Logo of Huzzle

Home

Matches

Explore

Manage

Royal Navy - Senior Freedom of Information Officer

image

UK Ministry of Defence

2mo ago

  • Job
    Full-time
    Senior Level
  • Government & Politics
    People, HR & Administration
  • Portsmouth

AI generated summary

  • You should have FOI Act knowledge, stakeholder relationship skills, drafting experience, familiarity with Environmental Info Regs, Data Protection laws, contract management, and line management experience.
  • You will manage genealogy requests, oversee staff, advise on complex issues, maintain relationships with data providers, manage contracts, draft documents, track performance, and drive policy initiatives.

Requirements

  • Knowledge and experience of applying the Freedom of Information Act.
  • Experience of developing good working relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
  • Experience in preparing and drafting correspondence and/or briefing material.
  • Experience of working with the Environmental Information Regulations, Data Protection Act and General Data Protection Regulations.
  • Experience of contract management.
  • Line management experience.

Responsibilities

  • Responsible for the day-to-day management, administration and processes of genealogy requests. Direct line management of two D band staff to deliver genealogy requests and countersigning officer for one E band staff member.
  • Lead and advise on any complex or contentious issues arising from genealogy casework.
  • Advise on any political or representational issues arising from genealogy requests, working with parliamentary and communications teams to manage and ensure compliance within statutory obligations.
  • Maintain excellent working relationships with data providers, whether contracted (e.g. Restore Ltd) or colleagues within the MoD (e.g. DBS). This includes, where necessary re-negotiating deadlines for release of documentation as and when required.
  • Manage administration of contract for records contractor (Restore Ltd), including managing performance and overseeing financial processes (e.g. processing invoices).
  • Draft and manage drafting and clearance of concise, compliant response letters, public interest tests and other policy documents relating to genealogy requests.
  • Manage input from the Royal Navy to inform MOD Internal Reviews, ensuring that senior managers are kept up to date with progress and informed of the overall outcome.
  • Manage performance of the team, providing feedback to the team to improve performance and assist with their development as required.
  • Review and refine genealogy request processes, factoring in views and advice from across MoD, to ensure that the requests are being delivered in the most efficient manner.
  • Ensure the collection and compilation of statistics on genealogy requests to track and improve performance.
  • Drive progress on long-term policy work such as work relating to nuclear test veterans. This will require collaborating across the Navy (e.g. with the Naval Historical Branch and Navy Healthcare) and the MoD (e.g. the Office for Veterans Affairs) to ensure a thorough audit of relevant record stores.

FAQs

What is the location of the Senior Freedom of Information Officer position?

The position is based at Navy Command HQ in Portsmouth.

What are the working hours for this role?

The role is advertised at 37 hours per week.

How many days a week is office attendance required?

The successful candidate is expected to work in the office for a minimum of 2 to 3 days per week.

What types of records will the Freedom of Information team be managing?

The team will focus on historic service and personnel records, particularly related to genealogy requests.

What is the salary for the Senior Freedom of Information Officer role?

The salary for this position is £36,530.

Is there a pension plan associated with this position?

Yes, the Ministry of Defence contributes £10,582 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

What kind of management responsibilities does this role entail?

The successful candidate will have direct line management responsibilities for two staff, managing their work and development.

What experience is required for applicants?

Applicants should have knowledge of the Freedom of Information Act, experience in developing working relationships, and experience in contract management, among other qualifications.

Will this role support training and development?

Yes, the role offers learning and development tailored to the position.

Is there a probation period for new hires?

Yes, external recruits who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

Can applicants expect feedback after submitting their applications?

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Are relocation expenses available for this position?

No, the post does not offer relocation expenses.

Is this role open to international applicants?

No, this role does not offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa and is only open to specific groups, such as UK nationals and certain Commonwealth nationals.

What is the assessment process for applicants?

Candidates will be assessed based on Behaviours, Strengths, and Experience during the selection process.

Are there opportunities to participate in employee recognition programs?

Yes, there are opportunities for candidates to be considered for Reward and Recognition, ranging from £250 to £5,000 per year.

What types of documents might the role require drafting?

The role may involve drafting response letters, public interest tests, and other policy documents related to genealogy requests.

image

UK Ministry of Defence

Official corporate LinkedIn channel for the UK Ministry of Defence.

Defence & Aerospace
Industry
1001-5000
Employees

Mission & Purpose

We protect the security, independence and interests of the United Kingdom at home and abroad. We work with our allies and partners whenever possible. Our aim is to ensure that the UK’s Armed Forces have the training, equipment and support necessary for their work, and that we keep within budget. Our priorities 2015 to 2020 are to: protect our people project our global influence promote our prosperity maintain a strategic base and integrated global support network, and manage the Department of State