Courses

Excel at Complying with Freedom of Information Requests

Confidently Deal with All Aspects of Information Requests

Chaired by Lynn Wyeth

Wednesday 25 November, 2020

09:25 - 16:15

Virtual

Run This Course In-House

This course has passed.

Overview

It is essential that public sector organisations are fully acquainted with the FOI self-assessment toolkit and the ICO’s updated guidance on refusing a request.

This virtual Excel at Complying with Freedom of Information course, led by information rights consultant and author of The Freedom of Information Officer’s Handbook, Paul Gibbons, equips delegates with the skills, knowledge and processes necessary to excel at remotely dealing with all issues surrounding information requests.

Whether you need to prepare your organisation for the latest developments, improve your request response time or become confident in handling complex requests containing personal data, this training is an essential part of your preparation.

Please note we will be using Zoom to deliver this course.

Unlocking the Power of Virtual

Our virtual courses have been designed with you in mind. From group exercises in breakout rooms to live chat, whiteboards and interactive polls, we use a range of tools and techniques to ensure that you can connect with your trainer; network and share best practice with your peers and leave the day with the skills you need.

Our courses provide you with an interactive and engaging learning environment that can be accessed from any location, helping you to continue to connect, learn and grow. Click here to discover more!

Lynn Wyeth

Information Governance Manager - Leicester City Council

Lynn is the Information Governance Manager at Leicester City Council. Having previously worked as an MP and MEP’s political assistant, Lynn moved to her local council where she now oversees the Council’s Information Governance agenda including data protection, FOI, information sharing, RIPA and CCTV.

She has also helped health organisations with their information governance procedures.

Lynn is the author of two books, A Practical Guide to Handling Freedom of Information Requests and Data Protection: Compliance in Practice.

Develop a thorough understanding of FOI requirements
Understand the updates to refusing an FOI request
Learn how to perfect your FOI procedures
Familiarise yourself with the ICO’s FOI self-assessment toolkit
Embed effective information rights processes within your organisation

All the Understanding ModernGov courses are Continuing Professional Development (CPD) certified, with signed certificates available upon request for event.

Enquire About In-House Training

To speak to someone about a bespoke training programme, please contact us:

0800 542 9414
[email protected]

Agenda

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09:25 - 09:30

Registration

09:30 - 09:45

Chair's Welcome and Clarification of Learning Objectives

09:45 - 11:00

Understanding How FOI Works

Gain an overview of FOI responsibilities
Understand the relationship between the EIRs and FOI

Learn about publication schemes and pro-active publication
The implications of the new Code of Practice on managing FOI and new responsibilities
Learn about the Information Commissioner’s new FOI strategy and their approach to enforcing FOI

11:00 - 11:15

Morning Break

11:15 - 12:00

GDPR, Data Protection and FOI Requests

Understand how the 2018 Data Protection Act affects FOI
Learn about the impact of GDPR on the management of FOI

12:00 - 13:00

Workshop: Refusing Requests – Part I

The Chair will explain how vexatious, costly and problematic requests can be dealt with, and delegates will have the opportunity to apply their learning to a series of case studies

Effectively identify and deal with vexatious requests
Apply the cost limit correctly
Understand what tools are available to manage the burden of FOI

13:00 - 13:45

Lunch

13:45 - 14:45

Workshop: Refusing Requests – Part II

The Chair will explain the exemptions in the Act, drawing delegates’ attention to relevant guidance and case law, and delegates will be asked to complete exercises designed to apply their learning

Understand the exemptions in the FOI Act
Understand how to conduct a public interest test
Know what information to include in a refusal notice
Learn about the appeals process

14:45 - 15:00

Afternoon Break

15:00 - 15:30

Managing the Practicalities of FOI

Ensure that effective procedures and systems are in place to manage FOI
Learn techniques to improve co-operation and compliance
Understand the importance of building good relationships with requesters and the media

15:30 - 16:00

Troubleshooting Session

Pose specific questions relating to FOI to the Chair who will provide tailored feedback and encourage discussion around the topics that arise

16:00 - 16:15

Feedback, Evaluation & Close