Role Summary: The purpose of this role is to manage the Freedom of Information function for St Michaels Hospital. Purpose will include processing requests submitted to the department in accordancewith current legislation & policies (FOI, Your Service Your Say/Health Act 2004, and associated Regulations). As the relevant decision maker to take responsibility for administration of agreed requests, including research and retrieval of records and copying of records within the statutory timeframes. Person Specification: The successful candidate should have excellent administration and organisation skills with meticulous attention to detail. They should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to be able to build good relationships with relevant stakeholders. The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate knowledge of Freedom of Information management and knowledge of the FOI Act 2014. Essential Qualifications / Experience: Proven experience of general office procedures. Proven proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. Excellent computing and database skills and the ability to broaden computing experience with other packages. Excellent administration and organization skills with meticulous attention to detail Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills. Ability to deal with people in a compassionate and supportive manner with an emphasis on a high level of customer service Ability to work on your own initiative and as part of a team Desirable Criteria Relevant Freedom of Information qualification or intention to gain relevant FOI qualification. Working knowledge of the FOI Act 2014. Experience in the area of FOI Working knowledge of the Health Act 2004 Experience of working in a healthcare setting Professional Knowledge & Experience Demonstrate knowledge of FOI management systems and processes. Demonstrate understanding of the statutory requirements relating to Freedom of Information and demonstrate the ability to interpret the law in the context of the organisation. Demonstrate theoretical and specialist practical knowledge of relevant national policies and strategy in relation to FOI. Demonstrate an understanding of healthcare standards and their application to the healthcare setting. Demonstrate excellent MS Office skills to include, Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Communications & Interpersonal Skills Demonstrateeffective verbal and written communication skills, delivering complex information clearly, concisely and confidently to a variety of audiences Demonstrateexcellent communication and interpersonal skills in order to deal effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. Planning & Organising and Delivery of Results Demonstratethe ability to manage a range of different projects and work activities concurrently and, utilising computer technology effectively Demonstratethe ability to proactively identify areas for improvement and to develop practical solutions for their implementation. Demonstratethe ability to embrace change and adapt local work practices accordingly by finding practical ways to make policies work Demonstratethe ability to use resources effectively, challenging processes to improve efficiencies where appropriate. Evaluating Information, Problem Solving & Decision Making Demonstrateexcellent analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills The ability to quickly grasp and understand complex issues and the impact on service delivery. Demonstratethe ability to confidently explain the rationale behind decision when faced with opposition. Demonstratethe ability to make sound Demonstrateinitiative in the resolution of complex issues. Building and Maintaining Relationships including Teamwork & Leadership Skills Demonstratethe ability to build and maintain relationships with colleagues and other stakeholders and to achieve results through collaborative working. Demonstratethe ability to build influential relationships in order to establish credibility with internal and external stakeholders, regulatory and investigatory/auditing organisations. Demonstratethe ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a dynamic team and multi stakeholder environment. Demonstratethe ability to present advice independently and effectively. Demonstrateflexibility, adaptability and openness to working effectively in a changing environment. Commitment to a Quality Service Demonstrateevidence of incorporating the needs of the service user into service delivery. Demonstrateevidence of practicing and promoting a strong focus on delivering high quality customer service for internal and external customers. Demonstrate on-going FOI CPD activity. Demonstrateevidence of setting high standards of performance for self and others, ensuring accurate attention to detail and consistent adherence to procedures and current standards within area of responsibility. General Accountability: Assist in maintaining awareness of the values throughout the Hospital in relation to all activities. Assist in reviewing and updating FOI Policies, Procedures and Systems that support the needs of the hospital. Specific Accountability: To manage the day to day FOI function for St Michaels Hospital on behalf of the Quality & Risk Manager and to provide comprehensive administrative and organisational support to the Quality & Risk Manager in relation to Freedom of Information functions. Reporting Relationship: Report to and be accountable to the Quality & Risk Manager. Outline of Duties and Responsibilities: Principal Duties To give general advice to the public on how to apply for information using FOI Act 2014, Data Protection Act 2018 or administrative access. Ensure that all requests, follow up and correspondence is entered on the Department Data Base. Ensure that all applications are acknowledged within agreed timeframes. Locate, retrieve and track records. Arrange for the relevant personnel to view the records and give advice/response regarding release under relevant legislation. Where appropriate photocopy and check records which come under the scope of the request. Compile schedules of records. Arrange for method of access as per FOI legislation. Forward final decision to the requester within statutory or agreed timeframes. Acknowledge receipt of Internal Appeals within statutory or agreed timeframes of the appeal. Forward records to Quality and Risk Manager, as appropriate. Monitor all deadlines, including requests, appeals, reviews and advise appropriate senior staff when the response is due. The post holder is accountable and, responsible for delivering a quality service and ensuring patient safety. The post holder will work within a Risk Management Framework to achieve the HIQA Safer, Better Healthcare Standards and other quality standards as appropriate. Co-operate with Risk Management Programmes, Safer Better Healthcare Standards Implementation Process, the implementation of other HIQA guidelines and recommendations, and with Health & Safety Programmes and other programmes & processes as deemed relevant. The above Job Description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office. Skills: Administrator Microsoft Suite Interpersonal Skills Communication