Information Architect

About The Job

Job summary

Discover a career in your hands at HMRC. Whether you're seeking purpose, growth, or a workplace that gives you a true sense of belonging, hear from some of our employees as they share their story about what it's really like to work at HMRC.

Visit our YouTube channel to watch the full series and come and discover your potential.

The Data and Information Governance (DIG) team within the Office of the Data Protection Office is an independent office within HMRC, and has a role set out in policies to ensure HMRC processes its data in accordance with data protection law and regulations. It advocates for data subjects' rights, and is a conduit to the regulator, the Information Commissioner. The Software Development team is there to design, build and implement innovative IT solutions, to support DIG and related partners in the business. Not quite a standard IT team, it is embedded within the DIG team and requires the developers balance their technical skills with knowledge of the policy areas the teams are working on.

Job Description

About the Role

We are looking for a motivated and detail focused Information Architect (IA) to join the team. This role sits within the Government Knowledge & Information Management (GKIM) profession and plays a critical part in ensuring HMRC information is well structured, findable, secure and compliant with legislation and departmental policy. Alongside core information architecture responsibilities, the successful candidate will also use Power Platform low code tools (Power Apps, Power BI, OneTrust and Dataverse) to prototype and demonstrate Information Architecture requirements. This is not a coding or software engineering role.

Service Support & Supplier Liaison

The Information Architect will provide first line functional support to end users on issues related to information structure, metadata, templates, classification rules, and completion of Information Asset Registers (IAR), Record Of Processing Activity (ROPA) and Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) records. The postholder will triage reported system issues to determine whether they relate to information design or system behaviour, resolving those within GKIM remit and escalating technical faults to the external supplier where required. The Information Architect will act as the business owner contact point, logging issues, providing clear information governance context, and monitoring supplier response and resolution times. While the Information Architect will ensure that system fixes remain compliant with information governance and GKIM policy, all technical errors, defects, and system engineering changes will be resolved by the supplier, not the Information Architect. This maintains appropriate professional boundaries between GKIM (information design and governance) and technical delivery roles.

Person specification

Key Responsibilities

Information Architecture & Standards

• Develop and maintain metadata models, taxonomies, controlled vocabularies and classification schemes aligned to GKIM standards.
• Produce Information Handling Models (IHMs), information flows and information lifecycle requirements.
• Shape structured information environments such as file plans, folder structures, catalogues and knowledge bases.
  
  

Governance, Assurance & Compliance

• Ensure information structures meet policy, legal, security and retention requirements.
• Contribute to information related assurance activities and reviews.
• Provide clear guidance, documentation and interpretation to digital delivery teams and stakeholders.
  
  

Power Platform Low Code Configuration (Explicit Requirement)

• Build and configure Power Apps (Canvas or Model Driven) and Power BI to prototype metadata structures, classification rules and information processes.
• Configure Dataverse tables, fields, relationships, business rules, forms and views aligned to artefacts.
• Use Power Fx for basic logic and validation (no coding required).
• Produce low code prototypes and proofs of concept that demonstrate IA standards and support user understanding.
• Identify where requirements move beyond low code capability and transition them to Government Digital and Data (GDAD) engineers appropriately.
  
  

Collaboration with Technical Teams

• Work alongside developers, architects and delivery teams to ensure KIM best practice is embedded in technical solutions.
• Translate artefacts into clear, actionable requirements for engineering teams.
• Maintain clear boundaries: the Information Architect own the information design; GDAD owns technical build.
  
  

Information Quality, Findability & Usability

• Review and improve existing information structures for consistency, clarity and usability.
• Help teams implement metadata and classification effectively to support search and retrieval.
  
  

Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage users and business teams to understand information needs and structure requirements.
• Communicate concepts and decisions in accessible, non-technical language.
• Promote good information management behaviours across HMRC.
  
  

What We Offer

• A supportive GKIM professional community.
• Opportunities to influence information standards.
• Flexible working arrangements.
  
  

Essential Criteria

• Experience or strong understanding of metadata, taxonomies, classification and information lifecycle.
• Ability to configure and use low code tools such as Power Apps, Power Query, Power BI, OneTrust and Dataverse.
• Ability to ensure low code solutions meet accessibility standards.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical audiences.
  
  

Desirable Criteria

• Experience with Power Fx.
• Experience working with digital delivery teams.
  
  

Office Closures

If your location preference is for one of the following sites, it's important to note that these are not long-term sites for HMRC and we will require you to move to a new building in the future, subject to our location strategy and the applicable employee policies at that time.

For more information on where you might be working, review this information on our locations (opens in a new window)

These Sites Are

• Telford Plaza, Telford - moving to Parkside Court, Telford
• Trinity Bridge House, Salford - moving to an alternative office in Manchester/ Salford
  
  

You will be given more information about what this means at the job offer stage.

Leeds Location

Moves Adjustment Payment will be available for this role, provided the successful applicant is a current HMRC colleague in Bradford and meets the eligibility requirements outlined in the HMRC's Moves Adjustment Payment guidance.

Further Location Information

Please ensure that you only apply for a location that you are willing and able to work from, as we will only make one offer of employment. Any additional notes included in a 'Further Location Preferences (optional)' field within the application form, will not be considered. Please be aware that you cannot change your location preference after submitting your application.

Behaviours

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

• Managing a Quality Service
• Communicating and Influencing
• Developing Self and Others
  
  

Technical skills

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

• You will be asked a technical based question.
  
  

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £37,682, HM Revenue and Customs contributes £10,916 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

HMRC operates both Flexible and Hybrid Working policies, allowing you to balance your work and personal commitments. We welcome applications from those who need to work a more flexible arrangement and will agree to requests where possible, considering our operational and customer service needs.

We offer a generous leave allowance, starting at 25 days and increasing by a day for every year of qualifying service up to a maximum of 30 days.

• Pension - We make contributions to our colleagues' Alpha pension equal to at least 28.97% of their salary.
• Family friendly policies.
• Personal support.
• Coaching and development.
  
  

To find out more about HMRC benefits and find out what it's really like to work for HMRC hear from our insiders or visit Thinking of joining the Civil Service

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 (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

How To Apply

As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide the following:

• A name-blind CV including your job history and previous experiences. Your CV should cover your last 3 roles. Give a brief summary of what you delivered and any key achievements in each role, including how you meet the Essential Criteria as outlined in the advert.
• A 500-word Personal Statement. Your Personal Statement should be used to describe how your skills and experience would be suitable for the advertised role, making reference to the Person Specification outlined in the advert.
  
  

Please evidence any Desirable Criteria where applicable (up to 250 words max). This is not essential for the role but may be considered by the vacancy holder where candidates have the same score at interview.

Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

Prior to applications being sifted candidates will be asked to complete an additional IKM assessment. Candidates will be sent details of the assessment once the advert has closed. This assessment is a pass or fail and only those who pass will be considered at the sift stage.

Sift

In the event of a large number of applications being received, an initial sift may be held on your CV.

At full sift your CV and Personal Statement will be assessed, with the successful candidates being invited to interview.

We may also raise the score required at any stage of the process if we receive a high number of applications.

Interview

During the panel interview, you will be asked behaviour-based questions to explore in detail what you are capable of based on Managing a Quality Service, Communicating and Influencing and Developing Self and Others.

You will also be asked a Technical Question in relation to IH03 - Design in Information Architecture. Please see Page 27 of the GKIM skills framework.

Interviews will take place via video link. Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.

Eligibility

Please take extra care to tick the correct boxes in the eligibility sections of your application form. Mistakes sometimes happen but if you contact us later than two working days (Monday-Friday) before the vacancy closes, we may not be able to reopen your application for you. If you do make a mistake with your eligibility form, or have withdrawn yourself in error and need your application reinstated whilst the campaign is still live, please contact us via: [email protected] - Use the subject line to insert appropriate wording for example - 'Please re-open my application - [insert vacancy ref] & vacancy closing date [insert date]'.

To check that you are eligible to apply for this role, please review the eligibility information before submitting your application .

Sponsorship

We have assessed this role against both Home Office and HMRC criteria and we are unable to offer sponsorship for a Skilled Worker Visa. This means the vacancy is not open to applicants who require visa sponsorship.

The HMRC app can help you with your application

The HMRC app can provide you with your past 5 years' employment history, making the process of filling in your application quicker and easier.

If successful in your application, you will need your National Insurance number for the onboarding process.

Download the HMRC app now and save your National Insurance number to your digital phone wallet.

How to download the HMRC app and sign up for an account

Download the free HMRC app from the App Store or Google Play store.

If you have an HMRC online account already, sign straight in using your ID and password. If not, you can prove your identity by answering some questions or providing your photo ID.

You'll then be able to access the app quickly and easily by signing in using a 6-digit PIN, your fingerprint, or facial recognition.

You can find guidance for technical issues on GOV.UK: Technical support with HMRC online services .

Reserve List

A reserve list may be held for up to 6 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles - if this applies to you, we'll let you know via your Civil Service Jobs account.

Merit List

After interview, a single merit list will be created, and you will only be considered for posts in locations you have expressed a preference for. Appointments will be made in strict merit order in line with the set number of roles in each location.

Criminal Record Check

Applications received from candidates with a criminal record are considered fairly in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice and the Recruitment of ex-offenders Policy.

Hybrid working at HMRC

HMRC is an office-based organisation, and colleagues are expected to spend 60% of their working time in the office. Our offices provide opportunity for interaction, collaboration which aids learning and development and a sense of community. Where the role allows it, and where the home environment is suitable, colleagues can work from home for up to 2 days a week, averaged over a calendar month (or a proportionate amount of time for colleagues who work less than full time).

Reasonable Adjustments

We want to make sure no one is put at a disadvantage during our recruitment process. To assist you with this, we will reduce or remove any barriers where possible and provide additional support where appropriate.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:

• Contact the UBS Recruitment team via [email protected] as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
  
  

Complete the "Assistance required" section in the "Additional requirements" page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you're deaf, a Language Service Professional.

Technical Support

If you are experiencing problems that cannot be resolved by our ' help ' section, then technical support is available. You will receive a reply in 2 working days.

Additional Security Information

Please note in addition to the standard pre-employment checks for appointment into the Civil Service, all candidates must also obtain National Security Vetting at Security Check (SC) clearance level for this vacancy. You will normally need to meet the minimum UK residency period as determined by the level of vetting being undertaken, which for SC is 5 years UK residency prior to your vetting application. If you have any questions about this residency requirement, please speak to the vacancy holder for this post.

From 1 April 2026, applicants will be required to meet updated nationality and residency requirements so that National Security Vetting (NSV) checks can be conducted. If this affects you, we will give you more information at the appropriate time.

Important information for existing HMRC contractual homeworkers

This role may be suitable for existing HMRC employees who are contractual homeworkers. Occasional attendance to the office will be required where there is a business need. Please consider the advertised office locations for this role when applying and only select locations from the 'location preferences' section that you can travel to.

Terms and Conditions

Customer facing roles in HMRC require the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English and/or Welsh where required. Where this is an essential requirement, this will be tested as part of the selection process.

HMRC has a presence in every region of the UK. For more information on where you might be working, review this information on our locations (opens in a new window) .

The Civil Service values honesty and integrity and expects all candidates to abide by these principles. The evidence you provide in your application must relate to your own experiences.

Any instances of plagiarism or other forms of cheating will be investigated and, if proven, the relevant application(s) will be withdrawn from the process.

Recording of interviews is prohibited unless explicit agreement is sought in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulations.

Questions relating to an individual application must be emailed as detailed later in this advert.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant's details held on the IFD will be refused employment.

A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

New entrants will join on the minimum of the pay band.

Please note that, if you are applying for roles on a part-time basis, the salary agreed will be pro-rata, reflective of the working hours agreed within your contract.

If you experience accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

For more Information for people applying for, or thinking of applying for, roles at HM Revenue and Customs, please see link: Working for HMRC: information for applicants - GOV.UK .

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

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a standard (or equivalent) criminal record check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).

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

Nationality Requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
  
  

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) 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 (opens in a new window).

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 (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) 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 : Information Architect Recruitment
• Email : [email protected]
  
  

Recruitment team

• Email : [email protected]
  
  

Further information

Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles. You have the right to complain if you feel there has been a breach of the Recruitment Principles. In the first instance, you should raise the matter directly via [email protected] . Please note that we do not accept complaints or appeals regarding scoring of outcomes of campaigns unless candidates can provide clear evidence that the campaign did not follow the Recruitment Principles. If you are not satisfied with the response, you may bring your complaint to the Commission. For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their website.