Information Governance Officer (Freedom of Information Focused)
Information Governance Grade NHS AfC: Band 5 | Contract: Permanent | Hours: Full time – 37.5 hours per week (On-site)
Employer: King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (NHS Site) | Salary: £38,488 – £46,852 per annum (including high cost allowance) | Closing: 04/05/2026 23:59
Job Ref: 213-CORP-7939540
Main duties of the job
The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2000 gives a general right of access to information held by public authorities. The Trust is committed to complying with the Act by responding to applications promptly, efficiently, according to the agreed procedures, and within the law. Requests under FOI must be complied with according to the Trust’s procedures, the law and the timescales specified by the Act.
The post-holder will be responsible for helping to administer the FOI function efficiently and effectively, providing a high quality and responsive service. They will also provide operational support to the Information Governance (IG) function by advising on routine queries, contributing to compliance, assurance, guidance, training and cross‑team activities, and developing practical knowledge of Data Protection legislation and Trust‑wide arrangements, while escalating complex issues appropriately.
Freedom of Information
- Draft high‑quality, legally compliant written FOI responses, including the application of relevant exemptions and public interest considerations, for review by the FOI Service Manager and/or FOI Officers.
- Occasionally analyse and interpret complex or sensitive information, making informed recommendations and escalating complex, novel or high‑risk matters to the FOI Service Manager when appropriate.
- Send out final approved responses and close them on the database.
- Issue reminder emails to staff internally if the deadline to receive information back from them is exceeded, enforcing internal deadlines.
- Log new requests on the database, accurately and promptly, and send acknowledgement of receipt.
- Work with the FOI Service Manager to ensure that the Trust’s Publication Scheme is up‑to‑date and easily accessible by the general public.
- Maintain and update reference documents with the FOI Officers and FOI Service Manager.
- Administer other procedures and processes relating to the FOI function as delegated by the FOI Service Manager.
General Information Governance
- Support the wider IG function by providing advice and assistance on routine IG queries, escalating complex or high‑risk matters to senior IG colleagues when appropriate.
- Develop and maintain a working understanding of key IG legislation and standards, including data protection, confidentiality, records management and information security.
- Assist with basic IG assurance activities, such as collating information and evidence to support audits, reviews, or compliance submissions (e.g. Data Security and Protection Toolkit).
- Contribute to the maintenance of IG guidance, templates, and internal webpages, ensuring information remains accurate, current and accessible.
- Support the promotion of good information handling practices across the Trust by contributing to awareness‑raising activities and training materials.
- Participate in IG meetings or working groups as required.
- Undertake cross‑training and development activities within the IG team to build knowledge and skills beyond FOI.
Communication
- Represent the directorate in a professional and courteous way, taking appropriate action and giving feedback to other team members.
- Observe and maintain strict confidentiality of personal information relating to patients and staff at all times.
Person specification – Education & Qualifications
- Degree‑level education or equivalent knowledge, skills and experience.
Person specification – Knowledge and Experience
- FOI experience (preferably in the NHS) or demonstrable understanding of FOI legislation, including exemptions and statutory deadlines.
- Basic understanding of IG principles or willingness to develop.
- Ability to analyse complex information and exercise sound judgement to develop practical, workable solutions.
- Experience working flexibly and effectively under own initiative and as part of a team.
Person specification – Skills and Competencies
- High level of organisation and accuracy, with the ability to manage interruptions and follow existing procedures to the letter.
- Strong written communication skills (clear, accurate, professional drafting) and computer literacy.
- Ability to prioritise and manage competing deadlines, often under pressure and with limited resource.
- Ability to analyse patterns, themes or trends across requests or activity to support service improvement.
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