FOI/ DP Officer
- Recruiter
- Michael Page Legal
- Location
- England, London
- Salary
- Negotiable
- Posted
- 13 Jul 2017
- Closes
- 10 Aug 2017
- Ref
- 13842551/001
- Contact
- Jared Verna
- Job Title
- Risk and Compliance
- Practice Area
- Data Protection
- PQE Level
- 2-4
- Contract Type
- Temporary
- Hours
- Full Time
To manage and respond to information requests received by our client, ensuring the office meets its published corporate targets and its legal obligations under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA), the Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA) (i.e. GDPRs), the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIRs), the Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1967 (PCA).
Client Details
Our client investigates disputes and complaints that have not previously been resolved between other public sector organisations.
Description
- Proactively and independently manage a caseload of information requests of varying complexity ensuring that the request is completed within it statutory deadline and that our client achieves or exceeds its published targets. This must be done in line with the responsibilities under the legislation
- Draft accurate, tailored, customer-focused responses to information requests which set out the legislative basis for the decision clearly; place the information to be disclosed in the appropriate context; reflect the Corporate position; and protect the reputation of the business.
- To act as the first point of call for all external enquiries and staff seeking advice and support in relation to information disclosure issues to ensure all information risks are minimised.
- Develop and maintain a detailed, technical knowledge of the legislation that governs the our clients work, the FOIA, the DPA (GDPR) and how these Acts interrelate.
- Keep accurate records to provide a clear audit trail of our actions and to contribute to the interpretation of the qualitative and quantitative data in order to contribute to reporting on and evaluating the effectiveness of our clients handling of requests.
- To establish and maintain a good working relationship with all service leads/co-coordinators and the SIRO.
- To assist with the organisation's responsibilities which are enforceable by the Information Commissioner and the Information Tribunal.
- To develop and assist in the development of the organisations Publication Scheme and ensure requests are added to the disclosure log appropriately.
- To support and promote an information governance culture throughout the organisation with the implementation of the Trust's Information Assurance Policies.
Profile
Knowledge
- Knowledge of the FOI Act and the DPA and experience of interpreting and applying this legislation (essential).
- Knowledge of the Health Service Commissioners Act 1993 and the Parliamentary Commissioners Act 1967 (desirable).
- An awareness of public administration (central government in particular) or the NHS and the context in which it operates (desirable, but not essential).
Skills
- Ability to analyse complex information and reach balanced and legally compliant decisions.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Good IT skills.
- Good interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective working relationships.
- Diplomatic skills and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Experience of analysing complex written material and identifying and summarising key issues.
- Ability to work collaboratively and apply feedback.
- Able to influence others, including those outside of your direct working relationships.
- Strong motivational skills.
- Good planning and organisational skills.
- Good problem-solving skills.
- The ability to meet targets and deadlines.
Experience
- Experience of managing and responding to information requests (ideally in a public sector/ regulatory setting).
- Planning, prioritising, and organising workload to deliver against targets and tight deadlines.
- Ability to use own initiative and judgement and work effectively in a fast paced environment.
- Previous experience of working in a customer focused environment demonstrating empathy.
- Accountable for the making of decisions about the release of complex / sensitive information, in line with PHSO policies and legislative requirements. The post holder must also take into consideration any risks to the organisation in releasing information.
Job Offer
Competitive