Freedom of Information/Parliamentary Questions Co-Ordinator
The Freedom of Information Coordinator (FOI) provides accurate and timely replies to FOI requests for the Finance Group. This is an exciting opportunity to work closely with Ministers and their Private Offices in a role of strategic importance to the Department.
The post holders will work with an extensive range of Finance Group (FG) teams, front-line colleagues, and Private Office. Much of the work is demand led and delivered at pace.
The post holder will be responsible for efficiently managing the flow of correspondence to and from the Central FOI Team, Focal Points, FG Leads, Private Office, Communication and Permanent Secretary and Special Advisers, to fully contribute to the end-to-end clearance of at least 90% of Freedom of Information requests within 20 days.
The Freedom of Information Act gives any person of any nationality, anywhere in the world, the right to request official information from Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and other public authorities. This right is subject to certain exemptions.
Hybrid Working
This job role may be suitable for hybrid working, which is where an employee works part of the week in their DWP office and part of the week from home. This is a voluntary, non-contractual arrangement and your office will be your contractual place of work.The number of days that anyone will be able to work at home will be determined primarily by business need, but personal circumstances and other relevant circumstances will also be taken into account. If you are successful, any opportunities for hybrid working, including whether a hybrid working arrangement is suitable for you, will be discussed with you prior to you taking up your post.
This role can be worked from the UK only and not overseas.
Predominantly this role will require the drafting and recording of Parliamentary questions (PQ'S) and Freedom of Information requests, working with teams across the Department to provide accurate and relevant responses within set timescales. In addition you will undertake (but not exclusive to) the following:
- Providing a professional first point of contact for enquiries, advice, and information to stakeholders both within and outside of the department.
- Building and maintaining effective working relationships with Ministerial Private Office, Permanent Secretary Private Office and colleagues across the department, creating a network of subject matter experts (SME) whom they will be able to call on as required. Setting a clear context and rationale for what is needed and by when.
- Responding to media enquiries and Ministerial cases, ensuring that statements and background information are clear, factual, and accurate and highlighting any issues or inconsistencies at the earliest opportunity.
- Providing briefing for both routine and ad-hoc requests (e.g. Select Committees) for Ministers and Senior Officials, and ensuring that this is tailored to the needs of the audience, is factual, accurate and consistent with Departmental steers.
- Own and improve the FOI/PQ process for Finance function, ensuring the points of contact are updated intermittently and logging and tracking of requests are accurately completed. All documents for guidance are updated and available including all process maps.
- Management of 35-40 Government Internal Audit Agency (GIAA) colleagues through a single operating platform (SOP), point of contact for escalations or guidance.
- Optimisation of FG Assets - Approval for DWP and GIAA laptops for FG and management of leavers and returning of equipment.
- Co-ordinator for Payment Services & Financial Control Learning and Development.
- Cover for local communications and business commission as and when required.