Senior Access to Information OfficerNHS

Job summary

We are looking for a Senior Access to Information Officer to provide operational support for the effective, lawful and timely processing of requests for information across the Trusts and services supported by Innovate.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong attention to detail, sound judgement and a good understanding of information rights legislation. Previous experience of managing or supporting Subject Access Requests and Freedom of Information requests is essential. The successful candidate will manage routine and more complex access to information cases, including Subject Access Requests, Access to Health Records requests and Freedom of Information requests.

The role will help ensure the service remains resilient, efficient and legally compliant, while supporting wider information governance, data protection and Cyber Assessment Framework assurance priorities.

Main duties of the job

To provide senior operational support for the effective, lawful and timely processing of requests for information across the Trusts and services supported by Innovate, including Subject Access Requests (SARs) under the UK General Data Protection Regulation and Data Protection Act 2018, requests under the Access to Health Records Act 1990 (AHRA), and Freedom of Information (FOI) requests under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

The post holder manages the more complex cases, acts as the senior point of contact and source of guidance for Access to Information Officers and the Administrator, administers the Infreemation case management system, and drives improvements in performance, quality and compliance.

*Please note, travel across sites will be required for this role.

Job description

Operational casework and statutory compliance

Process SAR, AHRA and FOI requests in line with Trust policy, statutory timescales and relevant legislation.

Lead on complex cases, high-volume or sensitive requests, third-party and deceased patient information, and requests from solicitors, police and coroners.

Review, redact and prepare disclosure packs, applying FOI exemptions, SAR restrictions and AHRA requirements; escalate complex, novel or high-risk cases to the IG Manager, Head of IG or DPO.

Record all decisions, exemptions, redactions and disclosures accurately on Infreemation, in line with the NHS Records Management Code of Practice.

Senior operational support and team guidance

Act as the first point of contact for Access to Information Officers and the Administrator, providing guidance, expertise and support on request handling, case prioritisation, disclosure decisions, redaction standards and use of Infreemation.

Support consistent case handling across the Access to Information function by sharing good practice, supporting new or less experienced staff, and escalating issues that require management decision or legal/IG review.

Oversee workload, identify cases at risk of breaching deadlines, and work with officers and services to keep requests on track.

Systems, reporting and quality assurance

Administer Infreemation: user support, workflow maintenance, templates, dashboards, data quality checks and escalation of system faults.

Produce and quality-check FOI, SAR and IG training performance reporting for the IG Manager, Information Governance Group and other committees.

Monitor performance to identify trends, backlogs and causes of delay, and recommend workflow changes that improve quality, efficiency and resilience.

Maintain reliable evidence of compliance, monitoring and improvement activity to support CAF and data protection assurance.

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Advice, communications and stakeholder management

Handle enquiries from applicants, representatives, external agencies and Trust staff by phone, email and occasionally in person, including people who are distressed, angry or dissatisfied, with tact, empathy and sound judgement

Advise staff on access to information processes and draft IG communications across both Trusts.

Alert the IG Manager, Head of IG or DPO to complaints, ICO correspondence, deadline risks and any case carrying legal, reputational or patient safety risk.

The post holder will provide day-to-day senior guidance, coaching and operational support to Access to Information Officers and the Administrator, including advice on prioritisation, case handling, disclosure standards and quality requirements.

Responsible for the safe use of Trust systems, accurate use and administration of Infreemation within agreed permissions, and safe handling of confidential, sensitive and special category information.

About us

As a growing company, Innovate has a range of benefits and opportunities to enable individuals to grow and experience a range of new challenges. Innovate has a commitment to develop staff and provide a supportive work life balance.

At Innovate, we are committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination. We recognise the benefits of transferable skills and a desire to learn. We encourage anyone who is interested in this role to get in touch, even if you do not meet all stated criteria.

Company Benefits

• Employee Assistance Programme
• Vivup staff benefits platform
• Enhanced maternity pay
• Generous annual leave package
• Flexible working
• Access to staff networks
• Volunteer leave
• Long service recognition scheme
• Buy and sell annual leave option

Please note, we may close this vacancy earlier than the stated closing date if we receive a high number of applications.