Information Access Officer

£29,443 per annum

About us

The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) is a modern, vibrant organisation full of passionate, committed people. We make final decisions on complaints that have not been resolved by UK Government departments and the NHS in England. We work closely with people to understand where, how and why public services sometimes fall short and fail to put people first. And we find ways to put it right.

Based in the centre of Manchester, we employ over 600 individuals, collaboratively working together to make voices heard. We have created a diverse and inclusive culture, whilst offering flexibility to give you the autonomy to work in the best way suited to you.

The role

Join our Information Assurance team and help support our work on information rights, data protection and transparency. This role plays an important part in helping us meet our obligations under Freedom of Information and data protection legislation, while supporting colleagues across the organisation to handle information safely and responsibly.

The post combines administrative support, case handling and advice. Day-to-day work includes managing incoming information requests, maintaining records and disclosure logs, supporting the handling of security incidents and data breaches, and responding to Freedom of Information requests and less complex data rights requests.

What we are looking for:

experience of applying DPA or FOI or similarly complex legislation

experience of working in a customer focused environment demonstrating empathy

problem solving and analytical skills

ability to understand legislation and to apply it to particular cases, and to understand the business of organisations across the public sector

interest in information security, data protection and/or privacy.

We recognise the value of lived experience. If you have experience of complaining about any public body, we strongly encourage you to apply.

Our benefits:

Civil Service Pension scheme

32.5 days annual leave (plus bank holidays on top)

hybrid working, 40% office based

flexible working

access to a free, confidential Employee Assistance Programme offering 24/7 advice and support from professionals and counsellors

one day paid volunteering leave per year

comprehensive learning and development programme

employee discount scheme across hundreds of retailers

bicycle loan scheme

season ticket loan

gym membership subsidy

paid for professional memberships

eye test reimbursement.

How to apply (and how to do well)

You will answer four scored questions at application stage. We use these to shortlist and longlist, so your answers matter.

choose real examples (from professional settings)

focus on what you did, not what “we” did as a group

explain your thinking: what you looked at, what you decided, and why

keep it clear and specific, avoid generic statements

Please do not use AI to write your answers. We need to assess your skills, and applications may be rejected if answers appear AI-generated.

If your examples are very short, mostly opinion-based, or don’t describe a specific situation and outcome, you are unlikely to score well.

Closing date: 31 August 2026
Interview dates: 15 September 2026 (in person)

For further information or to apply, please click on the 'Enquire/Apply' button below.