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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.

Structure

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

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Event Information

Date 05-05-2025
Cost (ex VAT) From £2199 plus VAT
Location Online (live)