 (FOIA) and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR).

Vacancy Details

Duration: Permenant
Location: Home Based / London Waterloo Offices and the ability to travel across DFTOs network
Salary: up to 40000 depending on experince in current role
Closing date:11th April 2025

Some of our great benefits:

Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered.

Annual Leave 25 days

Opportunities to learn across the wider industry

10 pension contribution

Plus more.

About the Role:

1.Review and manage high volumes of FOI and EIR requests in line with legislative requirements and internal processes working with stakeholders to meet statutory deadlines.

2.Collate and issue detailed written responses to information requests identifying relevant colleagues within DFTO and the various TOCs.

3.Analyse evaluate and interpret sensitive complex or technical information by verifying with relevant subject matter experts and reviewing legal guidance and precedents to make proportionate evidenced and auditable decisions on disclosure.

4.Provide practical wellreasoned and legally compliant responses to FOIA/EIR requests by negotiating with and influencing colleagues applicants and third parties so that the DFTO follows best practice in dealing with requests.

5.Support the DFTO FOI Managers to manage cases in accordance with agreed processes to develop knowledge of information rights law and increase capacity to make decisions on/deal with cases independently.

6.Provide a high level of customer service by proactively engaging with applicants to clarify the request manage customer expectations and achieve the right outcome.

7.Support the DFTO FOI Managers and wider team in dealing with legally challenging sensitive or highprofile requests.

8.Carefully logging request details in centralised database to support with reporting and day to day functioning of the FOI team.

9.Review current FOI/EIR processes and provide ideas and solutions to continuously improve processes and outcomes.

Essential Criteria

• Demonstrable ability to identify/solve problems and make decisions.
• Demonstratable ability to think analytically and absorb technical detail quickly.
• Proven evidence of strong oral and written communication skills.
• Evidence of Influencing and stakeholder and customer management skills.
• Demonstrable high level of organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Evidence of teamwork and building positive relationships
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude and remain effective in dynamic environments including through times of change.
• IT literate and experienced in using the basic Microsoft suite of applications: Word Outlook Excel.

Desirable

• Paralegal/legal background
• Degree in a relevant subject or equivalent
• A working knowledge of the FOI Act / EIR regime and an understanding of current legislative requirements
• An understanding of wider information access legislation such as the Data Protection Act and the principles of good information management.
• Willingness and capacity to undertake formal FOI training.

(How to apply)

Additional Information

Contact: If you have any questions or reasonable adjustments please contact HM / Resourcer

About our people and the recruitment process Were an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone! We encourage our colleagues to work flexibly as we know traditional working patterns dont always fit. If you want to consider working flexibly just let us know and well do our best to help and invest in your career with us whilst you have a healthy work life balance.

Disclaimer: Candidates applying for this position on a secondment basis must inform their line manager prior to submitting their application. This is to ensure transparency and facilitate any necessary discussions regarding workload and responsibilities.