Housing Information Governance Officer

Job Description

The London Borough of Harrow is seeking to appoint a Housing Information Governance Officer to support the delivery of high-quality, compliant housing services. The post holder will play a key role in ensuring that all housing functions adhere to relevant legislation and best practice relating to data protection, freedom of information, records management and wider information governance requirements. This role will focus on embedding robust information governance principles within day-to-day housing operations, safeguarding residents’ personal data and promoting secure, lawful and efficient information sharing across services.

The successful candidate will provide expert advice, guidance and oversight to housing teams, ensuring that information is handled appropriately and consistently in line with statutory obligations and organisational policies. They will also be responsible for monitoring compliance, identifying risks, and supporting continuous improvement in information management practices. Through collaboration with colleagues across housing and related services, the Housing Information Governance Officer will offer assurance that information governance standards are maintained, contributing to the Council’s commitment to transparency, accountability and the protection of sensitive information.

The successful candidate will have:

• Demonstrable working knowledge of UK data protection law (UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018), Freedom of Information Act, Environmental Information Regulations, and records management principles.
• Experience working in or advising within a public sector setting, ideally in housing, local government, or social housing.
• Experience handling subject access requests, FOI requests, data breaches, or DPIAs.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret legislation and guidance and translate into practical guidance for non-specialists.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, able to engage and influence staff at all levels.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines, work independently, and prioritise under pressure.
• Good IT skills and familiarity with common systems (Microsoft Office suite, document management, database systems).
• High attention to detail, confidentiality, professionalism, and integrity.
• A degree or equivalent qualification, or significant relevant experience in information governance or related disciplines.

For more information, please refer to the Role Profile/Selection Criteria

About us

Harrow Council is the 12th largest London borough and one of the most culturally diverse local authorities in the UK, making it a great place to live, work and visit with a range of cultures, religions and opinions that come together to produce high achieving schools and a close and friendly community. Located 10 miles from the city centre and just 13 minutes to Euston from Harrow & Wealdstone station there are great transport links via the Metropolitan Line, Watford DC Line and national rail service. It is easily accessible to the M1, M25 and A406.

Other information

Support for candidates visit:Harrow.gov.uk Our behavioural indicators roles below G11 and above G11 Here at Harrow Council, the vision is one of 'Working together to make a difference for Harrow' Please click here to view Harrow Council's benefits

Important Note

To deliver our commitment to equality of opportunity in service provision, all staff are expected to promote equality in the workplace and in the services the Council delivers. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs at the London Borough of Harrow. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender, reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy, or maternity unless a Genuine Occupational Qualification applies. As such, we value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds. For further information, please read our equality statement.

As a disability-confident employer, we are committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and accessible to everyone. This includes reasonably adjusting the recruitment process for those with disabilities or long-term health conditions. For further information, please contact us at resourcing@harrow.gov.uk

London Borough of Harrow is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Harrow operates stringent, safer recruitment procedures.

Due to the high number of applications received for some posts, we may close vacancies before the stated closing date if sufficient applications are received. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible.

Harrow redeployees will be given priority consideration.

The personal information we have collected from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. If any of these are detected you could be refused certain services or employment. Your personal information will also be used to verify your identity. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas, any your data protection rights, can be found by visiting www.cifas.org.uk/fpn