Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Training
Training for Understanding and Applying the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) – Compliance, Requests, and Public Sector Transparency
Compliance with FOIA is not optional — it is a legal obligation that sits across all areas of the public sector, including government departments, local authorities, healthcare providers, education institutions, and any organisation performing public functions or receiving public funds. As expectations around openness grow, so too does the complexity of handling requests that may involve sensitive, personal, or high-profile information.
This course has been designed in response to the challenges that many organisations face: a lack of confidence in interpreting exemptions, uncertainty in applying the public interest test, and the real risk of reputational damage or ICO enforcement in the event of non-compliance. Whether you are new to a role involving FOI, looking to refresh your knowledge, or tasked with overseeing information governance across teams, this course builds the practical skills and legal understanding needed to get FOI right — every time.
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Who Should Attend
This 1-day course is designed for organisations that manage public information or are subject to FOIA 2000 obligations in the UK. The course is perfect for organisations who have individuals or teams who are new in post, looking to refresh their understanding, or build confidence in handling Freedom of Information responsibilities. The course is highly relevant to professionals in the following roles:
- Administrative roles managing public information
- Freedom of Information (FOI) Officers
- Data Protection Officers (DPOs)
- Directors and Deputy Directors of public bodies
- Heads of Departments & Deputies in public sector organisations
- Senior Managers who handle public or sensitive information
- Information Governance and Records Management teams
- Legal and Compliance teams in public authorities
- HR, Finance, and administrative staff with access to public records
- NHS, education, and local authority staff responding to FOI requests
Course Outline
This 1-day course provides a comprehensive introduction to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and Environmental Information Regulations 2004. It is designed for professionals responsible for managing public information, responding to FOI requests, or ensuring compliance with UK transparency obligations. Through interactive exercises and real-world scenarios, delegates will build confidence in handling FOI requests effectively and lawfully. This course covers;
- Session 1 – Understanding FOI Legislation
- Session 2 – Receiving and Acknowledging Requests
- Session 3 – Assessing the FOI Request
- Session 4 – Searching for Information
- Session 5 – Exemptions and Exceptions
- Session 6 – Redacting Information
- Session 7 – Drafting Responses
- Session 8 – Internal Review and Appeals Process
- Session 9 – Record Keeping and Documentation
- Session 10 – Promoting a Culture of Transparency
- Session 11 – Handling Complex and Sensitive Requests
- Session 12 – Current Trends and Issues in FOI