Job Description

Job Ref:

DOH1108

Branch:

DFT Operator

Location:

London

Salary/Benefits:

Up to 34,000

Contract type:

Fixed Term

Hours:

Full Time

Hours per week:

37.5

Posted date:

21/10/2025

Closing date:

06/11/2025

FOI -Officer

Duration:

2 year FTC

Location:

Home based/Waterloo, Ability to travel across DfTO's Network

Salary

:34,000

Closing date:

4th Novemeber 2025

Reports to:

FOIManager or Regional Manager

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:

Log, process and respond to information access requests for the Train Operating Companies (TOCs) and Department for Transport Operator Ltd (DFTO) in line with the requirements of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2000 (FOIA) and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR).

Key Competencies:

Competent drafting skills. Strong verbal reasoning skills with the ability to engage with and influence stakeholders. Ability to work collaboratively within a fast-paced, regulated environment. Keen interest in information access rights legislation. Strong communication and problem-solving skills. Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex information and explain the same in an accessible format. Strong organisational skills and excellent attention to detail

Key Responsibilities:

Key Accountabilities



Review and manage high volumes of FOI and EIR requests, in line with legislative requirements and internal processes, working with stakeholders to meet statutory deadlines.

Collate and issue detailed written responses to information requests, identifying relevant colleagues within DFTO and the various TOCs.

Analyse, evaluate and interpret sensitive, complex or technical information, by verifying with relevant subject matter experts and reviewing legal guidance and precedents to make proportionate, evidenced and auditable decisions on disclosure.

Provide practical, well-reasoned and legally compliant responses to FOIA/EIR requests by negotiating with, and influencing colleagues, applicants and third parties so that the DFTO follows best practice in dealing with requests.

Support the FOI Manager(s) to manage cases in accordance with agreed processes, to develop knowledge of information rights law and increase capacity to make decisions on/deal with cases independently.

Provide a high level of customer service, by proactively engaging with applicants to clarify the request, manage customer expectations and achieve the right outcome.

Support the FOI Manager(s) and wider team in dealing with legally challenging, sensitive or high-profile requests.

Carefully logging request details in centralised database to support with reporting and day to day functioning of the FOI team.

Review current FOI/EIR processes and provide ideas and solutions to continuously improve processes and outcomes.


Essential Criteria


Demonstrable ability to identify/solve problems and make decisions. Demonstratable ability to think analytically and absorb technical detail quickly. Proven evidence of strong oral and written communication skills. Evidence of Influencing and stakeholder and customer management skills. Demonstrable high level of organisational skills and attention to detail. Evidence of teamwork and building positive relationships 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


Paralegal/legal background Degree in a relevant subject or equivalent A working knowledge of the FOI Act / EIR regime and an understanding of current legislative requirements An understanding of wider information access legislation such as the Data Protection Act and the principles of good information management. Willingness and capacity to undertake formal FOI training.

(How to apply)

Additional Information...

[Internal Only]

Contact:

If you have any questions or reasonable adjustments, please contact HM / Resourcer -



dean.palmer@dftoperator.co.uk

PLEASE NOTE: This opportunity is available on either a Fixed Term Contract basis or as an Industry secondment. Should anyone be applying for a secondment please ensure you notify your line manager prior to applying for the opportunity.

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 believe that diversity enriches our team and contributes to our success. 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.