Freedom of Information Officer

Venesky-Brown’s client, a public sector organisation in Fife, is currently looking to recruit a Freedom of Information Officer for a 6-month contract on a rate of £21.57 - £26.28/hour PAYE. This is a hybrid role.

Responsibilities:

• The Freedom of Information Officer will be the principal contact and practitioner. This includes both internally and in liaison with external partners and other bodies, as required by the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act.
• The post holder will manage the development of the FOISA Strategy and lead its implementation throughout the organisation.
• The post holder will accept, analyse, respond or prepare highly complex responses as required by fiscal process.
• The post holder will develop and implement change control measures to support the FOI process making reference to relevant legislation, guidance, case law and best practice.
• The post holder will generate, maintain, deliver and support the distribution of the user guides and training that sets out the legislative requirements and processing of FOI, in addition to providing bespoke guidance to departments and directorates regarding their own FOI practice and involvement in the publication scheme.
• The post holder will ensure that Records Management and Data Protection procedures are maintained throughout FOI compliance and process.
• The post holder will provide direction, advice, guidance and support to the Training Department in the roll out of FOI Learnpro training in addition to developing and delivering specialist, technical and procedural in-person training.
• The post holder will develop Information policies as required, and respond to legislative changes, ensuring that FOI policies and procedures are current and compliant, and in line with the current legislative frameworks.
• The post holder will provide frequent progress reports to management on all aspects of FOI, in addition to the responsibility for numerous pieces of work in collaboration with individual departments.
• The post holder will actively participate in the Information Governance Group, the eHealth Policies Group and the General Policies Group and will discharge associated actions.
• The post holder will establish relationships with relevant stakeholders to keep abreast of key issues and legislation relating to FOI.

Essential Skills:

• Extensive knowledge of personal privacy and a general awareness of business issues.
• Degree level or Professional Privacy Management Certification.
• Extensive knowledge of the application of Information Governance and Security.
• In depth knowledge of: Data protection/information governance, Information Security Management System, data flows and procedures acquired through a combination of specialist training and relevant study to degree or equivalent level.
• Ability to demonstrate integrity and effective leadership and management skills together with a proven track record of achievement in strategy and policy development and implementation.
• Ability to present to and engage a high level managerial or audience.
• Ability to travel.

Desirable Skills:

• Proven abilities demonstrating logical application, attention to detail, persistence and determination.
• Demonstrable communication skills (written, verbal and presentation).
• Demonstrate the ability to influence the behaviour of others and to value the contribution of others.
• Commercial awareness.
• Leadership and organisation skills.

If you would like to hear more about this opportunity please get in touch.