In-House: Excel at Complying with Freedom of Information Requests

Overview

The Freedom of Information Act is here to stay, and those responsible for managing compliance need to know what the latest developments will mean for their organisation. With the use of GDPR, and the updated Section 45 of the Government’s FOI Code of Practice, your organisation needs to assume greater responsibility in this new era of data protection and FOI enforcement.

This Excel at Complying with Freedom of Information Requests course equips you with the skills, knowledge and processes necessary to excel at 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 skilled in handling complex requests containing personal data, this training is an essential part of your preparation. Run this course for your team In-House and leave the day confident in your knowledge, abilities and responsibilities.

Run this Course In-House

Learning Outcomes

Develop a thorough understanding of FOI requirements
Understand updates to the section 45 Code of Practice
Learn how to perfect your FOI procedures
Learn how GDPR impacts FOI and its management
Examine other transparency requirements and the re-use of disclosed information
Embed effective information rights processes within your organisation
Understand how the Environmental Information Regulations (EIRs) relate to FOI

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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09:45 - 10:00

Trainer's Welcome and Clarification of Learning Objectives

10:00 - 10:45

How FOI Works and the New Code of Practice

Gain an overview of FOI responsibilities
Understand the relationship between the EIRs and FOI
Understand the role of the Information Commissioner
The implications of the new Code of Practice on managing FOI and new responsibilities

10:45 - 11:00

Morning Break

11:00 - 11:45

GDPR and FOI Requests

Receive practical legal advice for dealing with requests, information sharing and data protection compliance
Understand how the 2018 Data Protection Act affects FOI
Learn about the impact of GDPR on the management of FOI

11:45 - 13:00

Workshop: Refusing Requests – Part I

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

13:00 - 13:45

Lunch

13:45 - 14:45

Workshop: Refusing Requests – Part II

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

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