Are you passionate about transparency, public service and helping people access the information they are entitled to? We are looking for a proactive, organised and detail-focused FOI Officer to help the Council respond to Freedom of Information (FOI) and Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) requests accurately, clearly and within statutory deadlines.

The role sits within our Performance and Improvement Team and plays an important part in supporting openness, transparency and good information governance across the Council. You will co-ordinate and manage FOI and EIR requests from receipt through to response, including those that may be complex or sensitive in nature, working with services to gather and verify information, review material for disclosure, prepare clear correspondence and ensure requests are progressed in line with statutory timescales.

You will also provide practical advice, guidance and training to colleagues, and work closely with the Council’s Governance Team on matters such as exemptions, exceptions, personal data, confidentiality, commercial sensitivity and public interest considerations.

We are looking for someone who can bring the relevant experience, sound judgement and a clear understanding of information access, data protection or compliance processes. You may already be working in an FOI, information governance, data protection or compliance role, or have transferable experience that demonstrates the required skills.

You will need to be organised, confident in managing competing deadlines, able to interpret information carefully, and comfortable working with colleagues across different services to ensure accurate and timely responses.

In return, we offer a supportive and collaborative working environment, opportunities for professional development and a chance to be part of a forward-thinking organisation.

If you are excited by the opportunity to join our team, we would love to hear from you.

When completing your application, please use the information in the job description to clearly demonstrate how your knowledge, skills and experience meet the requirements of the role. This will help us understand how your background, experience and approach would enable you to succeed as our FOI Officer.

If you would like an informal chat about the post, please contact Lucy Day on 01376 552525.

For more information, please see the Job Profile.

To apply, click Apply online below.

Why choose Braintree District Council?

Braintree is an ambitious and dynamic Council and is becoming one of the fastest growing Districts in the East of England with three growing towns, London just 45 minutes away and the District located directly between the international transport centres of Stansted Airport and Harwich and Felixstowe International Ports. We have a deserved track record for delivering and a strong reputation within the business community.

Braintree District Council is a great place to work. We pride ourselves on our creative and innovative approach, which is led by our employees, and are committed to having an engaged workforce who understand our strategy and how they can help deliver it.

Our people see the difference they make and how the work they do actively contributes to and encourages positive change in the local community.

We also offer some great benefits, including:

Flexible working
Hybrid working arrangements are available in this role (home/office based) subject to business need
Local government pension scheme
Learning and development for all employees
Employee discounts at local businesses
Employee recognition schemes
Extensive health and wellbeing programmes, including discounted gym membership

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Find out more at https://localcounciljobs.gov.uk.

Closing date – Midnight on 11th October 2026.

Interviews will be held during the week commencing 19th October 2026.