At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and respond to FOI requests, ensuring transparency and compliance.
- Company: Public sector organisation in East Lothian with a commitment to accountability.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working options, and potential for contract extension.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public transparency while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: HND or SVQ Level 4 in Business Administration or relevant experience required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 50000 € per year.
Venesky-Brown’s client, a public sector organisation in East Lothian, is currently looking to recruit a Freedom of Information Officer for an initial 6 month contract with option to extend on a rate of £175-£250/day (Inside IR35). Hybrid working/fully remote: first day onsite. All applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application and be resident in the UK.
You will manage and respond to Environmental Information and Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and supporting transparency and accountability across the organisation.
Responsibilities:- Manage and respond to information requests in line with statutory deadlines.
- Locate, retrieve and collate relevant data in response to requests, in cooperation with relevant staff.
- Ensure compliance with the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004 and related legislation.
- Liaise with internal departments to gather information and provide clear, accurate responses.
- Maintain records of information requests and produce reports for monitoring and performance purposes.
- Provide advice and guidance to staff on FOI/EIR processes and best practice.
- Provide service areas with guidance and support on whether information, held by the organisation, can be disclosed by interpreting exemption criteria together with evidence provided by service areas.
- Compose legally compliant responses to FOI/EIR requests.
- Support wider Information Governance activities, including data protection and records management where required.
- Carry out other duties as required.
- Educated to HND or SVQ Level 4 in Business Administration or other relevant discipline and/or able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge, skills and competencies gained through relevant experience.
- Strong understanding of Environmental Information and FOI legislation in Scotland and related regulatory frameworks.
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple requests and deadlines.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with attention to detail.
- Ability to work collaboratively across teams and build effective relationships.
- Experience of handling information requests through FOI(S) Act 2002, Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004.
- Experience of applying legislation and making assessments on whether information can be released.
- Experience of investigating and forming quality responses.
- Ability to produce written responses, which are well structured, accurate and of a high standard.
- Excellent IT skills – including use of Microsoft, CRM, back-office systems.
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to multi-task.
- Ability to communicate and work closely with a diverse range of stakeholders including the public, press, and Council staff.
- Ability to work on own initiative.
- Ability to prioritise work and work to targets and deadlines.
- Customer focused.
- Ability to deal with confidential information with tact and diplomacy.
- Experience in an information governance or compliance role.
- Complaint handling training.
- Complaint investigation training.
- Experience of developing processes or procedures to improve team/individual performance.
If you would like to hear more about this opportunity please get in touch.
Freedom of Information (FOI) Officer employer: Venesky Brown
As a public sector organisation in East Lothian, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises transparency and accountability. Our employees benefit from flexible hybrid working arrangements, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community through their work. Join us to be part of a team that values collaboration and is committed to upholding the highest standards of information governance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Freedom of Information (FOI) Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the public sector or those who work with FOI requests. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of FOI legislation and best practices. We recommend having examples ready that showcase your experience in managing information requests and compliance.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that FOI Officer role. We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to employers looking for talent like yours!
We think you need these skills to ace Freedom of Information (FOI) Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with FOI and Environmental Information legislation. We want to see how your skills match the job description, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to your understanding of compliance and legislation. Use bullet points if it helps to make your key skills stand out!
Showcase Your Organisational Skills:Since this role involves managing multiple requests and deadlines, be sure to mention any experience you have in handling similar tasks. We love to see examples of how you've successfully juggled responsibilities in the past!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Venesky Brown
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 and the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004. Understanding these laws will not only help you answer questions confidently but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance and transparency.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to manage multiple requests and deadlines. Think of specific situations where you successfully organised information or collaborated with teams to meet statutory deadlines, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Since the role involves liaising with various stakeholders and composing responses, being able to communicate effectively will set you apart. Consider doing mock interviews to refine your verbal communication skills.
✨Demonstrate Customer Focus
Be ready to discuss how you've handled sensitive information and dealt with diverse stakeholders in the past. Highlight your customer-focused approach and how you ensure that responses are accurate and respectful, which is key in a public sector role.
