Freedom of Information Officer inHuntingdon inHuntingdon PUBLISHED 17 OCT 2024

This post is a fixed term contract for 12 months.

As a member of the Information Governance Team act as the Trusts Freedom of Information Lead, co-ordinating the management and response of incoming requests for information that fall within the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act. Using expert advice and knowledge to fulfil appropriate responses.

Administer all aspects of the FOI process, specifically:

• Co-ordinate the process for FOI requests ensuring these are delivered in accordance with the legal national standard timeframe.
• Administer the Trust's Freedom of Information system and produce periodic reports for the Information Governance Steering Group and Business and Performance Committee, as required.
• Maintain and update the Trust publication scheme and FOI Policy and procedures, in line with national legislation.
• Ensure that information available on the Trust websites in relation to individuals submitting requests to the Trust is current and up to date
• To assess the information requested / provided, which maybe complex or sensitive, to ensure it is appropriate for release, and where not, applying the appropriate exemption under the Act
• To work closely with the Directorate Lead to obtain sign-off (where required) for those qualified exemptions in the FOI Act. This will involve detailed conversations to explain how the exemption applies to the information being requested.
• Manage the internal review process when FOI responses are challenged, liaising with the Information Governance and Directorate Leads as required
• Liaise with the Communications Team, Clinical Directors, Associate Directors and Executives (where appropriate) in the event of likely media interest arising from such requests.
• Work proactively to promote FOI awareness, including dissemination of the FOI Policy and Procedure.

About us

Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for full details of responsibilities.

• Ensure that the Trust complies with its Data Protection, and Access to Records legal duties.
• Advise and assist the Board of Directors, Council of Governors and other staff on Information governance matters.
• Provide efficient, effective and proactive service and guidance to Trust staff, incorporating a range of administrative and logistical duties and Information Governance related projects, as required.
• Assist in the production of the FOI element of the Annual Report.
• Provide effective supervision to lower bands as required
• Support the administration of committee reports in relation to FOI requests.
• Participate in regular supervision in accordance with good practice guidelines and Trust policy.
• Participate in the Trusts annual appraisal process.
• Attend all relevant mandatory training as and when required to do so.