Key Skills

Job Description

We are looking for a candidate with excellent communications skills to perform this key role in the External Affairs team of the Communications sub-directorate (part of the Strategy Directorate). Working as part of a small team, the Freedom of Information and Parliamentary Business team. The post holder will have an important role in delivering NHS England’s statutory Freedom of Information obligations. The Post Involves The routine handling of FOI requests in a busy organisation, supported by senior managers within the team to develop FOI knowledge. Actively managing FOI casework using the Central Records Management (CRM) system. Networking effectively with all the Directorates of NHS England, and the Chief Executive’s office. Ensuring that record-keeping within the area of work is effective. Being an effective advocate for the importance of FOI. The post holder will report to the Senior Freedom of Information Manager. They will not have any line management responsibility. The post is Leeds, London or any NHSE office. As Case Officer, the post holder will work as part of a busy team in delivering an effective service supporting the management of FOI requests submitted to NHSE and affiliated organisations. The post entails coordinating responses on sometimes very complex subjects and turning this information into effective and timely FOI responses. NHS England has a wide range of statutory functions, responsibilities and regulatory powers. These are focused on supporting the wider NHS to deliver high quality care, as well as doing those things that are best done once for the whole NHS. Our staff bring expertise across clinical, operational, commissioning, technology, data science, cyber security, software engineering, education, and commercial specialisms — enabling us to design and deliver high-quality NHS services. In March 2025, the Government announced that NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care will increasingly merge functions, ultimately leading to NHS England being fully integrated into the department. If you currently work within the NHS and if successful at interview, we will initiate an Inter Authority Transfer (IAT) via the Electronic Staff Record (ESR). This retrieves key data from your current or previous NHS employer to support onboarding, including competency status, Continuous Service Dates (CSD), and annual leave entitlement. You may opt out at any stage of the process. Colleagues with a contractual office base are expected to spend, on average, at least 40% of their time working in our offices. Staff recruited from outside the NHS will usually be appointed at the bottom of the pay band. We cannot offer visa sponsorship for any vacancies. For further details / informal visits contact: Name: Chloe Whiles Job title: Freedom of Information Lead Email address: [email protected]

Core Responsibilities

Handle and coordinate Freedom of Information requests for NHS England and affiliated organisations, including complex casework, and produce effective, timely responses. Maintain accurate records, use the Central Records Management system, work with directorates and the Chief Executive’s office, and promote the importance of FOI.

Requirements

The role calls for excellent communication skills and the ability to coordinate information and responses on complex subjects in a busy team. The posting does not specify formal education or years of experience; senior managers will support the successful candidate in developing FOI knowledge.