Corporate Governance Assistant

Are you highly organised, detail-oriented, and passionate about transparency and public service? Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is looking for a proactive and confident Access to Information & Complaints Officer to join our Corporate Governance team.

This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in ensuring the Council meets its legal obligations under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, Environmental Information Regulations 2004, and the Data Protection Act 1998, while also supporting the Council’s complaints and performance management processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact for all access to information requests.
• Log, coordinate, and respond to FOI, EIR, and Subject Access Requests, ensuring compliance with statutory deadlines.
• Redact and assess information for disclosure, applying exemptions where necessary.
• Maintain accurate records and produce performance statistics on information requests and complaints.
• Manage and update the Council’s Transparency pages, publication scheme, and disclosure log.
• Support the final stage of the Council’s complaints process and liaise with the Local Government Ombudsman.
• Assist with corporate performance and risk reporting.

What We’re Looking For

Essential Experience:

• Experience handling complaints and customer feedback.
• Strong administrative background.
• Proven ability to meet tight deadlines in a complex environment.
• Experience working in a politically sensitive setting.
• Previous experience dealing with FOI requests or applying relevant sections of the FOI or Data Protection Acts.

Qualifications & Training:

• A-Level education (or equivalent) is essential.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Excellent IT skills, particularly Microsoft 365 (Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive).
• Ideally, experience using a case management system.
• Strong interest in the transparency agenda and public access to information.
• Awareness of relevant legislation (FOI, DPA, EIR).
• High standard of literacy and numeracy.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Ability to produce high-quality written correspondence and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong customer service skills and the ability to handle sensitive or distressed customers with diplomacy and calm.

Personal Attributes:

• Confident, enthusiastic, and self-motivated.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Comfortable building relationships with colleagues at all levels.
• Customer-focused with a commitment to service excellence.

What We Offer:

• 22 Days Annual Leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 27 after 5 years’ continuous service
• Membership to Local Government Pension Scheme with 19.7% employer contribution
• Career development and training opportunities
• Access to eye care vouchers and VDU Glasses
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Access to EAP Services 24/7

Closing date: 7 September 2025 

Interview date: TBC

We only accept online applications. If you require access to a computer and/or the internet, you can use our facilities free of charge at The Amelia Scott. Please call ahead to book an appointment Tel. 01892 554171.

Please follow the link below to submit your application.

Equal Opportunities

Tunbridge Wells – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Safeguarding

The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employee and volunteers to share this commitment.