Job summary
***Previous applicants need not apply****
The post holder will be required to ensure that the Trust has a managed and coordinated approach to proactively publising information on our Publication Scheme and compliance with all incoming requests for Freedom of Information (FOIs), the successful candidate will have an in-depth knowledge of compliance with these requests and publication scheme requirements to be able to fulfil the Trust's legal obligations in line with the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and GDPR/Data Protection Act 2018 and any associated legislation or regulation. The successful applicant will also have excellent team and communication skills to enable you to influence practice throughout the Trust including raising awareness and working with staff and senior managers to provide advice and guidance on compliance with the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and with Subject Access Requests in accordance with GDPR/Data Protection Act 2018.
We are seeking to appoint a candidate who is well organised, able to prioritise workload according to need, meet tight turnaround timeframes and able to manage competing demands, priorities and deadlines.
The role is varied, challenging and rewarding and represents an opportunity to enhance and further develop the management Freedom of Information. In return of your commitment, the Trust offers a wide range of training opportunities and career development.
Main duties of the job
An opportunity has arisen for 18 month Fixed Term Contract for a motivated, confident, organised and experienced Freedom of Information Officer to work in this busy and demanding role within the Legal Services Team at Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust with an initial focus on further developing the Trusts Publication Scheme.
You'll have the opportunity to put your own mark on the job and ensure that the public have access to relevant information we hold by working with colleagues across all areas to coordinate pro-active publication of information.
Experience of working within an NHS setting would be advantageous and a recognised qualification in FOI and/or proven experience within the above is essential.
The post holder will also be able work autonomously using their own initiative, demonstrating sound judgement with the ability to develop and improve systems and procedures, taking responsibility for own actions, where appropriate.
The post is responsible to the Senior Datix Manager and accountable to the Head of Risk and Incidents however the post holder will be expected to demonstrate independence, initiative, and innovation and possess the ability to work independently.
About us
EPUT are looking for motivated staff who share our Trust values of Open, Compassionate and Empowering. In return, EPUT can offer you a range of benefits and development including;
- Season Ticket Loans
- NHS discounts for staff
- Excellent Training facilities and opportunities
- Buying and Selling annual leave scheme
- The opportunity to work bank shifts and expand knowledge and experience in other areas
- Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars and Cycle to Work
Informal queries and visits are welcome
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the Job Description and person spec for full duties and responsibilities.
- To lead the Legal Department in the delivery of FOI applications and management/development of the Publication Scheme, co-ordinating an effective and efficient service for the Trust that meets all statutory requirements.
- To work with a high level of independence including judgement resolving, review and management of corporate documentation, registers and systems and the development of information monitoring, working closely with key leads across the Trust.
- To provide a comprehensive administration support to the Legal Department as and when required.
- To be involved with highly sensitive situations and will have proven skills in the ability to diffuse them by resolving the issues raised.
- To have or develop a wide knowledge of Freedom of Information, and Data Protection and will be responsible for maintaining that knowledge up to date.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the Job Description and person spec for full duties and responsibilities.
- To lead the Legal Department in the delivery of FOI applications and management/development of the Publication Scheme, co-ordinating an effective and efficient service for the Trust that meets all statutory requirements.
- To work with a high level of independence including judgement resolving, review and management of corporate documentation, registers and systems and the development of information monitoring, working closely with key leads across the Trust.
- To provide a comprehensive administration support to the Legal Department as and when required.
- To be involved with highly sensitive situations and will have proven skills in the ability to diffuse them by resolving the issues raised.
- To have or develop a wide knowledge of Freedom of Information, and Data Protection and will be responsible for maintaining that knowledge up to date.
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential
- Recognised qualification in any of the following: FOI (e.g. ISEB) or proven experience within the named work streams.
- NVQ/Diploma in business administration or equivalent experience knowledge.
Desirable
- Experience of working within an NHS setting.
- Secretarial qualifications equivalent to RSA 2 or EDCL Advanced.
Additional Requirements
Essential
- Ability to Travel across Trust sites as required
- Ability and willingness to travel to occasional various meetings, Trust events and training sessions across all Trust sites, as required, and outside of normal office hours
Desirable
Skills/Experience
Essential
- Proven advanced IT and keyboard skills with sound and expert knowledge of Microsoft suite of software including Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint.
- Familiarity with Adobe and other publications software
- Good oral communication skills based on fluency on the English language
- Good written communications skills with experience of drafting reports and letters and handling confidential and sensitive information and documentation for communications with people at all levels to build effective relationships.
- Ability to multi-task, define and resolve issues and make sound independent decisions.
- Ability to maintain a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail with proven data collection / collation skills.
Desirable
- The ability to pull together draft reports, data and letters, negotiating, networking and persuasive skills.
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge, experience and implementation of administration processes, systems and databases associated with work area.
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Ability to develop, establish and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders with an open communication style both on the telephone and face to face with the ability to resolve conflict / misunderstanding with tact and diplomacy
- Well organised, being able to prioritise workload according to need and to meet tight deadlines
- Enthusiastic, self-motivated, and proactive
- Experience of problem-solving and able to manage and prioritise multiple initiatives and projects
- Works as part of an effective team and promotes good team working
- Works autonomously and uses own initiative, demonstrating sound judgement with the ability to develop and improve systems and procedures, taking responsibility for own actions, where appropriate
- Shares the Trust's Beliefs and models this in their attitude and behaviour:
- Ensures that the organisational values of open, compassionate and empowering are demonstrated by self and others every day and that any matters of concern are addressed in a timely way, either directly; or raised with the relevant Line Manager; or through the relevant processes within the Trust as appropriate.
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential
- Recognised qualification in any of the following: FOI (e.g. ISEB) or proven experience within the named work streams.
- NVQ/Diploma in business administration or equivalent experience knowledge.
Desirable
- Experience of working within an NHS setting.
- Secretarial qualifications equivalent to RSA 2 or EDCL Advanced.
Additional Requirements
Essential
- Ability to Travel across Trust sites as required
- Ability and willingness to travel to occasional various meetings, Trust events and training sessions across all Trust sites, as required, and outside of normal office hours
Desirable
Skills/Experience
Essential
- Proven advanced IT and keyboard skills with sound and expert knowledge of Microsoft suite of software including Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint.
- Familiarity with Adobe and other publications software
- Good oral communication skills based on fluency on the English language
- Good written communications skills with experience of drafting reports and letters and handling confidential and sensitive information and documentation for communications with people at all levels to build effective relationships.
- Ability to multi-task, define and resolve issues and make sound independent decisions.
- Ability to maintain a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail with proven data collection / collation skills.
Desirable
- The ability to pull together draft reports, data and letters, negotiating, networking and persuasive skills.
Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge, experience and implementation of administration processes, systems and databases associated with work area.
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Ability to develop, establish and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders with an open communication style both on the telephone and face to face with the ability to resolve conflict / misunderstanding with tact and diplomacy
- Well organised, being able to prioritise workload according to need and to meet tight deadlines
- Enthusiastic, self-motivated, and proactive
- Experience of problem-solving and able to manage and prioritise multiple initiatives and projects
- Works as part of an effective team and promotes good team working
- Works autonomously and uses own initiative, demonstrating sound judgement with the ability to develop and improve systems and procedures, taking responsibility for own actions, where appropriate
- Shares the Trust's Beliefs and models this in their attitude and behaviour:
- Ensures that the organisational values of open, compassionate and empowering are demonstrated by self and others every day and that any matters of concern are addressed in a timely way, either directly; or raised with the relevant Line Manager; or through the relevant processes within the Trust as appropriate.
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).
