Job summary
We are currently recruiting for a Freedom of Information Officer to join our team. Our expert team reviews and processes all FOI requests from start to finish which come into the Trust and ensure that we achieve our response times whilst maintaining the open and transparent ethos of the Trust. The team also provides guidance on how to interpret the Act and apply exemptions and liaises with the Information Commissioner's Office.
The key aspects of this role will be to log requests, maintain a register of requests and to work with all internal and third-party stakeholders to ensure that requests are responded to within the legislative timeframes. This role supports compliance with the following legislation:
- General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR EU).
- The Data Protection Act 2018.
- The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI(A))
- Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR).
- Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2015 (RPSI(R)).
Are you experienced in handling Freedom of Information requests, with excellent writing skills? Are you good at identifying and responding to client needs and wishes, supporting them across the whole FOI process? We can offer flexible working conditions, an enthusiastic and friendly team, and opportunities to learn and develop in a supportive environment. In return you should be adaptable and responsive, able to work independently and as part of the team both on site, and remotely.
Main duties of the job
- Co-ordinate information disclosure requests made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI) and Environmental Information Regulations, ensuring they are received, logged, actioned, and responded to in a timely and effective way.
- Acknowledge the request to the applicant and advise on the timescale for the response.
- To promptly contact the appropriate information holder, providing an outline of the request and a deadline for the response. If required, several or alternative information holders should be contacted, where there may be complex information requests. Should a breach occur, ensure escalation in accordance with agreed operating procedures.
- To clarify any uncertainties with the applicant promptly. Acknowledge the receipt of the clarification from the applicant and advise on amended timescales, if appropriate, forwarding the amended request to the information holder and escalating to the FOI coordinator where necessary.
- Maintain a central logging and tracking system for FOI requests received and the outcome, including details of information supplied or, if the request is exempt, which exemption was used and rationale behind this.
About us
Following the recommendations of The Cass Review Interim Report, two new nationally networked services led by specialist children's tertiary care providers are being established. The Southern Hub, based in London, is delivered by a partnership of Evelina London Children's Hospital (part of Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust), Great Ormond Street Hospital and the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust.
The Northern Hub is delivered by a partnershipof Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust and the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital (part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust). This role is based in the Southern Hub.
We are committed to promoting an environment that embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. We would like all our families and staff to feel valued and respected because we try to understand and provide for their individual needs.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience, and knowledge required. For both documents please view the attachment/s below.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience, and knowledge required. For both documents please view the attachment/s below.
Person Specification
GOSH Culture and Values
Essential
- Knowledge and understanding of diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
- Understanding of Diversity and Inclusion challenges in the workplace.
- Demonstrable contribution to advancing Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Workplace
Academic/Professional qualification/Training
Essential
- Degree level education or equivalent experience, ideally in FOI, data protection, information governance or a related subject
Experience/Knowledge
Essential
- Strong understanding of the FOI Act and related guidance and legislation
- Broad awareness of corporate and health records management issues
- Proven experience of responding to requests for information from the public and others
- Experience of liaising with senior staff within a large organisation
Desirable
- Experience of working under pressures and balancing competing demands
Skills/Abilities
Essential
- Ability to write, present and explain complex information in a professional, engaging, and accessible manner
- Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately across organisational and professional boundaries.
- High level of IT literacy including word processing, spreadsheets and databases.
- Highly organised and self-motivated, able to manage and deliver on multiple concurrent tasks.
- Effective negotiation skills
- Analytical with attention to detail and a methodical approach
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Advanced keyboard skills
Person Specification
GOSH Culture and Values
Essential
- Knowledge and understanding of diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
- Understanding of Diversity and Inclusion challenges in the workplace.
- Demonstrable contribution to advancing Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Workplace
Academic/Professional qualification/Training
Essential
- Degree level education or equivalent experience, ideally in FOI, data protection, information governance or a related subject
Experience/Knowledge
Essential
- Strong understanding of the FOI Act and related guidance and legislation
- Broad awareness of corporate and health records management issues
- Proven experience of responding to requests for information from the public and others
- Experience of liaising with senior staff within a large organisation
Desirable
- Experience of working under pressures and balancing competing demands
Skills/Abilities
Essential
- Ability to write, present and explain complex information in a professional, engaging, and accessible manner
- Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately across organisational and professional boundaries.
- High level of IT literacy including word processing, spreadsheets and databases.
- Highly organised and self-motivated, able to manage and deliver on multiple concurrent tasks.
- Effective negotiation skills
- Analytical with attention to detail and a methodical approach
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Advanced keyboard skills
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
