FOISA Practitioner Certificate - Act Now

FOISA Practitioner Certificate - Act Now

A practical qualification for those that work with Freedom of Information and the Environmental Information Regulations in Scotland.

The Act Now Practitioner Certificate in Freedom of Information (Scotland) is designed for FOISA practitioners in the public sector as well as solicitors, auditors and others with a role dealing with FOISA and EI(S)R requests, advising on information or records management issues, and anyone else who has responsibility for managing and dealing with public sector information requests.

"Excellent course. Well designed, presented and delivered. Must for anyone involved with FOISA." AG, Scottish Prison Service

The course takes place over four days (normally one day per week) and involves lectures, discussion and practical exercises. This is followed by an online multiple choice test and a project (both to be completed within 20 working days) to achieve the certificate.

"Excellent course, well structured and delivered." JW, St Andrews University

Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate that they possess a good knowledge of Freedom of Information and other information laws as they apply in Scotland, as well as an understanding of the practical implications for their organisation.

"The tutor was excellent. His knowledge of the subject was vast and impressive. I learned a lot." JM, Fife Council

Personal tutor support throughout the course and a comprehensive online resource lab, ensure the best opportunity for success.

The course takes place over four days (one day per week) either online or in classroom, and involves lectures, discussion and practical exercises followed by a practical assessment.

Structure

The course takes place over four days (normally one day per week) and involves lectures, discussion and practical exercises. This is followed by an online multiple choice test and a project (both to be completed within 20 working days) to achieve the certificate.

As part of the individual study, candidates must complete four short homeworks for each element of the syllabus detailed below - these do not count towards the exam but develop the candidate's skills in preparation for the course project.

Day 1

THE PROCESS

  • What is information?
  • Dealing with Requests
  • Finding Information
  • Handling Complaints
  • FOISA and EI(S)Rs Differences

Day 2

KEY CONCEPTS

  • Environmental Information
  • The Public Interest Test
  • Substantial Prejudice
  • GDPR and Privacy
  • Confidentiality

Day 3

EXEMPTIONS (1) AND ENFORCEMENT

  • FOISA Absolute Exemptions
  • EI(S)R Exceptions
  • Proactive Disclosure
  • Publication Schemes
  • The Scottish Information Commissioner

Day 4

EXEMPTIONS (2) AND RM

  • Qualified Exemptions
  • Records Management
  • Copyright
  • Datasets
  • Re-Use Regulations

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Event Information

Event Date 11-09-2025
Individual Price From £2199 plus VAT
Location Online (live)

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