Public Access Officer

Job Title: Public Access Officer
Contract Type: Temporary / Contract
Rate: £23.15 per hour (Umbrella)
Working with: UK Police Force
Reporting to: Public Access Manager

About the Role: Service Care Solutions are currently recruiting for a Public Access Officer to support a UK Police Force in the effective and lawful delivery of its statutory obligations under the Data Protection Act, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Freedom of Information (FOI) legislation.
This is an exciting and vital role at the heart of Information Rights compliance. The post holder will help ensure the Force meets all its legal duties relating to the handling, disclosure, and protection of information, while also helping manage risk and uphold public trust.
Role Purpose: To provide subject matter expertise in Subject Access, GDPR, and FOI to ensure legislative compliance surrounding Information Rights. This supports the delivery of legal obligations and aligns with information management strategies, policies, and procedures across both Forces, ensuring that the Chief Constable’s statutory responsibilities are effectively and lawfully discharged.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and respond to FOI requests: Source materials, determine exemptions, and issue formal responses in accordance with legislation.
• Handle Subject Access Requests (SARs): Assess and release personal data proportionately, redacting third-party or operationally sensitive information as necessary.
• Review non-operational information disclosures: Support requests from regulatory or professional bodies, maintaining detailed logs and legal compliance.
• Lead on proactive disclosure initiatives: Recommend materials for publication that support transparency while complying with data protection laws.
• Provide expert guidance to internal and external stakeholders on FOI, GDPR, and data sharing.
• Redact and prepare audio-visual materials (CCTV/BWV) for release, liaising with stakeholders to ensure legal compliance.
• Train and support Public Access team colleagues, ensuring knowledge transfer and service resilience.
• Conduct peer reviews and maintain high standards of accuracy and compliance across all Public Access outputs.

Person Specification: Essential Skills:

• Strong understanding of Data Protection, FOI, and GDPR legislation
• Excellent problem-solving and risk assessment abilities
• Ability to explain legal matters clearly to both senior officers and the public
• High attention to detail and ability to manage sensitive or classified data
• Strong communication and influencing skills
• Able to work independently, manage caseloads, and make sound risk-based decisions

Desirable:

• Experience in a similar information rights, data protection, or public access role
• Information management or legal qualifications

Additional Information:

• You will support two police forces, working across differing systems and cultures.
• May be required to travel occasionally for inter-force support and cover.
• The role involves daily contact with the public, including handling complaints and managing sensitive data under tight statutory deadlines.

How to Apply:
📞 Contact Lewis at Service Care Solutions
📧 Email: lewis.ashcroft@servicecare.org.uk
📱 Call: 01772 208962