FOI and Parliamentary Briefing Assistant

Role Overview

This position within the External Affairs team of NHS England's Communications Team (part of the Strategy Directorate) requires a candidate with strong administrative and IT capabilities. The FOI and Parliamentary Briefing Assistant will play a critical role in supporting NHS England's Parliamentary and public accountability by managing Freedom of Information (FOI) casework and parliamentary business.

Key Responsibilities

• Logging and recording incoming FOI casework accurately.
• Utilizing advanced IT skills to generate reports and interrogate databases effectively.
• Collaborating flexibly with team members to ensure smooth workflow.
• Communicating in writing professionally, particularly when acknowledging FOI cases.
• Organizing tasks efficiently and achieving outcomes through team coordination.
• Providing support and cover for the Parliamentary Briefing Assistant as needed.
• Maintaining detailed records of all parliamentary activities and producing workload and compliance reports.
• Handling correspondence and acknowledgments directed to Members of Parliament.

Role Context

The role reports directly to the FOI Manager and may be based in Leeds, London, or any NHS England location, supporting a geographically dispersed team. It contributes directly to NHS England's statutory functions by ensuring high-quality management of parliamentary business and FOI processes.

About NHS England

NHS England carries a broad spectrum of statutory functions aimed at supporting the NHS to provide high-quality healthcare services efficiently and consistently across the country. The organization employs professionals from diverse fields including clinical services, operations, commissioning, technology, data science, cyber security, software engineering, education, and commercial disciplines.

Additional Information

• From March 2025, NHS England will be integrating fully with the Department of Health and Social Care as functions merge.
• For current NHS employees, upon successful recruitment, an Inter Authority Transfer (IAT) through the Electronic Staff Record (ESR) will be initiated to transfer employment data such as competencies, continuous service dates, and leave entitlements. Participation in this process is optional.
• Employees with assigned office locations are expected to work onsite for approximately 40% of their time.
• NHS England is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role.

Contact for Further Information

Interested candidates may seek informal discussions by contacting Sally Hall, Senior FOI and Parliamentary Business Manager, via email at sally.hall15@nhs.net.