Assistant Sensitivity Reviewer

Details

Reference number

484064

Salary

£39,865

Plus location allowance of £1750

A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

GBP

Job grade

Higher Executive Officer

C4

Contract type

Permanent

Business area

FCDO Services - COO

Type of role

Other

Working pattern

Full-time

Number of jobs available

5

Contents

• Location
• About the job
• Benefits
• Things you need to know
• Apply and further information

Location

Hanslope, South East England, MK19 7BH

About the job

Job summary

Assistant Sensitivity Reviewer

£39,865 plus a location allowance of £1,750 and excellent benefits

Based in Hanslope Park, Milton Keynes

Free shuttle bus available between central Milton Keynes and Hanslope Park

At FCDO Services we protect the UK’s interests at home and overseas. We design and construct secure government buildings and courier diplomatic packages worldwide, safeguard government tech and a whole lot more. Our work is as varied and vital as it gets, but we never lose sight of our people. Their skills, aspirations and growth mean as much as the global mission we’re on. In our world, it all matters.

Job description

The Digital Sensitivity Review service we’ve developed enables the UK’s Government departments to meet the requirements of Public Records legislation by selecting, reviewing and transferring records consistently and securely for permanent preservation at The National Archives.

The growth in digital records means the team are embracing the use of AI and other advanced technologies to tackle the complex challenges we face. The work is vital and protects the UK’s relations with other countries, as well as our defence interests, the intelligence services, and the personal data of individuals, all within a legal framework.

Preserving important records

Protecting secure data

Embracing new technologies

It all matters.

Do meaningful work on historical records

As Assistant Sensitivity Reviewer, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the records at The National Archives. Your day-to-day will involve reading and conducting sensitivity review of documents covering history, politics and current affairs. Following our guidance and processes, you will decide whether information should be released or withheld under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or the Public Records Act (PRA). Once trained, you’ll be expected to work autonomously: determining your own priorities, liaising with external and internal stakeholders, and maintaining up-to-date records. Plus, you’ll actively contribute to discussions on improving ways of working.

At the moment, most of the role is office-based, and there are some limited options for remote working. However, we are a close-knit, supportive team, made up of people with a variety of experiences. Over the next year, in line with the expectations of our customers, we expect that there will more option for remote working, and that the role will essentially become a hybrid one.

Sitting on the crossroads of history and working with cutting-edge technology, our work is deeply meaningful and future focused. Plus, in joining us as an Assistant Sensitivity Reviewer, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to enhance your expertise and build your career.

What you’ll bring

While we will train you as an Assistant Sensitivity Reviewer, you’ll bring a high level of security awareness, a substantial understanding of political and diplomatic sensitivities, as well as an understanding of Public Records Act, FOI Act and Data Protection Act. We will assess you on Civil Service Behaviours, the following three are the most important for the job: making effective decisions, working together, and managing a quality service.

To be a good fit for our team, you’ll collaborate well and feel comfortable working independently. A natural interest in current affairs, history and politics will see you thrive here.

It would be desirable if you brought experience of records management. As well as a Level 6 qualification (Degree Apprenticeship, BA or BSc Hons Degree, Graduate Diploma, NVQ Level 6).

Discover the support you need to grow your career further

But we’re always looking to improve – just like you. That’s why when you join us, expect to receive a competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement and a Civil Service Pension. Along with this, you’ll also have access to training and other development opportunities to help grow your career with us. Our offices have an on-site gym, nursery, café, and restaurant, and we offer interest-free loans on season tickets and bikes to help you get there. It's a great set of benefits made to support all you do, and all you need.

Want to see your future team’s work in action? Step into our Virtual Embassy and select a guide to take you round to see how we deliver for government customers and how you could help. Explore the embassy now at virtual-embassy.fcdoservicescareers.co.uk

Every single colleague must be security cleared before joining us. If you’re successful in your application, we’ll ask you to undergo our vetting process to achieve Security Check (SC) clearance. You can find out more about vetting at fcdoservicescareers.co.uk/how-to-apply/

To find out more about our benefits and our organisation, please visit fcdoservicescareers.co.uk

Closing date: 1st November 2026

It takes a diverse team to protect a diverse world

The vital work we do takes an incredible community of colleagues, with different skills, backgrounds, cultures and identities. We support every individual, so that you always know you’re welcome and valued. It’s what makes us a Disability Confident employer. And why we’re recognised as a ‘Carer Confident’ workplace. And it’s how you know you’re joining an inspiring, inclusive organisation.

Person specification

• Understanding of the Public Records Act, Freedom of Information Act and Data Protection Act.
• A keen eye for detail and excellent research skills.
• A high level of security awareness.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• A high level of security awareness
• Understanding of Public Records Act, FOI Act and Data Protection Act
• Substantial understanding of political and diplomatic sensitivities

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £39,865, FCDO Services contributes £11,548 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides .

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension
• A leave allowance of 25 days per annum
• 9 days per annum public and privilege days

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles , and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

To apply for this role, you will be asked to provide your CV, a personal statement, and provide answers to some job specific/technical skills.

Your CV and personal statement will not form part of the assessment they will provide an insight into your work history and experience.

Your CV should include:

• no personal identifying details
• career history with key responsibilities
• achievements
• qualifications

Your personal statement should outline your interest in the role.

Candidates will only be sifted on answers provided to the technical/ job specific questions which are outlined in the application form.

Those that are successful will be invited to a Face to face interview.

At the interview you will be asked a blend of questions on technical/job specific skills and behaviours.

The candidate will need to complete a presentation along with the interview questions.

Candidates who are judged to be close to meeting the criteria may be considered for other positions in FCDO Services which may be at a lower grade, but have a potential skills match.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check .

See our vetting charter .

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Medical

Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles .

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy .

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : [email protected]
• Email : [email protected]

Recruitment team

• Email : [email protected]

Further information

If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should contact [email protected] in the first instance.

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from FCDO Services, you can contact the Civil Service Commission. For more information, please visit their website.