Job summary
The postholder will be an Information Governance Officer with a focus on Freedom of Information. However, due to fluctuating service demands, this focus and the distribution of tasks is subject to change over time.
A list of application criteria for the role can be seen below, however please refer to the full job description and person specification attached for a comprehensive list of all criteria that may be used to assess candidates on their suitability for the role, particularly at interview stage.
Please also note that this role requires the postholder to be on site.
This advert may close early should sufficient applications be received.
Main duties of the job
The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2000 gives a general right of access to information held by public authorities. The Trust is committed to complying with the Act by responding to applications promptly, efficiently, according to the agreed procedures, and within the law. Requests under FOI must be complied with according to the Trust's procedures, the law and the timescales specified by the Act.
The post-holder will be responsible for helping to administer the FOI function efficiently and effectively to provide a high quality and responsive service. They will also provide operational support to the Information Governance (IG) function by advising on routine queries, contributing to compliance, assurance, guidance, training and cross-team activities, and developing practical knowledge of Data Protection legislation and Trust-wide arrangements, while escalating complex issues appropriately.
About us
The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. The trust-wide strategy of Strong Roots, Global Reach is our Vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the heart of everything we do. By being person-centred, digitally-enabled, and focused on sustainability, we aim to take Team King's to another level.
We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people.
King's is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Everyone's contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust's carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post-holder will undertake important administration management tasks.
Freedom of Information
- Draft highquality, legally compliant written FOI responses, including the application of relevant exemptions and public interest considerations, for review by the FOI Service Manager and/or FOI Officers.
- Occasionally analyse and interpret complex or sensitive information, making informed recommendations and escalating complex, novel or high-risk matters to the FOI Service Manager as appropriate.
- Send out final approved responses and close them on the database.
- Issue reminder emails to staff internally if the deadline to receive information back from them are (or are likely to be) exceeded. This is to enforce internal deadlines that allow for the data to be collated centrally and a response drafted within the statutory timescales. This will often require liaising and offering advice to staff on responding to and complying with requests.
- Log new requests on the database, accurately and promptly, when required, and send acknowledgment of receipt.
- Work with the FOI Service Manager to ensure that the Trusts Publication Scheme is up-to-date and easily accessible by the general public.
- Work with theFOI Officers and FOI Service Manager to maintain and update reference documents.
- Administer other procedures and processes relating to the FOI function as delegated by the FOI Service Manager.
General Information Governance
- Support the wider IG function by providing advice and assistance on routine IG queries, escalating complex or highrisk matters to senior IG colleagues as appropriate.
- Develop and maintain a working understanding of key IG legislation and standards, including data protection, confidentiality, records management and information security.
- Assist with basic IG assurance activities, such as collating information and evidence to support audits, reviews, or compliance submissions (e.g. Data Security and Protection Toolkit), as directed.
- Contribute to the maintenance of IG guidance, templates, and internal webpages, ensuring information remains accurate, current and accessible.
- Support the promotion of good information handling practices across the Trust by contributing to awarenessraising activities and training materials.
- Participate in IG meetings or working groups as required, to broaden understanding of Trustwide IG arrangements.
- Undertake crosstraining and development activities within the IG team to build knowledge and skills beyond FOI, in line with service needs.
Communication
- At all times represent the directorate in a professional and courteous way, taking appropriate action and giving feedback to other team members.
- Observe and maintain strict confidentiality of personal information relating to patients and staff at all times.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post-holder will undertake important administration management tasks.
Freedom of Information
- Draft highquality, legally compliant written FOI responses, including the application of relevant exemptions and public interest considerations, for review by the FOI Service Manager and/or FOI Officers.
- Occasionally analyse and interpret complex or sensitive information, making informed recommendations and escalating complex, novel or high-risk matters to the FOI Service Manager as appropriate.
- Send out final approved responses and close them on the database.
- Issue reminder emails to staff internally if the deadline to receive information back from them are (or are likely to be) exceeded. This is to enforce internal deadlines that allow for the data to be collated centrally and a response drafted within the statutory timescales. This will often require liaising and offering advice to staff on responding to and complying with requests.
- Log new requests on the database, accurately and promptly, when required, and send acknowledgment of receipt.
- Work with the FOI Service Manager to ensure that the Trusts Publication Scheme is up-to-date and easily accessible by the general public.
- Work with theFOI Officers and FOI Service Manager to maintain and update reference documents.
- Administer other procedures and processes relating to the FOI function as delegated by the FOI Service Manager.
General Information Governance
- Support the wider IG function by providing advice and assistance on routine IG queries, escalating complex or highrisk matters to senior IG colleagues as appropriate.
- Develop and maintain a working understanding of key IG legislation and standards, including data protection, confidentiality, records management and information security.
- Assist with basic IG assurance activities, such as collating information and evidence to support audits, reviews, or compliance submissions (e.g. Data Security and Protection Toolkit), as directed.
- Contribute to the maintenance of IG guidance, templates, and internal webpages, ensuring information remains accurate, current and accessible.
- Support the promotion of good information handling practices across the Trust by contributing to awarenessraising activities and training materials.
- Participate in IG meetings or working groups as required, to broaden understanding of Trustwide IG arrangements.
- Undertake crosstraining and development activities within the IG team to build knowledge and skills beyond FOI, in line with service needs.
Communication
- At all times represent the directorate in a professional and courteous way, taking appropriate action and giving feedback to other team members.
- Observe and maintain strict confidentiality of personal information relating to patients and staff at all times.
Person Specification
Education & Qualifications
Essential
- Degree-level education or equivalent knowledge, skills and experience.
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- FOI experience (preferably in the NHS) or demonstrable understanding of FOI legislation, including exemptions and statutory deadlines.
- Basic understanding of IG principles (confidentiality, data protection, information rights) or willingness to develop.
- Ability to analyse complex information and exercise sound judgement to develop practical, workable solutions.
- Experience working flexibly and effectively under own initiative and as part of a team.
Skills and Competencies
Essential
- High level of organisation and accuracy, with the ability to manage interruptions and follow existing procedures to the letter.
- Strong written communication skills (clear, accurate, professional drafting) and computer literacy.
- Ability to prioritise and manage competing deadlines, often under pressure and with limited resource.
Desirable
- Ability to analyse patterns, themes or trends across requests or activity to support service improvement.
Person Specification
Education & Qualifications
Essential
- Degree-level education or equivalent knowledge, skills and experience.
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- FOI experience (preferably in the NHS) or demonstrable understanding of FOI legislation, including exemptions and statutory deadlines.
- Basic understanding of IG principles (confidentiality, data protection, information rights) or willingness to develop.
- Ability to analyse complex information and exercise sound judgement to develop practical, workable solutions.
- Experience working flexibly and effectively under own initiative and as part of a team.
Skills and Competencies
Essential
- High level of organisation and accuracy, with the ability to manage interruptions and follow existing procedures to the letter.
- Strong written communication skills (clear, accurate, professional drafting) and computer literacy.
- Ability to prioritise and manage competing deadlines, often under pressure and with limited resource.
Desirable
- Ability to analyse patterns, themes or trends across requests or activity to support service improvement.
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).
Employer details
Employer name
King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address
King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Coldharbour Ln
Denmark Hill
SE5 9RS
Employer's website
https://www.kch.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
