Data & Information Lead

Hampshire

Job details

Location

Alice Holt, Hampshire

Salary

£40,388

Hours of work

Full Time

Contract

Temporary

Closing date

February 1, 2026

About the Job

Want to work at the cutting edge of environmental science? Passionate about making a difference and playing your part in tackling the climate and nature crisis? Forest Research (FR) is all about giving top quality evidence and advice to policymakers and practitioners to make a positive impact on the ground. Internationally recognised, we need people who have the skills and passion to work on excellent science and provide practical solutions for nature.

We’re small enough that your voice is heard, yet large enough, as part of the Forestry Commission (FC), that we have everything on hand to get the job done, as well as a variety of career pathways.  Our staff are dedicated to their work and sharing it with others to bring positive change for our planet.  And you will find us a flexible and inclusive employer, so you can have a work life balance that is tailor-made to your circumstances. So, whether it’s climate or carbon, pests or pathogens, behaviour or biodiversity that interests you, you can be assured of a warm welcome to the team. To find out more, visit www.forestresearch.gov.uk

The Valuing Our Information (VOI) project was established across the whole of the Forestry Commission in recognition of the need to significantly improve the management of information. The project has a clear mission:
‘to improve Forestry Commission’s effectiveness, trust, and compliance through increasing the level of knowledge and information management maturity.’

In addition, FR’s Digital strategy outlines the use of information is fundamental to FR meeting its aims of protecting, expanding, and promoting sustainable woodland; these aims will be met more successfully when accurate information can be identified and found quickly. Our Data Estate Modernisation Plan provides details of the projects which will help us meet these targets.

Job Description

FR have a requirement for an experienced and self-motivated information management professional. This role will be involved in implementing and supporting the new information management principles and helping to bring about change to both physical and digital records management, as outlined in our Digital and Data Strategies. This opportunity would suit applicants who wish to further develop their skills in data management and archiving, as FR progress plans to introduce new capabilities and technologies.

We are looking for someone who enjoys a challenge and has an interest in all things data related. You will enjoy working with colleagues across FR and have the vision to bring about change to our data estate.

Key  Work Areas:

Helping to deliver FR’s Data and Digital Strategies
The postholder will work closely across all areas of FR to help deliver our Data and Digital strategies and outcomes.  There are a range of activities including identifying and monitoring current data assets and managing the migration of our data away from traditional file shares to a cloud hosted solution.  This will require you to work with staff to provide support and guidance throughout the migration process, to ensure understanding of the reasons and benefits of the new solution.

Supporting the FC VOI Programme
This post is part of the team delivering the FC Valuing our Information Programme to FR  and improving knowledge and information management principles, policies, and practices.  You will be expected to be a key member of this team and liaise with colleagues across the FC in a similar role.

Managing the FR Digital Archive
You will be responsible for the continual growth and management of our digital archive.  This will include assisting information asset owners whilst they review and make decisions regarding their records, prior to any digitisation or transfer activity in line with our policies and procedures.
Given the nature of the work with physical records, there is a manual handling aspect to the role

Contacts and Communication 
You will be expected to build strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders to support development and delivery of the programme. These will include colleagues at all levels and in similar roles across the sector.
The post holder will work alongside members of the IT team and have autonomy to make decisions within established frameworks and take forward our technical capabilities in assigned work areas.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

• Proven ability to effectively advise and communicate the benefits of Data and Digital strategies to a diverse range of stakeholders
• Experience of working independently under multiple time demands and deadlines, with sound judgement in time management.
• Expertise in the digitisation of archival materials
• Proficiency in using information and records management systems and processes that support governance and risk management
• Skilled in utilising SharePoint, including all document management functions within the platform.
• Ability to manage stakeholder expectations regarding team performance and deliverables
• Previous experience in line management.
• Comprehensive knowledge of legislation, standards, and procedures related to records management, including the Data Protection Act, GDPR, the Freedom of Information Act, and Environmental Information Regulations.
• Willingness to travel nationwide as required

Desirable Criteria: 

• Previous experience in a public sector organisation, particularly with a research-oriented focus
• Proficiency in using software (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Pro) to create accessible documents.
• Experience of handling records in compliance with the Public Records Act
• Knowledge or experience in managing and digitising legacy media types, or wiliness to develop these skills