About this role
Job summary
As an Access to Information Officer, your primary responsibility will be the accurate and timely processing of Subject Access Requests (SARs) and Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018, UK GDPR, Access to Health Records Act 1990, Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Common Law Duty of Confidentiality.
You will provide comprehensive administrative support to the Information Governance team, manage sensitive information securely, and work autonomously while seeking guidance from the Information Governance and Privacy Manager on complex cases or disclosure decisions.
Please note, this is an office-based role.
Main duties of the job
The Access to Information Officer supports the Information Governance Management Team to maintain and deliver the information governance work programme including but not limited to:
Data Security and Protection Toolkit Data Protection UK GDPR Common Law Duty of Confidentiality Records Management Freedom of Information Data Security Information sharing
The post holder will support the Information Governance Team to:
Process Subject Access Requests (SARs) and Freedom of Information (FOI) requests efficiently and in compliance with relevant legislation (DPA 2018, UK GDPR, AHRA 1990, FOI Act 2000). Provide administrative support to the Information Governance (IG) team.
Work autonomously, seeking guidance on complex cases or disclosures from the Line Manager.
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 ProgrammeVivup staff benefits platformEnhanced maternity payGenerous annual leave packageFlexible workingAccess to staff networksVolunteer leaveLong service recognition schemeBuy and sell annual leave optionPlease note, we may close this vacancy earlier than the stated closing date if we receive a high number of applications.
Job description Job responsibilities
Act as the primary contact for SARs and FOI enquiries, ensuring accurate logging, tracking, and timely processing.
Liaise with internal departments, healthcare professionals, and external organisations to retrieve, review, and redact records, ensuring compliance with legal and Trust requirements.
Maintain and update databases for SARs and FOI requests, monitoring progress and ensuring deadlines are met.
Provide guidance on FOI processes and support compliance with Trust policies.
Handle sensitive data, ensuring confidentiality and adherence to legal frameworks.
Prepare regular reports and maintain accurate records of all requests and actions.
Manage communication with applicants, including updates on delays or clarifications.
Assist with data preparation and reporting for governance groups and committees.
Provides straight forward information governance advice and guidance to colleagues and customers to ensure they effectively manage information.
Reviews and assists the organisation to maintain records for UK GDPR compliance requirements.
Collate evidence and examines for compliance with standards, statutory controls, or management directives. Identifies, escalates, and documents issues of non-compliance.
Ensure timely completion of SARs and FOI requests in line with legal
requirements.
Person Specification
Experience Desirable
Experience in processing Subject Access Requests (SARs) and Freedom of Information (FOI) requests in line with legal requirements.
Qualifications Essential
Educated to GCSE level or equivalent, including Maths and English.
What we are looking for in our people Essential
Ability to follow and apply organisational policies and procedures related to information governance. Proficiency in using IT systems Effective and approachable communicator, adaptable to different audiences. High attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy. Self-motivated with the ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines. Team player with a collaborative approach to achieving shared goals. Familiarity with handling sensitive information and maintaining confidentiality. Experience in managing administrative tasks efficiently under pressure. Willingness to develop knowledge and skills through professional development opportunities. Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities and tasks.
Desirable
Knowledge of UK GDPR, Data Protection Act 2018, and Freedom of Information Act 2000. General understanding of the Caldicott Principles, NHS Code of Practice: Confidentiality, and Common Law Duty of Confidentiality. Awareness of records management principles and best practices. Basic knowledge of current and emerging technologies related to data security and governance. Confident in providing straightforward advice on IG-related matters to colleagues and stakeholders. Ability to interpret and apply IG legislation and guidance to day-to-day tasks. Ability to travel across multiple sites as required.
Employer details Employer name Innovate Healthcare Services
Address Warwick Hospital
Lakin Road
Warwick
Warwickshire
CV34 5BW
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.innovatehs.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)