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GOV.UKFOI Centre Service Advisor
The National Archives
Apply before 11:55 pm on Wednesday 17th August 2022
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Knowledge and Information Management
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About the job
Summary
Domesday Book. Shakespeare’s will. Tweets from Downing Street. War time records. These are just some of the 11 million items held by The National Archives. With a collection like this – the largest in the world – it’s no surprise that we handle over five percent of all Freedom of Information (FOI) requests received by the Government.
As the FOI Centre Service Advisor, you will assist the Centre in managing and coordinating FOI requests across The National Archives. The National Archives receives FOI requests for access to closed historical information and our own corporate information.
Join us here in beautiful Kew, just 10 minutes’ walk from the Overground and Underground stations, and you can expect an excellent range of benefits. They include a pension and flexible working, as well as discounts with local businesses (e.g. beauty salons and bars). We also offer wellbeing resources (e.g. on-site therapists) and have an on-site gym, restaurant, shop and staff bar.
About the role
The role of FOI Centre Service Advisor requires an individual with good administrative skills to assist a team of FOI Researchers and Assessors, supported by FOI Team Managers, to ensure that The National Archives meets its legal obligations under FOI. You will assist in a variety of tasks to enable case officers to ensure FOI request information is managed properly; including recording new FOI requests received, responding to enquirers and communicating with FOI Centre colleagues to identify priorities, to ensure that we meet tight statutory targets.
About you
The role requires you to have excellent administrative experience, as well as the ability to organise a heavy workload. Excellent team working skills, a flexible approach and a high standard of written and verbal communication are essential too. You will also need to demonstrate the ability to work well under pressure in order to balance priorities and meet deadlines, whilst providing a professional service to the public and other government departments.
This is a full time post. However, requests for part-time working, flexible working and job share will be considered, taking into account at all times the operational needs of the Department. A combination of onsite and home working is available and applicants should be able to regularly travel to our Kew site.
We are committed to continually improving the diversity of our workforce and therefore encourage applications from people of colour, the LGBTQI+ community, the trans community, those who are neuro diverse, and those with a disability.
Job description
Responsibilities
Essential criteria:
Administrative experience of working to tight deadlines, prioritising a heavy workload and working well under pressure
Demonstrate high standard of communication, both written and verbal, with an excellent attention to detail
Excellent team-working skills and flexibility in approach to work
- Ability to use initiative and sound judgement, escalating issues as required
- Commitment to providing a professional service to the public and/or to other government departments
- Numerate, able to produce accurate statistics using Excel and other online systems
Desirable criteria:
- Knowledge of the FOI Act and related legislation
- High level of IT literacy, including strong knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint and SharePoint
- Use of case management tracking systems
SC-level Security Clearance or willingness to obtain SC clearance is mandatory for this role and requires that you have lived in the UK for the last 3 years.
How to apply:
To submit your application please click the 'Apply now' button on this page. You will be asked to write a personal statement and provide CV details. In your personal statement please explain, using examples, how you meet the three essential criteria below. You may draw on knowledge, skills, abilities, experience gained from paid work, domestic responsibilities, education, leisure interests and voluntary activities. Please note selection for interview will largely be based on the information you provide in this section so please make full use of the 1250 word count.
The other essential criteria from the job description will be assessed at interview stage.
1. Administrative experience of working to tight deadlines, prioritising a heavy workload and working well under pressure
2. Demonstrate high standard of communication, both written and verbal, with an excellent attention to detail
3. Excellent team-working skills and flexibility in approach to work
Benefits
Any move to The National Archives from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk;
Things you need to know
Security
Selection process details
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
• Contact The National Archives via careers@nationalarchives.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs
• Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles.
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : The National Archives Recruitment Team
- Email : careers@nationalarchives.gov.uk
- Telephone : 02039855979
Recruitment team :
- Email : careers@nationalarchives.gov.uk
Further information
