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.