Career Profiles
Joined
Job Title
1975
Head of Information Rights and Information Security
Throughout my career at the House I have taken great pride in the fact that, no matter how remotely or tangibly, I have played a part in supporting the democratic parliamentary process - a pride that is renewed each and every time I enter the Palace through St Stephen's entrance and look down at the view along Westminster Hall. I have been lucky enough to have been blessed with good managers who have universally given me the support I have needed and encouraged my personal development despite changing careers on several occasions. I have also been blessed with great colleagues some of whom I am lucky enough to count as friends for more than 30 years. The work is challenging, the environment is interesting, I have been looked after, the terms and conditions of employment are very good and it is never dull!
Bob's Profile
My team (the House of Commons Information and Rights Information Security Service) and I are responsible for ensuring House-wide compliance with the provisions and requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI) and the Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA), including data security. The service promotes awareness of the rights and obligations imposed by the Information Acts; provides advice about and coordinates responses to requests for information; prepares and publishes data as part of the House's Freedom of Information publication scheme; and maintains the scheme and the DPA notification.
My job requires the application of the core management skills of planning organisation and control. A full understanding of the requirements and obligations set out in Acts of Parliament relating to the protection and provision of information is also required. My job brings me into frequent contact with MPs, both individually and before committees of the House, so verbal and written communication skills are frequently called into use. Above all the job requires the consistent exercise and application of judgement.
In terms of development I have been lucky enough to be able to accept several challenging changes of career. Full training opportunities have been provided from completing my professional chef qualifications, to gaining consultancy skills, through to learning the law in relation to data protection and freedom of information.
1975 - 1995
Joined the HoC, Refreshment Department as a Junior Chef, left as Senior Sous Chef
1995
Moved to Department of Finance and Administration (now Department of Resources) to take part in a pay and grading review
1998
Promoted to Staff Inspector
2000
Became Review Manager in the audit and review team
2003
Changed job to become Data Protection Officer
2005
Assumed overall responsibility for the operation of the Freedom of Information Act across the House.
2008
Took charge of the newly formed Information Rights and Information Security Service within the Department of Resources
Valuing Equality, Diversity and Fairness
