Apprentice Access to Personal Information Officer

An opportunity has arisen to join the Information Governance Unit at Staffordshire County Council within the Access to Information team as an Apprentice Access to Information Officer.

This apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to build a career in data protection and information governance. The role will support the Council in meeting its legal responsibilities for managing information, helping to build trust, transparency and confidence among residents, partners and regulators.

You will gain hands‑on experience with colleagues across the whole of the Information Governance Unit, learning about the wider range of information governance activities including information rights, records management and information security, whilst completing your apprenticeship in Data Protection & Information Governance.

This is a dynamic role in a fast‑paced, regulated environment, where no two days are the same.

You will learn how to:

• Work confidently to statutory timescales.
• Support with reporting personal data breaches.
• Respond to Data Subject Access Requests and Freedom of Information requests.
• Develop valuable skills in judgement, organisation and problem‑solving that are highly sought after across the public sector and beyond.
• Collaborate with colleagues.

We are looking for someone who is,

• Is motivated and curious, keen to build a professional career in data protection and information governance.
• Has a strong interest in GDPR, how information is used, protected and shared, and a willingness to learn and apply complex rules in a practical, real‑world environment.
• Is organised, detail‑focused and comfortable working to deadlines, with the confidence to ask questions.
• Can communicate clearly and professionally with a wide range of people.
• Is committed to learning and able to use your judgement.
• Willing to work towards the completion of the Level 4 Data Protection & Information Governance Apprenticeship.
• Keen to develop the skills needed to work in a regulated and fast‑paced professional setting.
• Has obtained Maths & English GCSE (Grade 4+ or equivalent)

At Staffordshire County Council, we are committed to creating a supportive, inclusive and forward‑thinking workplace. You’ll be part of a knowledgeable and collaborative Information Governance Unit, with opportunities to develop professionally and make a real impact on public transparency and trust.

We understand the importance of a work-life balance and currently offer flexible and hybrid working with attendance at our modern Stafford based office at least twice a week or in accordance with business need.

For an informal discussion please contact Hedda Motherwell, Head of Information Governance & Data Security Assurance at hedda.motherwell@staffordshire.gov.uk

Interview Date: w/c 20 April 2026

Our Recruitment Process: We anonymise applications during shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered. Only application forms completed online will be accepted. Shortlisting will be completed on applications which have been completed in full. We will not accept CV’s or Word application forms.

We are no ordinary county council:

Our Values:

The core of who we are as an organisation. Just like we all have personal values that shape our thoughts and behaviour, organisational values drive how we think and act collectively.

Our values were created and shaped by colleague feedback and national best practice and they sit at the heart of People Strategy:

We have a real sense of community spirit that brings our people together. This feeling of belonging means we are all connected to what we do and take pride in the difference we make every day for Staffordshire people. We are ambitious and our sights are set firmly on a better future.

We look forward and race ahead - that goes for your career too.

Our benefits:

We recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive working environment where employees can achieve their full potential and achieve a healthy work-life balance.

In addition to your salary, as a member of staff, you will have access to Our rewards and benefits - Careers at Staffordshire

Our recruitment process:

As an Authority we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities organisation and Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from all background and communities

As part of our commitment as a Disability Confident employer, a Gold Award Armed Forces employer and our commitment to supporting care leavers - we offer a guaranteed interview as long as your application meets the minimum criteria for the post.