Information Access Manager - Counter Terrorism Policing HQ

Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) keeps the nation and everyone in it safe from all manner of threats. As those threats evolve, so do we. We also know that Information compliance is essential to ensuring that we protect sensitive police information, while allowing the public to understand the important role we play in protecting our communities. Become our Information Access Manager, and you'll have every chance to develop your FOIA and DP/GDPR knowledge in an environment unlike any other.

You'll be part of our Information Access Team which manages Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Right of Access Requests (ROAR). Its remit covers the Met's Specialist Operations (SO) Command Units including Aviation Policing, CTC, PaDP, RaSP and Protective Security & Operations.

We'll look to you to ensure the smooth and efficient processing of FOI requests, providing guidance and support and drafting responses that meet our statutory obligations.

Additionally, you'll undertake searches and enquiries in relation to Right of Access requests where CT information is being sought.

It's a fantastic opportunity for you to gain experience of SO and the wider CT Policing Network, and to liaise with our external stakeholders. You'll also work closely with staff of all ranks and grades in a fast-paced environment.

To join us, you'll need a background in FOI or extensive knowledge of FOIA and Data Protection legislation. You'll be adept at drafting concise and accurate reports, and keen to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, negotiating and influencing at all levels.

What's more, you'll have a talent for communicating complex or specialist information clearly to a range of audiences, and for working on your own initiative and as part of a team.

As well as good development prospects, you can look forward to benefits including substantial annual leave, Civil Service pension arrangements, interest free season ticket loans, flexible working conditions and more., 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 an exciting 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 MPS as a public authority. The Data Protection Act enables individuals to submit a request (ROAR) to establish what information the MPS holds about them. Our remit encompasses the Met's Specialist Operations (SO) Command Units - Aviation Policing, CTC, PaDP, RaSP and Protective Security & Operations, but may also include other MPS 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 Right of Access requests 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.

Key Tasks

The post holder 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 MPS 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 / SO are compliant.


• Attend training to develop relevant knowledge and skills.


• Liaise with the MPS Information Rights Unit and the National Police Chief's 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


There will be a 10 minute written assessment prior to the interview.

Vetting

This post requires access to the most sensitive intelligence material on a daily basis. Applicants must be prepared to undergo National Security Vetting.

Additionally, this material is of particular sensitivity to the UK and its distribution must be restricted to UK nationals. In approved circumstances dual nationals (of which one element is British) may also be granted access. However, in the event that potential conflicts of interest cannot be managed the post holder will not be able to see the intelligence material and will not be able to perform their duties. For the purpose of safeguarding national security and in line with Cabinet Office Policy, supported by Section 82(2) to (4) of the Police Reform Act (2002), applicants who do not hold or acquire Security Check (enhanced) (SC(e)) OR Developed Vetting (DV) clearance and meet the nationality requirements cannot be offered the post.

Confidentiality Agreement

Applicants should also be aware of the need to sign a confidentiality agreement on taking up the post.

Our Employee Commitments

Counter Terrorism Policing aims to create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere and culture and an environment where all our people feel a strong sense of belonging and are able to reach their full potential. Where any group or individual can be and feel respected, supported and valued to fully participate and contribute to our mission of "Working to keep people safe from Terrorism".

Inclusion, diversity and equality is at the front and centre of our approach to make the composition of Counter Terrorism Policing more representative of the communities we serve. As Counter Terrorism is rooted in Local Policing, to tackle today's complex policing challenges, applications from across all communities are therefore essential and encouraged. Counter Terrorism Policing as a network is committed to ensuring that disabled people and those with long-term health conditions have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations'.

Counter Terrorism Policing is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working arrangements, including part time working or job share. In addition, this role has been reviewed following learning from work during the Covid pandemic and may be done in an agile manner. In the first instance, please contact the vacancy holder to discuss how such arrangements could be accommodated (where applicable).


• Previous working experience in a freedom of information environment or extensive knowledge of FOIA and Data Protection legislation.


• Experience of drafting concise accurate reports.


• Experience of working collaboratively at all levels with both internal and external stakeholders, with ability to negotiate and influence.


• Ability to communicate complex or specialist information clearly to a range of audiences.


• Proven ability to work using own initiative, but also as part of a team.


• Ability to plan and organise workload, meeting demanding deadlines.


• Excellent attention to detail in the presentation of work.


• Proven experience in decision-making, with an ability to demonstrate assertiveness.


• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, specifically Word and Excel.


Desirables

• Proven managerial experience.


• Previous experience of the CT environment and knowledge of the CT Network


• Knowledge of MPS systems i.e. CONNECT, CRIS, CRIMINT, IIP etc and secure system NCIA.


• CycFreedom trained or willing to be trained.
  
  Salary: The starting salary is £37,289, which includes allowances totalling £2,841.


The salary is broken down as £34,448 basic salary, which will increase annually until you reach the top of the scale £36,864. Plus, a location allowance of £1,841 and a non-pensionable allowance of £1,000.