ISEB Certificate in Freedom of Information

Wembley (HA9)

23/08/10

£

1,895

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Course Overview

There is a need to provide adequate training on the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) and the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) and their implications to public and private sector organisations, as well as to individuals. The Acts contain requirements for the publication of information held by, or held on behalf of public authorities. These requirements include the publication and maintenance of publication schemes, and the need to respond to requests for information, dependent upon any appropriate exemptions.

Those experienced in Freedom of Information issues, as well as those new to the subject, need to be trained so that their organisations are confident that legal compliance is continually addressed. It is necessary to identify issues requiring expert Freedom of Information advice in good time in order that organisational reputation and credibility is enhanced through relevant information and records management policies and procedures.

Skills Gained

On completion candidates should be able to:

• appreciate Freedom of Information in its widest context
• understand the key differences and interface between the FOIA and FOISA
• develop procedures for the processing and monitoring of a request for information, from receipt to disclosure/exemption, including the calculation of fees when applicable
• understand exemptions to access and the public interest test
• understand the enforcement/legal action procedures enshrined in the Acts
• identify information likely to be requested and an understanding of the mechanism for publishing prior to request
• explain the philosophy of freedom of information and the right of access to public authority information

Prerequisites

No formal entry requirements will be required for the Certificate. However, it is expected that delegates will be familiar with the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) and the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA).

Course Outline

The syllabus comprises six parts:

1. Context - origins and background.
2. Definitions and Scope of the Acts.
3. Obligations and Responsibilities - requirements and practices.
4. Disclosure / Non-disclosure - exemptions.
5. Enforcement.
6. Related legislation.