BCS Practitioner Certificate in Freedom of Information
Duration: 5 Days (40 Hours)
BCS Practitioner Certificate in Freedom of Information Course Overview:
The BCS Practitioner Certificate in Freedom of Information is a professional certification that validates an individual’s expertise in the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and its implementation. This certification demonstrates the holder’s ability to effectively apply information rights practices, ensuring compliance with FOIA regulations within their organization. Industries, particularly public sector organizations, rely on this certification to ensure their staff is knowledgeable about FOIA legislation. This ensures transparent public relations, upholding transparency with the public, and mitigating legal risks associated with mishandling information.
Intended Audience:
• Information rights practitioners
• Data protection officers
• Compliance managers
• Legal professionals
• Information governance staff
• Public sector employees dealing with FOI requests
• IT professionals processing data
• Records managers.
Learning Objectives of BCS Practitioner Certificate in Freedom of Information:
The primary learning objectives of the BCS Practitioner Certificate in Freedom of Information course center around providing learners with a comprehensive grasp of the legal framework associated with the UK Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and relevant related legislations. The course is structured to cultivate a skilled understanding of the principles and procedures encompassed in the management of FOIA requests. Participants will also be trained in conducting a public interest test, managing reviews and appeals, and harmonizing data protection principles with FOIA responsibilities. This in-depth comprehension is designed to empower learners to adeptly oversee FOIA compliance within their respective professional contexts.
The legislation, codes of practice and ethics within public authorities.
(5%) (K1,K2)
- State the different public authorities that are covered by the Freedom of Information Act.
- Describe the need for governance in a public authority.
- State codes of practice and legislations relevant to data in a public authority.
- Describe the difference between ethics and legislation.
The scope and principles of the Freedom of Information Act. (20%) (K2)
- Explain the purpose of the Freedom Of Information Act legislation.
- Describe the principles the FOIA legislation is based on.
- Explain the purpose of Schedule 1, showing how it is amended and applied.
- Explain the relationship between the Freedom of Information Act and the private sector.
- Explain who and what is covered by the Freedom of Information Act.
Obligations and responsibilities (30%) (K3, K4)
- Apply exemptions from disclosure.
- Explain the use of publication schemes.
- Apply knowledge of access rights including FOIA and codes of practice 2018 in handling and
- Describe fees, regulations and costs associated with a request for information.
- Apply the time deadlines to the request for information.
Disclosure, non-disclosure and exemptions. (20%) (K3)
- Apply exemptions from disclosure.
Environmental information and personal data (20%) (K2)
- Explain the Environmental Information Regulations and the relevance and differences to the FOIA.
- Explain the principles and lawful decisions in regards to the Data Protection Act.
The enforcement and appeals process (5%) (K2)
- Describe enforcement powers.
- Describe offences in relation to the disclosure of information.
- Describe the appeals process.
BCS Practitioner Certificate in Freedom of Information Course Prerequisites
• Knowledge of Freedom of Information Act
• Basic understanding of data protection principles
• Awareness of records management practices
• Familiarity with information access rights
• Prior experience in managing Freedom of Information requests
• Understanding of exemptions, public interest test, and appeal procedures.
Discover the perfect fit for your learning journey
Choose Learning Modality
Live Online
- Convenience
- Cost-effective
- Self-paced learning
- Scalability
Classroom
- Interaction and collaboration
- Networking opportunities
- Real-time feedback
- Personal attention
Onsite
- Familiar environment
- Confidentiality
- Team building
- Immediate application
Training Exclusives
This course comes with following benefits:
- Practice Labs.
- Get Trained by Certified Trainers.
- Access to the recordings of your class sessions for 90 days.
- Digital courseware
- Experience 24*7 learner support.
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