The Freedom of Information Act 2000
Course level: Introduction
CPD: 1
Date of recording: October, 2011
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI) gives individuals as well as organisations the right to access any recorded information held by 130,000 public authorities. Requests can come in at any level within an organisation. This, together with strict time limits and a robust regulator, means that it is essential that all public sector staff have a working knowledge of FOI. The Government recently announced changes to the FOI regime which will mean more organisations will have to comply and there will be more information to disclose.
This webinar is designed to teach delegates the basics of the Act (including validating requests, time limits and fees) and the exemptions. It is ideal for new employees (on induction) as well as those requiring a basic knowledge of FOI.
Aims/outcomes of this webinar
- Learn when the Act applies
- Learn how to deal with an information request
- Learn how to apply the fees provisions
- Understand the exemptions from disclosure
- Understand the powers of the Information Commissioner
- Learn what could change in the future
Contents
- Enforcement
- Main FOI Obligations
- Types of organisations covered
- Section 5 orders
- Right to Information (Section 1)
- Who can make a request
- Time Limits
- Valid Requests
- What information is covered by the Act
- Format of response
- Fees
- Nuisance and vexatious requests
- Reasons for Refusal
- Absolute exemptions
- Qualified exemptions
- Future Changes
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ABOUT THE PRESENTER
Ibrahim Hasan is an expert on data protection, freedom of information and surveillance law. He is a solicitor and director of Act Now Training (www.actnow.org.uk).
Ibrahim was previously Principal Solicitor at Calderdale Council and has worked for Bradford Council and Nottinghamshire County Council. He has also held positions as an associate with the Institute of Public Finance and a non executive director of an NHS Trust.
Ibrahim is very much in demand as a presenter at courses and conferences throughout the UK. He has conducted training sessions for many national organisations as well as local authorities and the NHS. His notable clients include the Scottish Executive, the Independent Police Complaints Commission, English Partnerships and various government departments. He has even travelled to China to train young Chinese and Hong Kong lawyers on behalf of the Law Society and the Bar Council.
Ibrahim’s articles have appeared in many publications including the Local Government Chronicle, Benefits Magazine, IRRV Insight Magazine and Solicitors Journal. He sits on the editorial board for an international journal on freedom of Information entitled “Open Government” and is a member of the European Information Managers Group (EURIM). Ibrahim has contributed to the privacy law aspects of a book entitled “Spy TV – Just who is the digital revolution overthrowing?” which won a Big Brother Award from Privacy International.
Website : www.actnow.org.uk