Information Management Officer

Role overview

As an Information Management Officer, you will help improve how information is structured, maintained, and used across the organisation. The role focuses on strengthening information management and digital working practices, using platforms such as SharePoint and Microsoft Teams to create content that is easy to access, well organised, and fit for efficient day-to-day work. Your contribution will support better decisions, stronger compliance, and improved organisational outcomes.

You will work with colleagues across digital and business functions to support information governance, Freedom of Information (FOI) and Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) activity, and practical improvement work through advice, training, and clear solutions. This is a good opportunity for someone looking to develop a career in information management, digital services, or governance while making a visible impact.

About the organisation

The Planning Inspectorate has a long-standing role in supporting a fair planning system for England, with work that affects people, communities, and the wider economy. The organisation encourages more flexible and collaborative working, along with new and innovative ways of improving services.

Main duties

You will support the delivery of effective information management across the organisation, helping ensure information is organised logically, easy to locate, and handled in line with policy and legal requirements. You will contribute to the development and enhancement of SharePoint and Microsoft Teams sites, give users practical guidance, and support consistent and compliant information storage and maintenance.

The role also includes support for FOI and EIR requests, including advising colleagues, managing related processes, and helping with responses and reviews. You will maintain strong standards of governance and compliance, help deliver training, create guidance, and support projects that improve maturity in information management. Working closely with stakeholders across digital and business teams, you will be expected to take ownership of your work and ensure information is managed securely and accurately.

Hours and working pattern

The standard working week is 37 hours. Part-time working is available from 30 hours per week or more, and flexible working hours are offered.

Location and attendance

This post is contractually based in Bristol, in the Greater Bristol Area, within a 10-minute walk of Temple Meads train station. Hybrid working is supported, and the level of in-person attendance may vary depending on business needs.

Salary

This HEO-grade position carries a salary of £37,579. New entrants to the Civil Service normally begin at the minimum of the relevant pay band. For existing Civil Servants, level transfers and promotions follow internal pay rules, with the final rate determined by whichever is highest.

Selection process

Applications will be assessed through the Success Profiles framework, covering behaviours, experience, and technical skills. If many applications are received, a lead sift may be used. The lead sift criterion is knowledge and experience of working with teams to support new ways of managing information.

Applicants must submit an online application with a CV entry in the employment history section, a personal statement of up to 750 words, and a statement against the lead sift criterion of up to 250 words. The CV must be entered into the form; attachments are not accepted.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview, where they will discuss their experience and suitability, answer behaviour- and experience-based questions, and deliver a presentation. Interviews will take place remotely via MS Teams.

Important dates

The shortlist date is w/c 13 July 2026, and interviews are planned for w/c 20 July 2026.

Additional information

A reserve list may be kept for up to 9 months to support future appointments. Candidates who perform strongly but fall just below the required interview threshold may be considered for other suitable roles, potentially at a lower grade, where their skills align and development opportunities exist.

If the role requires any specific qualifications or memberships, successful candidates must provide scanned or photographed copies before starting. Right to work checks will be completed, and if needed, this may be done manually using original documents in person.

The organisation cannot offer visa sponsorship because it does not hold a sponsorship licence. Successful candidates must also pass a criminal record check, and anyone working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard checks.

The vacancy is open to the nationality groups set out in the Civil Service requirements, including UK nationals, Irish nationals, qualifying Commonwealth citizens, certain EU/Swiss/Norwegian/Icelandic/Liechtenstein nationals and their eligible family members under the EUSS, certain individuals with limited or indefinite leave to remain who met EUSS eligibility by 31 December 2020, and eligible Turkish nationals and certain family members.

Application and accessibility information

The Civil Service offers a Disability Confident Interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria, and reasonable adjustments will be provided where possible. Feedback is only provided to candidates who attend an interview or assessment.

This vacancy is also part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative, and applications are welcomed from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction.

Contact

For applicant enquiries, contact Eleanor Shipley at PINS.Recruitment@planninginspectorate.gov.uk. The recruitment team can also be reached at PINS.Recruitment@planninginspectorate.gov.uk.

Candidate guidance

Artificial intelligence may be used to support an application, but all examples and statements must be truthful, factually accurate, and taken directly from the candidate’s own experience. Misrepresentation or plagiarism may lead to withdrawal of the application and possible disciplinary action for internal candidates.