FOI Practitioner Certificate - Act Now

An essential qualification for the modern FOI Officer

A qualification designed for those wishing to acquire detailed knowledge of the FOIA and related legislation. The course will provide delegates with the knowledge and practical skills to enable them to become a more effective FOI Officer.

Whether delivered online or in the classroom, delegates receive all the fantastic features of the course specifically tailored for each learning environment.

The content of the course has been developed after analysing all the competencies required for the FOI Officer role. Our teaching style is based on practical and engaging workshops covering theory alongside hands-on application using case studies that equip delegates with knowledge and skills that can be used immediately

Personal tutor support throughout the course and a comprehensive online resource lab, ensure the best opportunity for success.

The course takes place over four days (one day per week) either online or in classroom, and involves lectures, discussion and practical exercises followed by a practical assessment.

Day 1: THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

Scope of FOI
Associated legislation
Publication Schemes
Transparency Agenda
Datasets and ROPSI
Right of Access
New S.45 Code
RM Code
The ICO, Enforcement and Appeals
Techniques for conducting FOI and legal research

Day 2: EXEMPTIONS AND REFUSALS (PART 1)

Exemptions in detail
Absolute exemptions
Qualified exemptions
Factors to consider
Latest ICO decisions
Tribunal cases
The Prejudice test
The Public Interest test
Case studies
Internal reviews
Drafting Refusal Notices
Common issues

Day 3: EXEMPTIONS AND REFUSALS (PART 2)

Popular exemptions
Section 36, Section 38, Section 40, Section 41 and Section 43
Contracts and Commercial information
Access to personal data
Deceased records
GDPR overlaps
Latest ICO decisions
Tribunal cases
Drafting Refusal Notices
Common requests

Day 4: THE ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION REGULATIONS

What is environmental information
Proactive publication
Right of Access
The exceptions
The Public Interest test
Latest caselaw
Drafting Refusal Notices
Being an FOI Officer
Preparing for Tribunal
ICO Powers