University Hospitals Sussex is the subject of an important Independent Maternity Review (IMR), commissioned by the Department of Health on behalf of the Secretary of State. This is due to commence in October 2026 and is expected to last at least 3 years. We expect requests for information to increase while the review is ongoing. The Freedom of Information (FOI) Team is therefore looking for a highly-motivated and experienced FOI professional to undertake the role of Senior FOI Advisor. You will be responsible for the day-to-day administration of the FOI process in line with the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Section 45 FOI Code of Practice and Trust policy and procedures; ensuring that requests for information are logged, referred and answered within the statutory time period relevant to the Act. Through the FOI process you will draft and issue releases on behalf of the Trust in response to requests for information from the media, government, public, commercial entities and patients. The FOI Office is part of the Company Secretary's Team within Corporate Governance. This is a full time, fixed-term role for 3 years.
You will be able to work independently and as part of a small team - there are five of us in total. We mostly work from home but occasionally you
may be required to work from any of the Trust's hospital sites if necessary for meetings or training. We aim to provide a supportive and efficient
service to a broad range of internal and external stakeholders. You will be able to interact with tact and diplomacy with staff at all levels to gain
agreement and cooperation regarding the processing of FOI requests. You will be able to demonstrate sensitivity and discretion when dealing
with matters that are confidential in nature. Previous experience of working in a NHS/hospital environment would be advantageous.
A main duty of the role will involve preparing information releases suitable for the public domain, so you should have excellent written
communication skills. You should have some experience of analysing, interpreting and presenting complex information - accuracy and attention
to detail is essential. You should have good computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office, specifically Word and Excel. Although you will be
provided with training, previous FOI experience is essential for this challenging role.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Candidate Pack
Internal applicants should note that this opportunity will be offered on a secondment basis. Before applying, internal colleagues must discuss the opportunity with their current line manager to confirm whether they can be released from their substantive role if successful. Release to undertake a secondment is not automatic and must be agreed between the colleague, their current line manager, and the recruiting line manager.
Please note: This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules, which set specific salary and skill thresholds. As such, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this post. Applicants will therefore need to already have the right to work in the UK to be considered. We include this information at the outset to provide clarity and avoid unnecessary inconvenience for applicants.
If you do not meet the sponsorship requirements, and you are applying using a Graduate visa as your right to work, you must have a minimum of 18 months remaining on your visa at time of application.
Support the FOI Manager in the delivery of the FOI service across the Trust and ensure compliance with the FOI Act, by taking particular responsibility for sensitive and more complex requests together with the Deputy FOI Manager.
Receive, acknowledge and log all FOI requests; referring requests to the appropriate senior members of staff, asking them to assist with the required information; ensuring staff are aware of their duties in respect of the Act, the requirement to respond and the timetable for response. Liaise with and co-ordinate staff to provide a full and comprehensive response if the FOI request is complex and covers many departments.
Maintain a detailed administration system for the recording, processing and fulfilment of requests for information made under FOI; run queries and create statistical reports as required; maintain and input data to a high level of accuracy.
Provide specialist guidance to managers on the framing and language of responses provided under the FOIA where exemptions may be applicable and how they may be applied and structured.
Keep staff and managers across the Trust updated on developments in the field of FOI and provide advice, training and support where necessary.
Ensure that FOI requests are dealt within the statutory timelines so that full compliance with the Act is maintained; provide details to the FOI Manager on a regular basis with regard to progression of enquiries and any potential breaches of FOI time limits to minimise complaints.
Receive often highly complex, sensitive or contentious information from the Trust’s departments; exercise judgement on how best to present this information and formulate a full response written to a high professional standard in easily comprehensible terms suitable for release into the public domain.
Provide advice and support to a broad range of requestors who may not able to provide a request in writing or to clarify if necessary where a FOI request is not valid, too wide or unclear under our duty to assist (s.16); negotiating revised requests where appropriate. Where necessary, inform the requesting party about any delays to the Trust response, seeking agreement for an extension where appropriate and help to avoid any escalation.
Advise requestors if the request for information should be dealt with via a different route, for instance as a Subject Access Request; or whether the request is best answered by another organisation where information is not held by the Trust and forward the request where appropriate.
Communicate directly with requestors and staff on an individual basis, over the telephone, via email or MS Teams regarding FOI requests; handle these with tact and discretion, recognising that some issues will be of a sensitive and complex nature.
Maintain constructive relationships with a range of external stakeholders, including the network of administrators carrying out similar roles across other NHS organisations, promoting a supportive and coordinated approach to the processing of FOI requests.
Being part of a small, specialist team, establish and use effective administrative working protocols and practices whilst continually reviewing and improving systems; implement the Trust’s FOI policy and contribute to improving procedures regarding FOI processing across the Trust in response to changes in FOI legislation/Code of Practice.
Develop an understanding of services across the Trust, their function and who their lead staff are. Build good working relationships with staff to ensure a consistent and efficient approach regarding the FOI process and the timely provision of information; secure agreement and co-operation from staff at all levels to ensure deadlines can be met.
Provision of information about Trust services, procedures and policies to public/patients in response to FOI requests, dealt with in a sensitive manner.
Maintain specialist knowledge about FOI legislation, the range of exemptions that can apply to requests for information and associated case law. Make informed judgements as required in relation to the use and application of exemptions available under FOI legislation where appropriate; identifying information already publicly available and information previously provided in response to other FOI requests to ensure consistency.
Carry out research (online) as a matter of routine practice in order to understand complex requests and information received from staff; monitor decisions notices and changes in guidance issued by the Information Commissioner’s Office; maintain awareness of information and data published by health sector organisations such as NHSE/I, PHE and other NHS Trusts.
Represent the work of the FOI team internally, and be an advocate for the importance of the Act and transparency within the organisation.
