FOI Officer

Job summary

Are you passionate about data protection and compliance? Do you have a keen eye for detail and a strong background in managing Freedom of Information/Subject Access requests ? If so, we would love to hear from you as we offer up a 12 month fixed term and a permanent role.

As an Freedom of Information/Subject Access Request Officer, you will be responsible for overseeing the processing of Freedom of Information Requests and supporting Information Rights Requests , ensuring compliance with the relevant laws, and leading a dedicated team to enhance the Trust's data management practices. This role requires a proactive individual with excellent organisational and leadership skills, who can effectively manage and motivate a team.

Main duties of the job

Key Responsibilities:.

• Oversee the processing of Freedom of Information requests in compliance with data protection regulations, such as the UK General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018.
• Develop and implement best practices for data management and protection.
• Lead and manage a team dedicated to handling access to health records requests.
• Collaborate with various departments to ensure compliance and improve data handling processes.
• Collaborate with various departments to ensure compliance and improve data handling processes.

About us

At East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust our vision is to be widely recognised for providing safe, personal and effective care. We currently provide high quality services and treat over 600,000 people across East Lancashire and the surrounding area. We employ over 9,500 staff, many of whom are internationally renowned and have won awards for their work.

Job responsibilities

See the attached JD/PS. This is a joint role to ensure there is cross cover in place, however responsibility, day to day, will be FOI

• Extensive experience in data protection and compliance.
• Proven track record of managing access to health records and individuals information rights
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with different departments.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Educated to degree level (or equivalent)
• Data protection or Freedom of Information qualification or equivalent work experience

Experience

Essential

• Experience of dealing with difficult situationsincluding the resolution of conflict and influencing others to accept demanding outcomes

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

• Building and maintaining strong working relationships
• Strong IT skills incl use of Word, Excel, Adobe and PowerPoint
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills incl a good telephone manner
• Well-developed listening skills
• Ability to produce reports that evaluate and present complex data in an understandable way
• Able to provide and receive complex, highly sensitive or contentious information, where persuasive, motivational, negotiating, training, empathic or re-assurance skills are required
• Able to work and communicate effectively with clinical and senior divisional staff to develop strong relationships
• Knowledge of data protection principles and standards relating to healthcare data
• Handling confidential and delicate information with sensitivity

Desirable

• Understanding of the NHS and key issues affecting the service
• Excellent understanding of the NHS Governance agenda

Other

Essential

• Some flexibility in regards to working hours