Regional FOI Manager ( Under Legal)

Overview

Regional FOI Manager:

Duration: 2 year FTC
Location: Home based/Waterloo, ability to travel across DfTO's Network
Salary: £54,000
Closing date: 5th November 2025
Reports to: Head of Compliance

DfTO Benefits:

Annual Leave: Starting at 25 days and rising to an additional day per year of service completed within the first 5 completed years up to a maximum of 5 additional (30 days)

DC Pension Scheme: 10% Employer contribution, 5% Employee contribution

Opportunities to learn and network across the wider industry

About DfT Operator

Join Our Team at DFTO

DfT Operator Ltd (DFTO), is the public sector owning group behind four key train operators: LNER, Northern, Southeastern, and TransPennine Express. We're here to make your rail journeys smoother, safer, and more reliable. Since taking on LNER in 2018, we've focused on delivering better train services, enhancing customer experiences, and boosting performance across the network. Today, DFTO helps 270 million passenger journeys happen each year, with a team of nearly 17,000 dedicated colleagues. We now manage 25% of Britain's railway and are committed to shaping the future of train travel to better serve passengers.

We work closely with the DfT but operate independently with our own governance and leadership teams. Our priority is ensuring efficient, dependable rail services for everyone.

Primary Purpose of Job

• Managing stakeholder relationships with a group of Train Operating Companies (TOCs) to support and guide them through the Freedom of Information process. Processing and responding to complex and legally challenging information access requests, internal reviews and further appeals in line with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR).

Key Competencies

• Expertise in FOIA and EIR.
• Strong verbal reasoning skills with the ability to influence stakeholders and engage in challenging conversations.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a fast-paced, regulated environment.
• Strong written communication and problem-solving skills.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex information and explain the same in an accessible format.
• Ability to manage multiple complex requests and internal reviews to ensure statutory deadlines are met.

Key Responsibilities

1. Providing first line support for a group of TOCs on all matters relating to FOI. Meeting with TOC leadership/communications teams periodically to discuss any complex/high-profile requests and/or any wider FOI concerns.
2. Manage a caseload of complex and high-profile FOI and EIR requests, following internal processes to meet statutory deadlines. Research, assimilate and interpret complex information in order to write clear, accurate and legally compliant FOI responses.
3. Review, challenge and interpret a wide variety of sensitive, complex or technical information, so that the release of information and the application of exemptions take into account the public interest factors for and against disclosure and the statutory requirements imposed on the TOCs by information access legislation.
4. Monitor the progression of FOI/EIR cases and take informed customer focussed decisions that balance the needs of the TOCs and the law in order to create the best outcome for colleagues, stakeholders and applicants.
5. Negotiate and influence key stakeholders including TOC senior leadership, commercial partners, the Department for Transport and the Office for Rail and Road in order to maintain and improve disclosure rates of information.
6. Develop and maintain an up to date knowledge of FOI/EIR law and practice to be applied both when dealing with own cases and when providing guidance to colleagues inside and outside the FOI team, so that appropriate exemptions may be applied.
7. Develop and propose ideas and solutions to increase transparency across the TOCs. Implement small scale changes to continuously improve processes and outcomes.
8. Review and approve Information Officers FOI/EIR responses, to confirm that responses are legally compliant and that all internal processes have been followed.
9. Provide evidence (when required) to support court hearings or tribunals and contributing to successful case outcomes for DFTO and the TOCs.
10. Carefully logging request details in centralised database to support with reporting and day to day functioning of the FOI team.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Technical Qualifications

• Essential
  • Degree in relevant subject and/or substantial experience in Freedom of Information.
  • A working knowledge of the FOIA and EIR.
  • Demonstrable ability to communicate complex information to diverse audiences orally and in writing.
  • Demonstrable ability to identify/solve problems and make decisions.
  • Demonstratable ability to think analytically and absorb technical detail quickly.
  • Proven experience of stakeholder and customer management.
  • High level of organisational skills and attention to detail.
  • Experience of teamwork and motivating, encouraging and supporting others.
  • Ability to maintain a positive attitude and remain effective in dynamic environments, including through times of change.
  • IT literate and experienced in using the basic Microsoft suite of applications: Word, Outlook, Excel.
• Desirable
  • Experience of wider information access legislation such as the Data Protection Act and the principles of good information management.

How to apply

Additional Information

• Internal Only Contact: If you have any questions or reasonable adjustments, please contact HM / Resourcer -

Equity and recruitment

About our people and the recruitment process - We're an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone! We encourage our colleagues to work flexibly, as we know traditional working patterns don't always fit. If you want to consider working flexibly, just let us know and we'll do our best to help and invest in your career with us, whilst you have a healthy work life balance.

Equity Statement

At DFTO we are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are valued. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences, and we are dedicated to providing equal opportunities regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or other status. We strive to foster an environment where everyone feels respected and empowered to bring their whole selves to work. We actively promote practices that ensure fairness, eliminate biases, and support the growth and development of all employees. Join us in our mission to create a workplace that reflects the diverse communities we serve and fosters a culture of equity and inclusion. Together, we can build a brighter future where every voice is heard, every idea is valued, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Disclaimer: Candidates applying for this position on a secondment basis must inform their line manager prior to submitting their application. This is to ensure transparency and facilitate any necessary discussions regarding workload and responsibilities.