Head of Information Rights

To lead the University's information rights requests function, providing strategic direction, expert oversight and operational management to ensure compliance with data protection and freedom of information legislation, including the UK GDPR, Freedom of Information Act 2000 and Environmental Information Regulations.

As a senior member of the Data Protection and Information Rights leadership team within the Office of General Counsel, the role works closely with the Director, Data Protection and Information Rights and the Head of Data Protection to shape and deliver the department's strategy, ensuring efficient, consistent and high-quality handling of information rights requests across the institution.

The post holder manages and develops the Information Rights team, oversees complex casework and engagement with regulators and tribunals, and ensures robust processes, systems and controls are in place. The role ensures risks are managed, resources are used efficiently, and a culture of transparency, accountability and strong information governance is embedded across the University.

• Supporting the Director, Data Protection and Information Rights in providing leadership, strategic direction and management of the department.
• Deputising for the Director, the Head of Data Protection and General Counsel as required.
• Contributing to departmental strategy and ensuring the Information Rights team delivers against its objectives.
• Managing staff within the Information Rights team, including performance management, development, training and appraisal.
• Supporting significant departmental or institutional projects, leading discrete workstreams where appropriate.
• Overseeing the team to ensure appropriate delegation and quality control, adherence to processes and policies, and that risks are identified and escalated within the department and to General Counsel where appropriate.
• Working with the Head of Data Protection to ensure efficient, consistent and collaborative working, timely allocation of work, and appropriate cover and support at all times.
• Supporting the Director in managing departmental financial resources, including using external support judiciously and identifying opportunities to reduce expenditure and increase internal delivery of advice.
• Implementing processes to ensure clear lines of communication within the department and to the Office of General Counsel, and for the escalation of information rights risks, issues and incidents.

Provision of Data Protection Advice and Handling of Information Rights Requests

• Responsibility for the day-to-day delivery of information rights request responses, including data protection rights requests, FOI requests and data protection complaints, applying policies and procedures, contributing to guidance, delivering training, reporting and making effective use of departmental systems.
• Engaging with the Information Commissioner's Office and Tribunal as required.
• Providing input into governance papers and submissions.
• Monitoring trends, risks and developments in data protection and FOI, including legislation, regulations and case law, and producing briefings, reports and compliance updates for senior stakeholders, committees and the wider institution.
• Working with the Director to advise on and monitor UCL's compliance with its legislative obligations.

• Educated to degree level or equivalent relevant experience.
• Significant experience in information rights request management roles, including management of a substantial team handling a substantial number of Information Rights Request responses.
• Strong working knowledge of UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, Freedom of Information Act 2000, Environmental Information Regulations 2004 and related legislation.
• Experience drafting and reviewing Information Rights responses, including engagement in ICO complaint responses and Information Tribunal matters.
• Experience producing guidance, tools and training for staff and managing a team rolling out that guidance.
• Experience of dealing with a range of issues relating to information rights on a self-standing basis and a willingness to react confidently and quickly to emerging issues.
• Experience of building relationships and successfully collaborating with internal stakeholders.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with an ability to prepare reports, specifications and plans and present these to variable audiences.
• Strong analytical skills, sound judgement, and the ability to navigate ambiguity.
  Excellent analytical skills and sound judgement.
• Proven ability to research, analyse and present information and argument in writing and verbally.
• Excellent organisational skills: ability to manage competing demands and time-critical schedules to meet deadlines.
• Meticulous and organised approach to work with a high standard of accuracy.
• High level of tact and diplomacy and regard for confidentiality.