FOI Practical Training - Level 1 (Essential Knowledge)

 

Available in the Classroom & via Microsoft Teams

 

PDP Training - Classroom sessions

PDP Training - virtual sessions

 


 

FOI Practical Training - Level 1 (Essential Knowledge)

 

Course Overview:

Since the Freedom of Information Act 2000 came fully into force in 2005 there has been a fundamental change in the relationship between government and its citizens as government information has become more publicly accessible. This has led to the publication of a wide range of public sector information and dramatic expansion of available information. Information Officers are central to these developments and need to be fully aware of the Act and the impact of future changes to it.

This training session is designed to help those who are on the receiving end of requests for information and those who advise and assist them. The topics covered in this introductory level session include:

  • an overview of the Freedom of Information Act, its structure and core provisions
  • publication schemes
  • understanding the fees regime and cost limit
  • handling requests including the repeated request and vexatious exemptions
  • refusal notices
  • an overview of the exemptions and the public interest test. FOI Level 2 covers applying the exemptions in more detail than this Level 1 course.
  • key decisions from the Information Commissioner and the Information Tribunal
  • how to handle complaints
  • the key differences between the Freedom of Information Act and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIRs). For a more detailed understanding of the EIRs, we suggest attending Understanding the Environmental Information Regulations.

The morning consists of instruction on the legal provisions, with the afternoon featuring practical exercises and further instruction.

There will be plenty of opportunity for discussion and delegates are encouraged to bring queries and questions to the session, which will be fully interactive.

Attendance on this course can be used as credit towards gaining the Practitioner Certificate in Freedom of Information.

 

 
Course Trainer

Claire Hall

Claire Hall
Legal Director
VWV

Trainer's biography
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by this Trainer

Upcoming Training Dates
Virtual-LIVE (Teams)Monday, 31 March 2025
Virtual-LIVE (Teams)Monday, 12 May 2025
London (Classroom)Monday, 19 May 2025
London (Classroom)Monday, 01 September 2025
Virtual-LIVE (Teams)Monday, 06 October 2025
Bristol (Classroom)Monday, 24 November 2025


Sessions run from 10.00am to 4.00pm.

Comprehensive hardcopy course materials are provided.

Classroom Training includes a full sit-down lunch and refreshments throughout the day


Training Fees:
Classroom - £625.00 plus VAT

Virtual-LIVE (Teams) - £525.00 plus VAT

10% discount for additional delegates for this course when booked together


Who should attend:
Freedom of Information Officers, Records Management Officers, Archivists, Data Protection Officers, Information Security Managers, Compliance Officers, Public and Private Sector Lawyers, Public Authorities‚ Legal Representatives, and others.

 

 

Practitioner Certificate in Data Protection (PC.dp.)

 

Practitioner Certificate in Freedom of Information (PC.foi.)

 

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Course Testimonials


 

 

 

“Very happy with this course and the tutor, I found all aspects useful.”
Jane Spencer
DHSC

 

“Really excellent and informative session.”
Dorothy Crowe
Department of Health and Social Care

 

“This is a really informative and well-structured course.”
Julfa Islam
Ministry of Justice

 

“An informative and concise eLearning course. Well presented.”
Debbie Frame
East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust

 

“The course was very informative and delivered extremely well.”
Mark Buckley
Companies House

 

“I actually really enjoyed the course and the eLearning from home worked really well for me. I like the fact that it can be worked through at your own speed and it had a good selection of information which was great.”
Freya Austin
The Open University

 

“I thought this eLearning course was very helpful as someone who works in local government. I found it particularly good that although it is online training, there are multiple videos with a very qualified speaker in addition to written notes and self-assessments. I will definitely be considering level 2 of this course.”
Lauren Pote
City of Wolverhampton Council

 

“I liked the mix of video and written – I thought it worked well, and I’ve now booked three further courses.”
Dawn Crooks
Vehicle Certification Agency

 

“I have just completed the eLearning FOI level 1 course and found it really useful.”
Sarah Jenkins
Welsh Revenue Authority

 

“Excellent.”
Kelly Chicken
Department for Transport

 

“Very informative and engaging. The organisation as very good.”
Elizabeth Marriott
University of Westminster

 

“Excellent.”
Claire Buller
Oxfordshire County Council

 

“I found the eLearning course very informative and useful. The trainer cascaded the information very well and provided good examples.”
Gill Keel
Bristol City Council

 

“Very interesting course delivered by a knowledgeable and professional trainer.”
Jacob Apenyo
Office of the Official Solicitor

 

“Excellent trainer.”
Hirelle Moore
Isle of Man Government

 

“Excellent.”
Antonia Russell
Partnerships for Schools

 

“Very practical approach.”
Donna Birthwright
Office of Fair Trading

 

“Well-lead and very practical.”
Victoria Morgan
Waltham Forest PCT

 

“Found the Material appropriate level. Enjoyed it.”
Craig Adshead
Independent Office for Police Conduct

 

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