bcs practitioner certificate in freedom of information (FOI)
Overview
Get Ahead
in Data Protection
with the BCS practitioner Certificate in freedom of information (FOI) Course
Are you looking to expand your knowledge of Freedom of Information (FOI) and how to handle requests efficiently and in full compliance with the law?
Do you want a leading UK qualification to cement your understanding of the Freedom of Information Act?
If so, then this five-day Freedom of Information training course will meet your needs.
You’ll learn about the FOI Act and its implications, gain the knowledge and skills to manage FOI requests responsibly and ethically, and be able to apply what you’ve learned to your day-to-day work.
By the end of this comprehensive Freedom of Information Act training course, you’ll be able to confidently implement FOI policies and procedures, and provide reassurance that FOI requests will be consistently responded to in compliance with the relevant legislation.
As well as supporting your career progression, this FOI course will enhance your organisation’s reputation and credibility.
When you train for your FOI practitioner certificate 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.
Contact us today to learn more about the Freedom Of Information (FOI) Practitioner Certification.
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 Freedom of Information Act training to their employees.
course content
PART ONE: LEGISLATION, CODES OF PRACTICE, AND ETHICS, INCLUDING:
- Public authorities covered by Freedom of Information, and those not.
- Governance structure and importance of the roles.
- FOIA Codes of practice.
- The difference between ethics and legislation.
PART TWO: THE SCOPE AND PRINCIPLES OF THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT
- The purpose of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
- Principles of FOIA legislation.
- Schedule 1, amendments, and applications.
- FOIA and the Private Sector.
PART THREE: OBLIGATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Good practice for record management.
- Access rights and codes of practice.
- Fees, regulations, and other costs associated with a request.
PART FOUR: DISCLOSURE, NON-DISCLOSURE, AND EXEMPTIONS
- Types of exemptions.
- Prejudice, public interest, and legitimate tests.
- Applying exemptions.
PART FIVE: ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION AND PERSONAL DATA
- Environmental Information Regulations, relevancy, and difference from FOIA.
- Principles and lawful decisions with regard to the Data Protection Act.
PART SIX: ENFORCEMENT AND APPEALS
- Enforcement powers.
- Offences related to information disclosure.
- The appeals process.
meet our trainer
DPAS Trainer
Learning Outcomes
Hold a recognised Freedom of Information Act practitioner certificate.
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?
- Experienced Trainers
We’ll provide you with one of our highly skilled live trainers for the duration of the FOI 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.
- Course materials
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.
- Networking Opportunities
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 fellow delegates on the BCS FOI certificate course, and make worthwhile connections.
- Ongoing support
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.
who should take this course?
This FOI course 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:
- Solicitors advising on information law issues
- Data Protection Officers
- FOI Practitioners
- Information Governance Leads
- Data Protection and Privacy
- Information Governance, Risk, and Compliance
- Data Management
- Project Management
- Directors/Senior Managers with Data Protection responsibilities
- Legal and Procurement
Exam Information (only BCS courses)
One attempt at the BCS FOI certificate 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, but please note there is a 12 month limit from the time DPAS registers you. If you take the exam after the initial 12 months, there will be an additional charge. It’s also worth noting that if there is an extended time between the course and the exam, it would be worth checking if there has been an updated syllabus to ensure you are using the most up to date material.
- 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.
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 accessible, consistently pragmatic and continually exceeding expectations.
- Train with UK experts
With a DPAS FOI 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.
- Accredited Training Provider
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.
- Our Reputation
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!
- Free Resources & Support
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.
- Flexible Training Options
If you want us to provide Freedom of Information Act training to 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.
- Bespoke Courses
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 such situations, should they ever arise.
join us
Upcoming courses and prices
- 16 November20265 days
Sessions
Day 1
Mon 16 Nov 09:00 - Mon 16 Nov 16:00VirtualDay 2
Wed 18 Nov 09:00 - Wed 18 Nov 16:00VirtualDay 3
Thu 19 Nov 09:00 - Thu 19 Nov 16:00VirtualDay 4
Fri 20 Nov 09:00 - Fri 20 Nov 16:00VirtualDay 5
Mon 23 Nov 09:00 - Mon 23 Nov 16:00VirtualVirtual- £1,800.00 excl. VAT
- 26 January20275 days
Sessions
Day 1
Tue 26 Jan 09:00 - Tue 26 Jan 16:00VirtualDay 2
Wed 27 Jan 09:00 - Wed 27 Jan 16:00VirtualDay 3
Thu 28 Jan 09:00 - Thu 28 Jan 16:00VirtualDay 4
Fri 29 Jan 09:00 - Fri 29 Jan 16:00VirtualDay 5
Tue 02 Feb 09:00 - Tue 02 Feb 16:00VirtualVirtual- £1,800.00 excl. VAT
- 21 April20275 days
Sessions
Day 1
Wed 21 Apr 09:00 - Wed 21 Apr 16:00VirtualDay 2
Thu 22 Apr 09:00 - Thu 22 Apr 16:00VirtualDay 3
Fri 23 Apr 09:00 - Fri 23 Apr 16:00VirtualDay 4
Mon 26 Apr 09:00 - Mon 26 Apr 16:00VirtualDay 5
Tue 27 Apr 09:00 - Tue 27 Apr 16:00VirtualVirtual- £1,800.00 excl. VAT
- 6 October20275 days
Sessions
Day 1
Wed 06 Oct 09:00 - Wed 06 Oct 16:00VirtualDay 2
Thu 07 Oct 09:00 - Thu 07 Oct 16:00VirtualDay 3
Fri 08 Oct 09:00 - Fri 08 Oct 16:00VirtualDay 4
Mon 11 Oct 09:00 - Mon 11 Oct 16:00VirtualDay 5
Tue 12 Oct 09:00 - Tue 12 Oct 16:00VirtualVirtual- £1,800.00 excl. VAT
