Venesky-Brown's client, a public sector organisation in Scotland, is currently looking to recruit a Data Protection/Freedom of Information Officer for an initial 6 month contract with potential to extend on a rate of £19.89/hour PAYE. This role will be fully remote.
Responsibilities:
- Monitor, research, and respond to information requests, prioritizing to meet statutory obligations and deadlines.
- Handle calls, including difficult and demanding individuals, providing direct responses and alleviating conflicts.
- Maintain confidentiality and ensure GDPR and Data Protection compliance when handling sensitive information.
- Research, analyse, and review the Service's information sources to respond fully to information requests.
- Regularly check the Information Governance mailbox in the absence of the FOI/DP Assistant.
- Process Subject Access Requests (SARs) and Data Requests promptly and in compliance with GDPR.
- Operate a diary management system to ensure legal deadlines are met.
- Liaise, advise, and negotiate with information owners on the release of sensitive and complex information.
- Protect against inappropriate information disclosure while ensuring legislative compliance.
- Articulate the public interest test to support the use of qualified exemptions.
- Inform key contacts of legal requirements and balance legal obligations against disclosure risks.
- Manage legal risks and seek guidance where appropriate.
- Identify and advise on compliance for proactive publication of Service information.
- Write and contribute to policies and procedures, advising departments on Data Protection and FOI legislation.
- Provide written advice on complex requests and potential legislation breaches.
- Advise and contribute in writing and orally to requests for Service Information.
- Advise on statutory compliance for information storage/retention.
- Liaise with all Service Directorates on their obligations to respond to business as usual requests.
- Work with communications team/external partners on high-profile requests.
- Coordinate and participate in internal reviews as part of the statutory review procedure.
- Communicate with the Scottish Information Commissioner (OSIC) and the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) regarding Service processes and compliance.
- Attend meetings and liaise with external partners on Freedom of Information, Environmental Information, and Data Protection issues.
- Promote good practice using ICO codes of practice in relation to GDPR, Data Protection, and Freedom of Information.
- Develop and update training materials continuously.
- Project manage the improvement of the DP/FOI/EIR/Complaints/Compliments recording system.
- Conduct Privacy Impact Assessments on new systems to ensure statutory compliance.
- Stay updated on legislative changes and contribute to process improvements.
- Identify trends and advise on compliance for proactive publication of Service information.
- Supervise admin support and manage personal development plans and appraisals.
- Provide advice to internal stakeholders on all aspects of FOI, DPA/SAR, and business as usual requests.
Essential Skills:
- Professional diploma or equivalent qualification in Freedom of Information and Data Protection or related discipline
- Experience of responding to requests/correspondence
- Good written and oral communication skills and ability to communicate the legislation in an accessible way
- Ability to plan and organise workload, and manage own time effectively
- Strong team-working skills and ability to support others
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to meet tight deadlines
- Demonstrable ability to ensuring quality and accuracy of work
- Strong ICT skills, including MS Office products (including MS Excel), compile reports
- Work under pressure with strict deadlines
Desirable Skills:
- Numerate with the ability to interpret and compile statistics
- Ability to research, analyse and collate information from various sources
If you would like to hear more about this opportunity please get in touch.