foundation certificate in freedom of information (FOI)

Overview

Get Ahead
in Data Protection

with the Foundation Certificate in Freedom of Information (FOI) Course

Are you looking to take a step into Freedom of Information (FOI)? Do you want to gain an understanding of the Freedom of Information Act?

If so, then take this one-day course. You’ll learn how to demonstrate a basic level of application and knowledge of the Act, and how to respond to FOI requests. It’s ideal for those wanting to enhance their knowledge of FOI within their organisation, at a level that gives you an understanding of the FOI Act, and apply it to your work. You’ll also learn how specific exemptions might apply to FOI requests, as well as the legal and regulatory frameworks that govern it. Completing this course will give those with no prior training or experience the knowledge to go on and complete the BCS Practitioner Certificate in FOI.

The course is also interactive, so you will be encouraged to ask questions throughout, and can share your real-world experiences with other attendees, discussing issues and ideas to help them within their role. You’ll also talk through real-life practice scenarios to aid with your learning, giving you a proper hands-on approach.

When you train with us at DPAS, you’ll get more than just the training. We’ll provide you with free policies, templates, and tools – after the course has concluded. We will also supply you with the relevant resources to help you throughout.

course content

unit ONE: background

unit TWO: requests

unit THREE: Other legislation

Unit four: exemptions

unit five: personal data

meet our trainer

Learning Outcomes

Familiarise delegates with the FOI Act.

Know the definition of the Act and a brief overview of how it interacts with related legislation, the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) 2004, UK-GDPR, EU-GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. 

Understand the differences between an FOI request, EIR request and a SAR.

Be familiar with the processes for managing requests and complaints.

Know how commonly used exemptions might be applied to requests for information including the application of the public interest test.

Understand the dangers of personal data in FOI requests.

What's Included?

We’ll provide you with one of our highly skilled live trainers for the duration of the course. These experts currently work as DPOs or consultants, so can train you using real examples from their experience in the industry, ensuring the course is practical and reliable. 

We don’t just deliver courses, and leave you to it. We provide you access to our online portal – which contains dozens of useful tools, templates, audits, policies, and more – all available for you to use within your organisation.

Though our courses are virtual, you’ll still be fully involved by participating in breakout sessions, asking questions, and sharing your experiences. You can receive valuable advice from peers in the industry, network with other delegates, and make worthwhile connections.  

Our trainers are here to help you. We will provide you with mentor support for one month after the course, to assist with any queries or issues you may have.  

join us

Upcoming courses and prices

  • 12 February
    1 day, 09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
    • £395.00 excl. VAT

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who should take this course?

This course is primarily aimed at those who are managing or responding to requests for information from the public or working in this subject area, for instance, Information Managers.

This qualification is likely to be of particular benefit to those working in the following areas:

useful course information

All of our courses are held virtually (unless otherwise stated).

All our courses are tutor-led by experienced data protection professionals.

You will need access to Microsoft Teams (MS Teams) throughout the course.

All courses will commence at 9:00am and will finish at 4:00pm.

Breaks will be scheduled throughout the day. (If you need to attend a meeting during the day, please discuss this with the trainer so they can tie this into allocated breaks.)

You will be sent a link – via email  to the Microsoft Teams meeting two to three weeks prior to the course. (Please ensure that you are able to access this before the course commences.)

All courses have a maximum of 12 delegates.

we have trained FTSE 100s Multi-National Organisations Schools Universities Councils Local Governments Agencies NHS Trusts GP Practices Retailers Charities Multi-Academy Trusts Housing Associations Ambulance Services Insurance Companies Sporting Associations Airports Retail Companies Hospitality Businesses Financial Services

WHY OUR
CUSTOMERS

CHOOSE US

WHY OUR CUSTOMERS CHOOSE US

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT

Easy to understand data privacy and information security services that are always accessable, consistenty pragmatic and continually exceeding expectations.

With a DPAS course, you’re guaranteed an expert trainer, who is not only well known in the industry, but has years of hands-on data protection experience under their belt.

Our training programmes are internationally recognised and accredited by either The Chartered Institute for IT (BCS) or Continual Professional Development (CPD) Scheme. An accredited course will look better on your CV. 

If you want to speak to clients who have experienced our range of training courses, then get in touch. We are always happy to pass on contact details of our customers – with their consent, of course!

When you train with us, you receive access to free tools, templates, policies, and more – which you can use in your organisation. We also offer one month of support after the courses to ensure your questions are answered and that you’re confident going forward.

If you want us to train your staff virtually we can! Alternatively, if you’d prefer a more interactive approach, we can come to your place of work. We will always try and fit in with you and will be more than happy to discuss options.

We can offer bespoke training created for your organisation. For example, we can simulate a cyber attack for your Senior Managers to see how they would react to a real life threat, best preparing them for those situations should they ever arise.