FOI and Parliamentary Briefing Officer

Job summary

We are looking for a candidate with excellent communications skills to perform this key role in the External Affairs team of the Communications sub-directorate (part of the Strategy Directorate). Working as part of a small team, the Freedom of Information and Parliamentary Business team.

The post holder will have an important role in delivering NHS England's statutory Freedom of Information obligations.

The post involves:

The routine handling of FOI requests in a busy organisation, supported by senior managers within the team to develop FOI knowledge. Actively managing FOI casework using the Central Records Management (CRM) system. Networking effectively with all the Directorates of NHS England, and the Chief Executive's office.

Ensuring that record-keeping within the area of work is effective. Being an effective advocate for the importance of FOI. The post holder will report to the Senior Freedom of Information Manager.

They will not have any line management responsibility. The post is Leeds, London or any NHSE office. Main duties of the job As Case Officer, the post holder will work as part of a busy team in delivering an effective service supporting the management of FOI requests submitted to NHSE and affiliated organisations.

The post entails coordinating responses on sometimes very complex subjects and turning this information into effective and timely FOI responses.

About us

NHS England has a wide range of statutory functions, responsibilities and regulatory powers. These are focused on supporting the wider NHS to deliver high quality care, as well as doing those things that are best done once for the whole NHS.

Our staff bring expertise across clinical, operational, commissioning, technology, data science, cyber security, software engineering, education, and commercial specialisms -- enabling us to design and deliver high-quality NHS services.

In March 2025, the Government announced that NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care will increasingly merge functions, ultimately leading to NHS England being fully integrated into the department.

If you currently work within the NHS and if successful at interview, we will initiate an Inter Authority Transfer (IAT) via the Electronic Staff Record (ESR).This retrieves key data from your current or previous NHS employer to support onboarding, including competency status, Continuous Service Dates (CSD), and annual leave entitlement.

You may opt out at any stage of the process. Colleagues with a contractual office base are expected to spend, on average, at least 40% of their time working in our offices. Staff recruited from outside the NHS will usually be appointed at the bottom of the pay band.

We cannot offer visa sponsorship for any vacancies.

Job description

Job

responsibilities

The post holder will manage responses independently, liaising with colleagues when appropriate.

Tasks include: Networking effectively with all the Directorates of NHS England, and the Chief Executives office. Actively managing cases within the FOI function Ensuring that record-keeping and knowledge management within the area of work is effective. Representing the area of work to others, internally.

Being an effective advocate for the importance of FOI. Key Functional

Responsibilities

Project Management Undertake information/project analysis. Participate in relevant internal and external working groups/projects to provide information/analyst advice and support and to maintain data collection systems for its effective use by the team. Analyse and report on data and monitor the processing of data and information.

Provides information to project lead on project and statistical information matters. Financial and Physical Resources Support and inform the requirement and targeting of resources, monitoring spend, implementing and evaluating jobs and delivery of financial recovery/savings plans by providing high quality information and analysis.

Contribute to the financial delivery of the agreed portfolio ensuring it is delivered on time. People Management (as required) Provide training, advice and support on own area of responsibility where applicable. Support training and induction of staff.

Supervises team on their day to day activities Participate in the recruitment processes Information Management Carry out timely and accurate information analysis and reporting on agreed areas of portfolio and present findings in an agreed manner. Develop and maintain databases required for the role and/or department programme.

Maintain administrative and information resources. Contribute to effective information management within the team.

Research and Development: Undertake auditing of projects, services and initiatives. Carry out web based and publications research. Actively supports and contributes to the development of key performance indicators for the successful assessment of performance.

Planning and Organisation: Support implementation of project, service, initiative through timely and relevant information analysis and administrative support, in accordance with the agreed priorities of the team.

Plan and organise meetings or events and assist in the diary management requirements of individuals in connection with portfolio of work.

Policy and Service Development: Propose changes to own project, service, and initiative work, informing policy and making recommendations for more effective delivery. Contribute to the review and development of existing project information management systems and contribute to the development of an integrated approach to project management.

Authorised signatory for travel arrangements and meeting expenses. Key Working Relationships The post holder will be required to maintain constructive relationships with a broad range of stakeholders. Work with members of the team to develop and implement project data collection systems that will provide accurate and timely data.

Communicate information and issues, including briefings and reports. You can find further details about the role, including key responsibilities and accountabilities, alongside the organisational structure and person specification in the attached Job Description and other supporting documents.

Secondments Applicants from within the NHS will be offered on a secondment basis only, agreement should be obtained from their employer prior to submitting the application.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential Educated to Degree level in a relevant subject or equivalent level of qualification or significant equivalent previous proven experience.

Knowledge and experience Essential Understanding of the Freedom of Information system and the organisation's statutory responsibilities for the FOI Act 2000 Excellent organisational skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team with a large number of overlapping tasks Willingness to work in a very busy function delivering precisely on tasks covering complex and detailed information oAbility to share of intelligence gathered from Ability to co-ordinate work with other teams and Directorates Skills Capabilities & Attributes Essential Excellent time management skills with the ability to re-prioritise Skills for communication on complex information and administrative matters, requiring developed interpersonal and oral/ written communication skills Ability to work without supervision/autonomously.

Able to work on own initiative, organising and prioritising own and others workloads to changing and often tight deadlines Demonstrate good levels of written and verbal communication, with the ability explain complicated issues fluently and persuasively