bcs practitioner certificate in freedom of information

Overview

Get Ahead
in Data Protection

with the BCS practitioner Certificate Course

Are you looking to take a step into Freedom of Information (FOI)? Do you want a leading UK qualification to cement your knowledge of the Freedom of Information Act?

If so, then take this five-day course. You’ll learn about the FOI Act and its implications, gain the knowledge and skills to manage FOI requests responsibly and ethically, and can apply what you’ve learned to your day-to-day work. You’ll learn how to confidently implement FOI policies and procedures, and will be able to provide reassurance that FOI requests will be consistently responded to in compliance with the relevant legislation. This will enhance your organisation’s reputation and credibility.

When you train with us at DPAS, you’ll get more than just the training. We’ll provide you with free policies, templates, and tools after the course has concluded, as well as a BCS associate membership for one year following successful completion of the exam included within the course price. We will also supply you with the relevant resources to help you throughout.

Explore our collection of recent testimonials, delve into our insightful case studies, and discover the extensive list of clients who have entrusted DPAS to provide exceptional staff training to their employees.

course content

PART ONE: LEGISLATION, CODES OF PRACTICE, AND ETHICS, INCLUDING:

PART TWO: THE SCOPE AND PRINCIPLES OF THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

PART THREE: OBLIGATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

PART FOUR: DISCLOSURE, NON-DISCLOSURE, AND EXEMPTIONS

PART FIVE: ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION AND PERSONAL DATA

PART SIX: ENFORCEMENT AND APPEALS

meet our trainer

Learning Outcomes

Hold a recognised qualification in Freedom of Information.

Know how specific exemptions might apply to requests for information including the application of the public interest test.

Have a clear and balanced approach to applying legal judgements in accordance with the law and relevant case law.

Understand implementation of internal management procedures to support freedom of information and environmental information legislation.  

Know the definition of the Act and how it interacts with related legislation, the Environmental Information Regulations 2004, UK-GDPR, EU-GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. 

Know how to develop internal procedures to support your authority’s compliance with the FOI Act, including those relating to internal reviews. 

Be able to apply the legislation in a practical setting relevant to your work. 

Become confident in how to prepare clear advice to colleagues as well as the public.

What's Included?

We’ll provide you with one of our highly skilled live trainers for the duration of the course. These experts currently work as DPOs or consultants, so can train you using real examples from their experience in the industry, ensuring the course is practical and reliable. 

At DPAS we’re conscious of our environmental impact. We therefore provide you with all the relevant reading materials, sample papers and courseware, online, prior to the course. This way, you can download and reuse these whenever you want.  

Though our courses are virtual, you’ll still be fully involved by participating in breakout sessions, asking questions, and sharing your experiences. You can receive valuable advice from peers in the industry, network with other delegates, and make worthwhile connections.  

Our trainers are here to help you. We will provide you with mentor support for one month after the course, to assist with any queries or issues you may have.  

join us

Upcoming courses and prices

  • 25 April
    5 days
    Session information
    Sessions
    Day 1
    Thu 25 Apr 09:00 - Thu 25 Apr 16:00
    Virtual
    Day 2
    Fri 26 Apr 09:00 - Fri 26 Apr 16:00
    Virtual
    Day 3
    Mon 29 Apr 09:00 - Mon 29 Apr 16:00
    Virtual
    Day 4
    Tue 30 Apr 09:00 - Tue 30 Apr 16:00
    Virtual
    Day 5
    Wed 01 May 09:00 - Wed 01 May 16:00
    Virtual
    Virtual
    • SPECIAL OFFER £1,350.00 excl. VAT
    • £1,800.00 excl. VAT

Similar courses

None of these dates work for you?

who should take this course?

This qualification is primarily aimed at those who are managing or responding to requests for information from the public or working in this subject area – for instance, Information Managers.

This qualification is likely to be of particular benefit to those working in the following areas:

Exam Information (only BCS courses)

One attempt at the exam is included within the course price. The DPAS Training Manager will set you up on the dedicated BCS portal, where you will book your exam. You’ll be sent a one time link to set up your exam account. 

You can take your exam at any time that suits you. It’s worth noting however, that you will need to acquaint yourself with the updated syllabus if you decide to take the exam six months after the course, or later. 

  • The exam is held via remote proctor (someone who will watch you complete it).
  • You can do this at any location convenient to you.
  • You will use your own device for the exam.
  • The exam is a 90 minute closed book exam.
  • The pass rate is 39/60 (65%).  

If you have a disability, or English is not your first language, you may be entitled to extra time, further information can be found here.  

useful course information

All of our courses are held virtually (unless otherwise stated).

All our courses are tutor-led by experienced data protection professionals.

You will need access to Microsoft Teams (MS Teams) throughout the course.

All courses will commence at 9:00am and will finish at 4:00pm.

Breaks will be scheduled throughout the day. (If you need to attend a meeting during the day, please discuss this with the trainer so they can tie this into allocated breaks.)

You will be sent a link – via email  to the Microsoft Teams meeting two to three weeks prior to the course. (Please ensure that you are able to access this before the course commences.)

All courses have a maximum of 12 delegates.

View and download all of our BCS Practitioner Certificate in Freedom of Information training resources below.

we have trained FTSE 100s Multi-National Organisations Schools Universities Councils Local Governments Agencies NHS Trusts GP Practices Retailers Charities Multi-Academy Trusts Housing Associations Ambulance Services Insurance Companies Sporting Associations Airports Retail Companies Hospitality Businesses Financial Services

WHY OUR
CUSTOMERS

CHOOSE US

WHY OUR CUSTOMERS CHOOSE US

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT

Easy to understand data privacy and information security services that are always accessable, consistenty pragmatic and continually exceeding expectations.

With a DPAS course, you’re guaranteed an expert trainer, who is not only well known in the industry, but has years of hands-on data protection experience under their belt.

Our training programmes are internationally recognised and accredited by either The Chartered Institute for IT (BCS) or Continual Professional Development (CPD) Scheme. An accredited course will look better on your CV. 

If you want to speak to clients who have experienced our range of training courses, then get in touch. We are always happy to pass on contact details of our customers – with their consent, of course!

When you train with us, you receive access to free tools, templates, policies, and more – which you can use in your organisation. We also offer one month of support after the courses to ensure your questions are answered and that you’re confident going forward.

If you want us to train your staff virtually we can! Alternatively, if you’d prefer a more interactive approach, we can come to your place of work. We will always try and fit in with you and will be more than happy to discuss options.

We can offer bespoke training created for your organisation. For example, we can simulate a cyber attack for your Senior Managers to see how they would react to a real life threat, best preparing them for those situations should they ever arise.