FOI Training Course | FOI Practical Training Level 1 - Essential Knowledge | Freedom of Information Workshops - answers to your questions about Freedom of Information Act 2000, FOI law and compliance w/ Associate with Dickinson Dees LLP. Courses in London, Manchester UK & Belfast Northern Ireland.

Freedom of Information

PDP's legal notice

Updated: 04/07/08

Delivered in a small workshop and facilitated by two experts - there was excellent group participation and input on the Freedom of Information Act
Mark Stradling – Corporate Strategy Officer Daventry District Council

The small size of the group and the knowledge of the course leader meant that all my questions were answered and I returned to work with more confidence than I had before
Terry McCarthy –
Head of Casework Parole Board for England and Wales

Generally very well run course. Very competent and clear lecturer

Phillip Simons
Information Manager,
National Coordinating Centre for Health Technology Assessment ( NCCHTA )

Very practical approach

Donna Birthwright

Office of Fair Trading

Very well presented. Jackie made a ‘boring subject’ interesting, particularly as she is so knowledgeable

Lesley Roe

Luton Borough Council

Excellent

Antonia Russell

Partnerships for Schools

Very good Workshop, set at the right level – I will recommend this course to colleagues

Steven Mokogwu

Office of Manpower Economics

FOI Practical Training Level 1 - Essential Knowledge Training courses in London

FOI Workshop w/ Jackie Gray, Associate with Dickinson Dees LLP.

We are experiencing a fundamental change in the relationship between UK government and its citizens. Information officers are central to this change and need to be fully aware of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, which came into force on 1st January 2005.

This Workshop is designed to help those who will be on the receiving end of requests for information and those who advise and assist them.

Course content - topics covered will include:

An overview of the Freedom of Information Act, its structure and core provisions.
How to identify requests and compile responses to requests. What will requests look like? What information needs to be provided with a request? How will the fee regime work? What needs to go into a response?
How to use the key exemptions and, in particular, what the public interest test means.
A comparison with access rights under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 and the Data Protection Act 1998.
The relationship between Data Protection and Freedom of Information.
The process of enforcement and appeals. What happens if things go wrong e.g. responses are late, inadequate or incorrect. Potential risks for public sector employees with new criminal offences under the Act.

The morning will consist 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.

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

Location & Dates:
London Wednesday, 8th October 2008

Venue:
To be confirmed 14 days before the course date

Timing:
Short Day – 10.00am to 4pm ( lunch included )

CPD:
Accredited by the Law Society with 5 hours CPD

Fee:
£345 plus VAT ( £405.37 )

Discount: attend this Workshop plus FOI Practical Training Level 2 - Applying the Exemptions for the special rate of £595 plus VAT (£699.13)

Reserve your place, at the FOI Workshop:

:: Please complete the online application form
:: Download PDF brochure / booking form
:: Telephone the Training Booking Line on: +44 (0)845-226 5723

I found the course very useful. It was innovative on many different levels. First, it was good to restrict numbers - this led to a relaxed atmosphere in which each delegate felt free to interject with questions rather than being "talked at". Second, the length of the course was right - sufficient information about the subject but not too much. Finally, the course materials were very good. All round a very good course
Janine Leigh – Thames Water

Workshop Leader:

- Jackie Gray, Associate, Dickinson Dees LLP -

Jackie Gray

Jackie Gray is an Associate with Dickinson Dees LLP in their Projects Team where she specialises in PPP and PFI projects, outsourcing and IT.

She has particular expertise in Freedom of Information, Environmental Information Regulations and Data Protection.

She advises both the private and public sector on a wide range of areas including Health and Local Government Outsourcing Projects, Strategic Partnerships, Joint Ventures and IT, and has worked with local authorities, companies and public sector organisations to establish polices, procedures and guidance and to advise on handling requests for information, charging policies, confidentiality, procurement issues and the application of exemptions and exceptions.

She regularly provides client training and leads workshops on all aspects of information governance.

Freedom of Information Journal

The FOI journal is designed to assist all those working on Freedom of Information issues to stay fully informed of FOI news, developments and to receive invaluable and timely advice from the experts in this important field.

:: Request a FREE sample issue: Freedom of Information