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FOI and Data Protection - How They Work Together |
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Available in the Classroom, Microsoft Teams and eLearning
FOI & Data Protection - How They Work Together
Course Overview:
The competing demands of Freedom of Information and Data Protection legislation in the UK present challenges for all public bodies involved in collecting, holding and disclosing personal information. Understanding the interface between Freedom of Information laws (including the Environmental Information Regulations 2004) and the General Data Protection Regulation is essential for all those involved with information management in the public sector.
This session, which is designed for people who already work with FOI issues, explains the key principles underlying the differences between FOI and data protection laws, including when personal data should and should not be released in response to subject access requests and FOI/EIR requests. Delegates who do not have an existing understanding of the basics of FOI law are recommended to attend FOI Level 1 before attending this session.
The session includes:
- knowing whether an information request should be dealt with under the GDPR/DPA 2018, or under FOI (or EIR) law (or under both sets of regimes)
- recognising and determining what is personal data
- the interpretation and practical application of the personal data exemptions (in s 40, FOI Act) and EIR exceptions (in Regulation 13, EIR))
- the legal principles governing such public access
- disclosing information about public authorities’ staff to the public
- analysing the practical implications of key decisions of the Commissioner (in future, the Information Commission), the First-Tier and Upper Tribunals, and the higher courts
This session enables delegates to understand how to manage requests for personal data, and to achieve best practice within their organisation.
It takes into account relevant changes arising from the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025.
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Course Trainer
Damien Welfare
Former Public
Law Barrister
Trainer's biography
and other courses
by this Trainer
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Upcoming Training Dates
| Virtual (Teams) | Wednesday, 26 November 2025 | | London (Classroom) | Wednesday, 21 January 2026 | | Virtual (Teams) | Thursday, 05 February 2026 | | Virtual (Teams) | Thursday, 05 March 2026 | | London (Classroom) | Wednesday, 18 March 2026 | | Virtual (Teams) | Thursday, 07 May 2026 | | London (Classroom) | Wednesday, 20 May 2026 | | Virtual (Teams) | Wednesday, 10 June 2026 | | London (Classroom) | Wednesday, 09 September 2026 | | London (Classroom) | Wednesday, 14 October 2026 | | Virtual (Teams) | Wednesday, 18 November 2026 |
Additional Information:
- Classroom/Virtual sessions run 10.00am to 4.00pm
- Hardcopy course materials provided for all training formats
- Classroom Training includes a sit-down lunch & refreshments
- eLearning available to start immediately
Training Fees:
- Classroom - £625.00 plus VAT
- Virtual-LIVE (Teams) - £525.00 plus VAT
- eLearning - £395 plus VAT
Classroom/Virtual-LIVE
10% discount for second and subsequent delegates
eLearning:
15% discount for second and subsequent delegates
Who should attend:
Information Officers, Environmental Information Officers, Freedom of Information Officers, Data Protection Officers, Information Lawyers, Legal Advisors, and others.
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Course Testimonials
“Very interesting day. It's given me a lot more confidence about applying s40, because I now understand the principles it's based on.”
Dorothy Crowe
Department of Health and Social Care
“Damien was very engaging and I feel as though I have learned so much from today. The best of the courses so far. The case studies really shed light on the intricacies of the DP and FOI and there is so much I will be taking back to my role. Thank you!”
Elizabeth Rose
Intellectual Property Office
“The training was clear, well put together and tests at the end helped my understanding.”
Pav Gill
VCA
“An informative course providing excellent detail and insight into this tricky area.”
Derek Payne
Boots UK
“The case studies and examples were most useful.”
Denise White
Eastbourne Borough Council
“Thank you – the eLearning was a great course to do and have enjoyed it!”
Hayley Silverwood
Information Governance Officer
“Excellent level of knowledge of speaker – very clearly explained.”
Athena Pavlou
Financial Ombudsman Service
“Fascinating and thought
provoking – very good.”
Jim Milner
DVLA
“Excellent!”
Fereshta Shams
General Dental Council
“Found the course very helpful in its entirety.”
Jan Lumsden
Companies House
“Excellent presenter!”
Louisa Gosling
Somerset County Council
“Thank you – the eLearning was a great course to do and have enjoyed it!”
Hayley Silverwood
Locala
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