The Access to Information Officer is a key member of the Access to Information Team, supporting the Trust's compliance with information rights legislation and promoting openness, transparency and accountability across the organisation.
The post holder will manage and coordinate requests made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA), UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA 2018), Access to Health Records Act 1990 and other relevant legislation. Working closely with clinical, operational and corporate services teams, the post holder will ensure information is identified, reviewed and disclosed appropriately within statutory timescales.
The role requires the ability to analyse complex information, interpret legislation, exercise sound judgement and provide practical advice on information governance, confidentiality and data protection matters. The post holder will contribute to compliance monitoring, performance reporting, staff training, awareness activities and service improvement initiatives.
This is an excellent opportunity for an organised, proactive and customer-focused individual who enjoys working with complex information, building effective relationships and helping the Trust meet its legal and regulatory obligations. The post holder will play an important role in protecting the rights of patients, staff and the public whilst supporting the delivery of a high-quality Access to Information service.
The Access to Information Officer plays a key role in supporting the Trust's compliance with information rights legislation and data protection requirements. Working within a busy Access to Information team, the post holder will manage and coordinate requests received under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA), UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA 2018), Access to Health Records Act 1990 and related legislation.
The successful candidate will work closely with clinical, operational and corporate services colleagues to obtain, review and prepare information for disclosure, ensuring responses are accurate, lawful and delivered within statutory timescales. They will provide advice and guidance on information rights, confidentiality, records management and data protection matters, promoting a culture of compliance and transparency.
The role involves analysing complex information, maintaining accurate records and case management systems, monitoring performance, supporting compliance reporting, audits, training and awareness activities. The post holder will also contribute to the development and continuous improvement of policies, procedures and processes that strengthen organisational compliance and service delivery.
NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group (UHL Group) was formed on 1 November 2024, born from a shared aim to improve the care we provide our communities.
We are one of the largest employers in region, with over 18,900 colleagues who are dedicated to caring for our communities - from birth and beyond.
For the 630,000 people across Merseyside, we are their local NHS. We provide general and emergency hospital care, alongside highly specialised regional services that extend to more than two million people in the North West.
We operate from five hospital sites: Aintree University Hospital is the single receiving site for adult major trauma patients in Cheshire and Merseyside, and hosts a number of regional services including an award-winning stroke facility. Broadgreen Hospital is home to several elective surgical, diagnostic and treatment services, together with specialist patient rehabilitation. Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital provide specialist services in cardiothoracic surgery, cardiology and respiratory medicine, both in the hospital and out in the community. Liverpool Women’s Hospital specialises in the health of women and babies, delivering over 7,200 babies in the UK’s largest single site maternity hospital each year. The Royal Liverpool University Hospital is the largest hospital in the country to provide inpatients with 100% single en-suite bedrooms and mainly focuses on complex planned care and specialist services.
The Access to Information Officer will support the delivery of a high-quality Access to Information and Data Protection service across the Trust, ensuring compliance with statutory, regulatory and NHS requirements relating to information rights and data protection.
The post holder will manage and coordinate requests for information received under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA), UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA 2018), Access to Health Records Act 1990 and other applicable legislation. This will involve liaising with clinical and non-clinical services to obtain relevant information, reviewing records, applying legislative requirements and preparing lawful responses within statutory timescales.
The post holder will provide specialist advice and guidance to staff on information rights, confidentiality, records management, data protection and disclosure obligations. They will support staff in understanding their responsibilities and promote best practice across the organisation.
Key responsibilities include:
Managing a caseload of complex and sensitive information requests, ensuring legal compliance and timely responses.
Reviewing and analysing records and information from multiple sources to identify relevant information for disclosure.
Building effective working relationships with services across the Trust to facilitate the retrieval and review of information.
Supporting the investigation and resolution of enquiries relating to information governance, confidentiality and information rights.
Contributing to the monitoring and reporting of compliance performance, risks and service developments.
Maintaining accurate records, databases and case management systems to evidence compliance and support audit requirements.
Assisting in the development, implementation and review of policies, procedures and guidance relating to information rights and information governance.
Supporting the delivery of Information Governance and Data Security training, awareness sessions and compliance initiatives.
Undertaking audits, reviews and monitoring activities to provide assurance and identify areas for improvement.
Keeping abreast of legislative, regulatory and NHS guidance changes and applying these within operational practice.
Working collaboratively with colleagues across Access to Information, Legal Services, Clinical Services and Corporate Departments to support organisational objectives.
The post holder will exercise sound judgement when managing sensitive and confidential information, often balancing competing priorities whilst ensuring statutory obligations are met. They will be expected to work independently, manage their own workload effectively and contribute to the continuous improvement of the Access to Information service.
Important Skills and Qualities
Essential
Excellent written communication skills with the ability to draft clear, accurate and legally robust correspondence.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to review and interpret complex information and legislation.
Excellent organisational and workload management skills.
Ability to work under pressure and meet competing deadlines.
High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.
Ability to explain complex legislation and guidance in a clear and practical manner.
Experience of working with information governance, FOI, data protection or compliance-related processes.
Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications and electronic case management systems.
Personal Qualities
Professional, approachable and customer focused.
Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
Self-motivated with the ability to work independently.
Collaborative and supportive team player.
Commitment to continuous improvement and learning.
Demonstrates integrity, discretion and sound judgement.
Committed to the principles of transparency, accountability and lawful information handling.
