BCS-ISEB Freedom of Information

Those with responsibility for Freedom of Information issues - be that in the context of IT or other organisational roles.

The course is based on all aspects of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) and the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) and their implications for public and private sector organisations and individuals. The Acts contain requirements for the publication of information held by, or held on behalf of public authorities. These requirements include the publication and maintenance of publication schemes, and the need to respond to requests for information, dependent upon any appropriate exemptions.

On completion successful delegates will be able to:

• Appreciate Freedom of Information in its widest context
• Understand the key differences and interface between the FOIA and FOISA
• Develop procedures for the processing and monitoring of a request for information
• Understand exemptions to access and the public interest test
• Understand the enforcement/legal action procedures enshrined in the Acts
• Identify information likely to be requested and understand the mechanism for publishing prior to request
• Explain the philosophy of freedom of information and the right of access to public authority information

The syllabus comprises six parts:

• Context – origins and background
• Definitions and scope of the Acts
• Obligations and responsibilities – requirements and practices
• Disclosure / Non-disclosure – exemptions
• Enforcement
• Related legislation