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- Tasks: Lead strategic improvements in Freedom of Information practices and policies.
- Company: Public-sector organisation committed to transparency and accountability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of FOI practices and enhance organisational transparency.
- Qualifications: Experience in FOI, strong analytical skills, and ability to influence senior leaders.
- Other info: Work autonomously in a dynamic environment with opportunities for growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
A public-sector organisation is seeking an experienced Freedom of Information (FOI) professional to support a period of review, improvement and capability-building. The organisation is experiencing a continued increase in the volume and complexity of FOI and access to information requests, spanning multiple remits. As transparency expectations evolve, there is a recognised need to strengthen how FOI is understood, governed and applied across the organisation.
This Senior Executive Officer role is not about processing FOI requests or managing casework. Instead, it is a strategic improvement role, focused on reviewing current FOI practices, identifying gaps or risks, and helping the organisation move to a more confident, consistent and legally robust position.
You will bring specialist FOI expertise to:
- assess current approaches and identify areas for improvement
- develop clearer policies, frameworks and guidance
- help structure and frame public interest considerations
- design training materials to build organisational understanding
The overarching aim is to leave the organisation in a significantly stronger place.
Key Responsibilities
- Review existing FOI practices, policies and governance arrangements
- Identify gaps, inconsistencies or risks and propose practical, proportionate solutions
- Develop FOI policy frameworks and supporting guidance materials
- Create and contribute to training resources to support colleagues and senior leaders
- Advise and influence senior leaders, enabling informed and defensible decision-making
- Confidently deliver evidence-based advice, including where messages may be challenging
- Benchmark approaches with other public-sector or government bodies where helpful
You will work closely with a senior colleague, operating with a high degree of autonomy and professional judgement.
FOI Specialist in Surrey employer: Amber Employment Services Ltd
Contact Detail:
Amber Employment Services Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land FOI Specialist in Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the FOI field on LinkedIn or at industry events. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio of your previous work related to FOI practices and improvements. This will help us see your skills in action and how you can contribute to our organisation.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings; reach out to organisations directly. Express your interest in potential roles and how you can help them strengthen their FOI practices.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace FOI Specialist in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and skills that align with the FOI Specialist role. We want to see how your background fits into our mission of improving transparency and governance.
Showcase Your Expertise: Don’t hold back on showcasing your specialist FOI knowledge! We’re looking for someone who can assess current practices and propose improvements, so share specific examples of your past work in this area.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key. We appreciate straightforward language that gets to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and make sure your ideas flow logically.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application reaches us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Amber Employment Services Ltd
✨Know Your FOI Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and changes in Freedom of Information legislation. Being able to discuss recent developments or case studies will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also passionate about the field.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Since this role is all about improving practices, be ready to share examples of how you've identified gaps or risks in previous positions. Think about specific strategies you've implemented that led to positive change and be prepared to discuss them.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle certain situations, especially those involving public interest considerations. Practise articulating your thought process clearly, as this will demonstrate your ability to advise and influence senior leaders effectively.
✨Bring Training Ideas to the Table
Since part of the role involves creating training materials, think about innovative ways to build understanding within the organisation. Be ready to present a few ideas during the interview to show your proactive approach and creativity.
