Corporate Governance Assistant

We are seeking Corporate Governance Assistant to join our small team based in the Corporate Governance Team at EDGH.

The post holder will co-ordinate and fulfil a range of administrative duties to support the effective and efficient functioning of the Freedom of Information (FOI) department.

The post holder will be expected to liaise with staff at all levels, keeping them informed of progress with FOIs and ensuring that actions required are undertaken thoroughly and on a timely basis.

The post holder will also have regular contact with the individuals requesting information.

Tact, diplomacy, and sensitivity are essential pre-requisites for this post.

The post holder will ensure that all work is carried out in compliance with National and local policies and that the Trust is compliant with Data Protection.

The post holder will be responsible for assisting the Corporate Governance Manager in the provision of management reports by ensuring that the AMS database is kept up to date in respect of open and closed FOI requests.

The post holder will be expected to work under his/her own initiative and plan their workload in accordance with the demands of the job.

1. The role will be that of supporting the Freedom of Information (FOI) Department in the management of FOIs; and under the supervision and guidance of the Senior FOI Administrator / Corporate Governance Manager, manage FOI responses, as allocated by them, commensurate with relevant experience and/or appropriate skills.

2. Acknowledge receipt of Freedom of Information requests and identify individuals or teams within the Trust that can provide the information requested. This must be undertaken as soon as possible after receipt and within two working days.

3. Once information has been received, some of which may be complex, review to identify if further information is required to complete the FOI request and seek further details as needed.

4. Using the FOI report and prioritising own workload, follow up with relevant staff when further information is due within the timescales required for each FOI request and ensure that responses are received and FOIs approved within the 20 working day timeline to ensure that FOIs do not breach.

5. Prepare the final response once all information required has been received and send to the relevant Director for approval seeking advice from the Senior FOI Administrator / Corporate Governance Manager if needed.

Please refer to the job description for more details

A wide range of staff benefits are available to our staff including staff development, enrolment in the NHS pension scheme, auto-enrolment to our Temporary Workforce Service, access to nurseries at EDGH and Conquest, staff restaurants and on-site staff accommodation.

In addition to an internal Occupational Health department, all staff also have access to free psychological support through our confidential Employee Assistance Programme which is available to staff 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Onsite parking is available from only £30 a year.

Key

**Responsibilities**:
1. The role will be that of supporting the Freedom of Information (FOI) Department in the management of FOIs; and under the supervision and guidance of the Senior FOI Administrator / Corporate Governance Manager, manage FOI responses, as allocated by them, commensurate with relevant experience and/or appropriate skills.

2. Acknowledge receipt of Freedom of Information requests and identify individuals or teams within the Trust that can provide the information requested. This must be undertaken as soon as possible after receipt and within two working days.

3. Once information has been received, some of which may be complex, review to identify if further information is required to complete the FOI request and seek further details as needed.

4. Using the FOI report and prioritising own workload, follow up with relevant staff when further information is due within the timescales required for each FOI request and ensure that responses are received and FOIs approved within the 20 working day timeline to ensure that FOIs do not breach.

5. Prepare the final response once all information required has been received and send to the relevant Director for approval seeking advice from the Senior FOI Administrator / Corporate Governance Manager if needed.

6. Once approval has been received, send the FOI response to the requester and complete the closure process on AMS that is required for all FOIs.

7. Maintain the Trust’s Disclosure log on the website ensuring that all identifiable information regarding the requester has been removed from documents published.

8. Develop a good knowledge of the Freedom of Information Act and the exemptions that can be applied.

10. Comply with and keep up to date with information governance requirements.

11. Be responsible for the maintenance of the electronic files in respect of all FOIs, ensuing that they are kept up to date and in good order.

12. Ensure all