Understanding the Environmental Information Regulations |
This course is available by: eLearning, Virtual-LIVE and Classroom
eLearning
PDP’s eLearning courses are facilitated via a dedicated learning platform using videos, supplementary documentation and multiple choice self-assessment questions. The content can be viewed at any time allowing delegates to train around other commitments. Find out more information on PDP’s eLearning courses. |
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Virtual-LIVE (WEBEX)
For those who prefer undertaking LIVE training remotely, PDP’s virtual courses allow delegates to interact directly with the trainer and to participate in group activities, mirroring the typical structure of Classroom sessions. |
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Classroom
This course can be attended on an in-person basis at dedicated training venues (the yellow box below lists the upcoming dates and cities). There are ample opportunities to network with other delegates during coffee breaks and at the sit-down lunch. |
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Understanding the Environmental Information Regulations
Course Overview:
The Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (‘EIR’) cover a very wide range of information requests, many of which are wrongly assumed to fall under the Freedom of Information Act.
While the scope of the EIR includes information about the most directly “green” environmental functions of the public sector, it is not restricted to them, and embraces information about a much wider range of their activities. The EIR cover land use planning, transport, waste, energy, and agriculture; but they also extend (for example) to information about housing development, nuisance, buildings maintenance, the care of cultural sites, and aspects of public health and food safety.
This course explains the meaning and scope of the EIR. It examines in detail the boundary with FOI, based on guidance and decisions, including the leading case of Henney in the Court of Appeal.
The course looks at the main differences between the EIR and the FOI Act, and why this matters. It explains which organisations are subject to the EIR, the handling of EIR requests (including mixed FOI/EIR requests), and specific issues such as the:
- express presumption in favour of disclosure
- extent to which the EIR override other legislation
- ‘aggregation’ of public interests factors in favour of non-disclosure
- duty to disseminate environmental information; and
- power to charge.
The course looks in detail at the exemptions (“exceptions”) from the EIR, many of which differ markedly from those under the FOIA. Particular issues include:
- how likely harm needs to be before certain exceptions apply; and
- the meaning of ‘emissions’, where some EIR exceptions do not apply
At the same time, the course questions the frequent assumption that requests under the EIR will necessarily lead to greater levels of disclosure than under the FOI Act.
EIR requests involving personal data are handled briefly on this course, since the topic is covered in detail in the course on FOI and Data Protection - How They Work Together.
Public authorities and their advisors, and those in the private sector to whom the EIR apply, need to understand the Regulations in order to handle information requests correctly. The course equips practitioners to recognise and handle practical issues arising under the EIR with confidence. Understanding the EIR is also an important aspect of understanding the scope of the FOI Act.
Attendance on this course can be used as credit towards gaining the Practitioner Certificate in Freedom of Information. |
Course Trainer

Damien Welfare Former Public Law Barrister
Trainer's biography and other courses by this Trainer
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Upcoming Training Dates
London (Classroom) | Friday, 20 October 2023 | Manchester (Classroom) | Friday, 03 November 2023 | Virtual LIVE (Webex) | Friday, 26 January 2024 | London (Classroom) | Friday, 23 February 2024 | Manchester (Classroom) | Friday, 22 March 2024 | Virtual LIVE (Webex) | Friday, 19 April 2024 | London (Classroom) | Friday, 17 May 2024 | Virtual LIVE (Webex) | Friday, 13 September 2024 | London (Classroom) | Friday, 18 October 2024 | Manchester (Classroom) | Friday, 01 November 2024 |
Classroom - £575.00 plus VAT
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Virtual-LIVE (WEBEX) - £495.00 plus VAT
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eLearning - £395.00 plus VAT
Classroom/Virtual-LIVE - 10.00am to 4.00pm
eLearning - available immediately via dedicated online training platform
Discounts available:
Classroom/Virtual-LIVE (WEBEX):
- 10% discount for additional delegates for this course when booked together
eLearning:
- 20% discount for additional delegates booked together (up to 5)
- Group Licences available
Who should attend:
Information Officers, Environmental Information
Officers, Information Managers, Freedom of
Information Officers, Data Protection Officers, Information Lawyers, Environmental Lawyers, Legal Advisors, Consultants and Legal advisors to private sector companies providing public services or exercising public functions, and others.
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Course Testimonials
“I found the eLearning course useful and learnt about some recent EIR case law which I know I will be able to use.” Jane Ivey Nuclear Decommissioning Authority
“Very well run course, very informative.” Alan Haycock Solihull Care Trust
“Very useful!” Jenny Brook Smith South Bucks District Council
“As an FOI practitioner this course was very enlightening and increased my knowledge of EIR. I would recommend this course to colleagues.” Julia Okpa Department for Transport
“Excellent.” Frances Pond UCE Birmingham
“Excellent, very helpful. Thanks once again PDP for an excellent course.” Grace McCalla LBSU
“Very good explanation.” Olu Adedeji NOMS
“A very informative course.” Bournemouth Water
“Excellent.” Richard Barton Ofwat
“The tutor’s knowledge was excellent and insightful.” Louise Smith Financial Ombudsman Service
“Trainer was very good and knowledgeable.” Jane Ivey HS2 Ltd
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