Freedom of Information Act & Environment Information Regulations
Trainer: Naomi Korn Associates
Training will be delivered:
Online - Monday 16th March - 12.30pm to 4.00pm
Handle FOI and EIR requests with confidence and compliance.
Are you prepared to respond effectively to information requests? This half-day intermediate course provides a practical introduction to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR). While the main focus is FOIA, the course also includes an overview of EIR, helping you understand your responsibilities when individuals exercise their rights to access information.
This course will provide you with a clear understanding of how to manage FOI and EIR requests, apply exemptions appropriately, and handle appeals and refusals with confidence. Through real-world scenarios, you’ll be guided step by step through handling requests, applying exemptions, managing refusals, and understanding appeals processes – giving you the tools to manage requests compliantly and confidently.
Please note: this course covers the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in depth, not the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002.
Course learning outcomes
Describe the history of access to information legislation.
Understand the scope of the legislation and which organisations it applies to.
Recognise the difference between Freedom of Information requests, Environmental Information requests (EIR), and data rights requests.
Recognise the requirements of a valid request under FOI and EIR.
Describe the process for handling requests, including timescales and internal reviews.
Describe the meaning of vexatious requests and when requests can be refused.
Recognise when a request can be refused.
Identify the exemptions (FOI) and exceptions (EIR) and understand when they apply.
Describe the right of appeal and what action the ICO might take.
This course offers expert-led, interactive sessions, course materials, slides, and resources and opportunities for Q&A throughout. It is ideal for Records and information governance professionals, Legal, compliance, and data protection teams, public sector staff handling FOI or EIR requests and anyone seeking practical guidance on managing access to information requests.
The learning outcomes map to the following areas of ARA’s competency frameworks.
Legislation and regulation
Information, systems, records and data
Access to records
Appraisal, retention, selection and disposal of archives
Developing self and others
Booking and delegate fee: £90 for ARA members, £140 corporate members, £234 non-members
Please book your place here before Friday 13th March 2026
Eventbrite bookings close 12pm on Friday 13 March 2026. Joining instructions will be emailed 24 hours before the event. Please check you have received these in advance of the start time so you’re ready to join on the day.