FYI & Tkm Courses
Practitioner Certificate in Scottish Freedom of Information
Practitioner Certificate in Scottish Freedom of Information
Price excluding VAT
If you are booking multiple delegates on a course, please add their contact details to the order notes.
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- Practitioner level course in freedom of information
- Delivered live online over five days (see available dates above)
- 25 hours of continuous professional development (CPD)
- Printed hardcopy course materials
- Support during submission and assessment of the portfolio
- Award of Practitioner Certificate in Scottish Freedom of Information and optional digital FYI badge of achievement upon completion of the course and successful portfolio submission.
- Please note, for international orders, shipping will be calculated at checkout.
For further course information you can submit an enquiries form on our contact page.
Level: Advanced/Practitioner
Our practitioner level courses are carefully created to ensure that you are are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to fulfil your role and execute your responsibilities. Assessment is carried out by means of a work-based portfolio submission.
Please note: For those who do not submit a portfolio you will be awarded attendance in the course at an intermediate level with associated CPD of 15 hours.
Course Overview
The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 and Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004 create a range of obligations for Scottish public authorities.
This course looks in-depth at the statutory requirements and the practicalities of meeting them.
We will look at the mechanics of handling requests efficiently and appropriately, the management of proactive transparency, and the application of exemptions where necessary.
This course is specifically designed to support colleagues to develop the skills and knowledge to be effective and confident in managing the Freedom of Information function in a Scottish public authority. The course is suitable for FOI leads and their assistants, Information Governance managers and officers, and Internal Review officers.
On successful completion of a portfolio of work-based evidence, delegates will receive a Practitioner Certificate in Scottish Freedom of Information.
Course Content
FOI in Scotland in context
The policy drivers behind FOI. The legislation: Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 and Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004. The powers of the Scottish Information Commissioner.
Key concepts and definitions and understand what information is in scope of the legislation.
Proactive transparency and information management
Managing publication schemes, disclosure logs and proactive publication. Records management under the FOISA s61 Code of Practice. Complying with the Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations.
Handling requests
Validity or requests. Tracking, monitoring and managing the process. Providing advice and assistance. Repeat vexatious and manifestly unreasonable requests. Timescales, cost limits and fees. The information search. Content of responses. Internal review processes.
Exemptions and exceptions
Understanding and appropriately applying the range of exemptions and exceptions available under FOISA and EISR. Identifying substantial prejudice. Conducting the public interest test. Describing exemptions in responses.