Freedom of Information Officer
Job overview
We are currently recruiting for a Freedom of Information Officer to join our busy FOI team here at GOSH. 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.
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.
For further details on this role, please refer to the attached job description. Please ensure that you pay careful attention to the essentials and desirables of the person specification when completing your supporting statement.
For further details contact:
Mr Nikki Fountain, Business Manager at [email protected]
Main duties of the job
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)).
Working for our organisation
GOSH is committed to recruiting the best person for the job, based solely on their ability and individual merit as measured against the criteria for the role; through a process that is fair, open, consistent and free from bias and discrimination.
We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and foster a culture where all staff are valued, respected and acknowledged. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, disability status or length of time spent unemployed.
We particularly welcome applications from BAME communities, people with disabilities and/or long-term health conditions and LGBT+ community members.
We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants and employees are treated fairly and consistently. We are proud to be accredited as a Disability Confident Employer, a member of Business Disability Forum and a Stonewall Diversity Champion.
We have active and Executive supported BAME, LGBT+ and Allies, Disability and Long-Term Health Conditions and Women’s staff networks. Staff networks are employee-led groups formed around interests, issues and a common bond or background. Staff network members create a positive and inclusive work environment at Great Ormond Street Hospital by actively contributing to the Trust’s mission, values and efforts specific to inclusion.All of our staff networks are open to any employee.
Detailed job description and main 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 criteria- 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 criteria- Degree level education or equivalent experience, ideally in FOI, data protection, information governance or a related subject
Experience/Knowledge
Essential criteria- 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
- Experience of working under pressures and balancing competing demands
Skills/Abilities
Essential criteria- 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
- Analytical with attention to detail and a methodical approach
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Advanced keyboard skills
- Effective negotiation skills
Please be advised that:
The recruitment process for all admin and clerical roles at Bands 2-4 will be a two stage recruitment process whereby shortlisted candidates will undertake an online literacy, numeracy, ICT and typing test. Only those candidates who pass the competency test will proceed to a formal interview.
The closing date given is a guide only. There may be some occasions where we have to close a vacancy once sufficient applications have been received. It is therefore advisable that you submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Only those candidates who clearly demonstrate how they meet the person specification criteria for this post will be shortlisted. Please note that where high volumes of applicants have been received, additional criteria may on occasion be used to determine the final shortlist.
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).
We are an accredited Living Wage Employer.