Hi! I’m Laura and I’m an Information Rights Caseworker for the Rural Payments Agency, based in Cumbria.
I answer requests for recorded information under three pieces of legislation: the Environmental Information Regulations 2004; the Freedom of Information Act 2000; and the General Data Protection Regulation/Data Protection Act 2018.
My role is to ensure that RPA upholds its responsibilities under all the legislation and responds to requestors within the required deadlines. We receive lots of requests for information from third parties, so it’s important we follow the legislation correctly and don’t release any of our customers’ personal data.
My work in the Information Rights Team is interesting and challenging, and no case is the same. We investigate each request to establish exactly what it relates to, if the information is held and, if so, which area of RPA will address it. We identify which piece of legislation the request falls under and commission it to the appropriate individual or team. When we’ve received the required information, we establish if it can be released under the legislation or not. We then formulate a response to the requestor, either providing the information or explaining why it can’t be released.
I’ve worked for the RPA since 2004 when it was known as the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF). I started as an Administrative Assistant in Livestock, which seems a very long time ago now! I’ve also worked as a processor on legacy schemes, the Single Payment Scheme, the Basic Payment Scheme, Countryside Stewardship and as a Complaint Resolution Officer. I particularly enjoyed completing service reviews when I worked in Customer Resolution. It was very rewarding when I was able to resolve issues and support our customers.
I live with my husband, our six-year-old son and our dog Buddy. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, going for walks and reading. I support Newcastle United and love watching Strictly Come Dancing!
1 comment
Comment by Caroline Ling posted on
Thank you for sharing this Laura. It's very interesting to hear about your role.