Access to Information Officer

Job description

Job responsibilities

The Access to Information Officer will support the delivery of a high-quality Access to Information and Data Protection service across the Trust, ensuring compliance with statutory, regulatory and NHS requirements relating to information rights and data protection.

The post holder will manage and coordinate requests for information received under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA), UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA 2018), Access to Health Records Act 1990 and other applicable legislation. This will involve liaising with clinical and non-clinical services to obtain relevant information, reviewing records, applying legislative requirements and preparing lawful responses within statutory timescales.

The post holder will provide specialist advice and guidance to staff on information rights, confidentiality, records management, data protection and disclosure obligations. They will support staff in understanding their responsibilities and promote best practice across the organisation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing a caseload of complex and sensitive information requests, ensuring legal compliance and timely responses.
• Reviewing and analysing records and information from multiple sources to identify relevant information for disclosure.
• Building effective working relationships with services across the Trust to facilitate the retrieval and review of information.
• Supporting the investigation and resolution of enquiries relating to information governance, confidentiality and information rights.
• Contributing to the monitoring and reporting of compliance performance, risks and service developments.
• Maintaining accurate records, databases and case management systems to evidence compliance and support audit requirements.
• Assisting in the development, implementation and review of policies, procedures and guidance relating to information rights and information governance.
• Supporting the delivery of Information Governance and Data Security training, awareness sessions and compliance initiatives.
• Undertaking audits, reviews and monitoring activities to provide assurance and identify areas for improvement.
• Keeping abreast of legislative, regulatory and NHS guidance changes and applying these within operational practice.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across Access to Information, Legal Services, Clinical Services and Corporate Departments to support organisational objectives.

The post holder will exercise sound judgement when managing sensitive and confidential information, often balancing competing priorities whilst ensuring statutory obligations are met. They will be expected to work independently, manage their own workload effectively and contribute to the continuous improvement of the Access to Information service.

Important Skills and Qualities

Essential

• Excellent written communication skills with the ability to draft clear, accurate and legally robust correspondence.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to review and interpret complex information and legislation.
• Excellent organisational and workload management skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet competing deadlines.
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to explain complex legislation and guidance in a clear and practical manner.
• Experience of working with information governance, FOI, data protection or compliance-related processes.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications and electronic case management systems.

Personal Qualities

• Professional, approachable and customer focused.
• Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently.
• Collaborative and supportive team player.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and learning.
• Demonstrates integrity, discretion and sound judgement.
• Committed to the principles of transparency, accountability and lawful information handling.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level in relevant subject or equivalent level qualification

• A nationally recognised practitioner certificate in Freedom information / Data Protection or similar

Experience

• Previous experience of working in an Information Compliance / Corporate Governance role within the NHS or equivalent public sector organisation
• Experience of managing and processing Declarations of Interests returns and compliance with NHS Standards for Managing Conflicts of Interests within a large multidisciplinary organisation

Knowledge

• Demonstrate knowledge of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and Data Protection Legislation (DPA2018/GDPR)
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office software packages and advanced keyboard skills (ie. ECDL or equivalent)

• Understanding of governance issues related to corporate activities of a statutory organisation

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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.

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.

Employer details

Employer name

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Aintree University Hospital

Lower Lane

Fazakerley, Liverpool

L9 7AL

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.liverpoolft.nhs.uk/