FOI and Parliamentary Briefing Officer

Job overview

We are looking for a candidate with excellent communications skills to perform this key role in the External Affairs team of the Communications sub-directorate (part of the Strategy Directorate). Working as part of a small team, the Freedom of Information and Parliamentary Business team.

The post holder will have an important role in delivering NHS England’s statutory Freedom of Information obligations.

The post involves:

• The routine handling of FOI requests in a busy organisation, supported by senior managers within the team to develop FOI knowledge.
• Actively managing FOI casework using the Central Records Management (CRM) system.
• Networking effectively with all the Directorates of NHS England, and the Chief Executive’s office.
• Ensuring that record-keeping within the area of work is effective.
• Being an effective advocate for the importance of FOI.

The post holder will report to the Senior Freedom of Information Manager. They will not have any line management responsibility. The post is Leeds, London or any NHSE office.

Main duties of the job

As Case Officer, the post holder will work as part of a busy team in delivering an effective service supporting the management of FOI requests submitted to NHSE and affiliated organisations. The post entails coordinating responses on sometimes very complex subjects and turning this information into effective and timely FOI responses.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The post holder will manage responses independently, liaising with colleagues when appropriate. Tasks include:

• Actively managing cases within the FOI function
• Ensuring that record-keeping and knowledge management within the area of work is effective.
• Representing the area of work to others, internally.

Key Functional Responsibilities Project Management

• Undertake information/project analysis.

Participate in relevant internal and external working groups/projects to provide information/analyst advice and support and to maintain data collection systems for its effective use by the team.

• Analyse and report on data and monitor the processing of data and information.
• Provides information to project lead on project and statistical information matters.

Financial and Physical Resources

• Support and inform the requirement and targeting of resources, monitoring spend, implementing and evaluating jobs and delivery of financial recovery/savings plans by providing high quality information and analysis.
• Contribute to the financial delivery of the agreed portfolio ensuring it is delivered on time.

People Management (as required)

• Provide training, advice and support on own area of responsibility where applicable.
• Support training and induction of staff.
• Supervises team on their day to day activities
• Participate in the recruitment processes

Information Management

• Carry out timely and accurate information analysis and reporting on agreed areas of portfolio and present findings in an agreed manner.
• Develop and maintain databases required for the role and/or department programme.
• Maintain administrative and information resources.
• Contribute to effective information management within the team.

Research and Development:

• Undertake auditing of projects, services and initiatives.
• Carry out web based and publications research.
• Actively supports and contributes to the development of key performance indicators for the successful assessment of performance.

Planning and Organisation:

• Support implementation of project, service, initiative through timely and relevant information analysis and administrative support, in accordance with the agreed priorities of the team.
• Plan and organise meetings or events and assist in the diary management requirements of individuals in connection with portfolio of work.

Policy and Service Development:

• Propose changes to own project, service, and initiative work, informing policy and making recommendations for more effective delivery.
• Contribute to the review and development of existing project information management systems and contribute to the development of an integrated approach to project management.
• Authorised signatory for travel arrangements and meeting expenses.

Key Working Relationships

• The post holder will be required to maintain constructive relationships with a broad range of stakeholders.
• Work with members of the team to develop and implement project data collection systems that will provide accurate and timely data.
• Communicate information and issues, including briefings and reports.

You can find further details about the role, including key responsibilities and accountabilities, alongside the organisational structure and person specification in the attached Job Description and other supporting documents.

Secondments

Applicants from within the NHS will be offered on a secondment basis only, agreement should be obtained from their employer prior to submitting the application.