Data Protection and Freedom of Information (FOI) Certification Course

Why Select this Training Course?

This course is specifically developed for any professional who wishes to understand the intricacies of data protection and navigate through regulatory and data management challenges while balancing the public’s right to information. In today’s digital era, it is critical that organisations are adept in understanding data protection and the right to information as a fundamental component of trust and operational integrity.

How will this course help me effectively deal with FOI requests?

This course provides you with practical knowledge and tools on how to manage and respond to FOI requests, to keep you compliant. Also, it explains how to manage the tension between these two principles: the accountability of public bodies which the FOI focuses on, versus the requirement to protect personal data which is at the heart of data protection law.

Will I gain knowledge about the most recent legal developments?

Yes, the Certification Course is updated ensuring that you always remain in the know of the latest legal precedents and best practices related to the field of data protection and FOI.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for:

• Data Protection Officers
• FOI Officers
• Compliance and Legal Professionals
• Information Governance Managers
• Public Relations Personnel
• Policy Advisors and Managers
• IT Security Officers
• Records Managers
• Public Sector Officials

What are the Course Objectives?

Participants will:

• Understand the intricacies of data protection and FOI legislations.
• Develop strategies to manage data in line with legal obligations.
• Respond to FOI requests proficiently while balancing data privacy.
• Create and implement robust FOI and data protection policies.
• Recognise the impact of GDPR on data protection and FOI requests.

How will this course be presented?

The course will be delivered through:

• Interactive workshops on fundamentals and acts.
• Workshop sessions based on the relevant current situations and case studies.
• Discussions in groups and cooperation exercises.
• Problem-based learning as an effective tool in the application of acquired knowledge in a practical manner.
• Providing not only educational materials but also resources on comprehensive study.

What are the Topics Covered in this Course?

Module 1: Practical FOI and Data Protection Simulations

• Interactive case studies of FOI applications.
• Data breach tabletop exercises.
• Role playing scenarios putting data subject requests upfront.
• Group-based DPIA walkthroughs.
• Simulated data protection audits.

Module 2: Innovations in Data Protection and Compliance Monitoring

• The use of technology in increased data protection.
• Automated compliance monitoring tools review and their advantages.
• Several factors of RegTech adoption.
• Developments in data recording and visualization of data.
• Privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs)and their roles.

Module 3: The Future Landscape of Data Protection and FOI

• Anticipating the upcoming law modifications.
• Provision for future challenges and trends to data protection.
• Changing the working process of FOI, so that it keeps up with the speed of technological development.
• AI governance effect on FOIs.
• Proposing strategies in the long-term compliance through sustainability.

Module 4: Managing FOI and Data Requests

• Streamlining mechanisms of FOI application procedures.
• Seeing what information is to be released and bringing all the information together.
• Communicating with requesters effectively.
• Conducting exemption tests and public interest analysis.
• Review and appeal processes for requests under FOI Act.
• Ensuring the data accuracy and informal responses.
• Use of technology for handling multiple requests efficiently.
• Fostering and encouraging FOI requests transparency and improved handling.
• Training and other resources for FOI administrators.

Module 5: Transparency and Open Data

• Transparency and accountability principles in the public sector.
• Striking a balance between transparency and need for data security.
• Open data initiatives and its governance.
• Best practices for releasing data proactively.
• Fostering public trust through open governance.

Module 6: Data Security and Breach Management

• Cybersecurity essentials related to data protection.
• Measures to prevent data breaches.
• Developing a data breach response plan.
• Legal requirements for breach notification.

Module 7: Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs)

• When and how to conduct DPIAs.
• Mitigating risks identified in DPIAs.
• Involving stakeholders in the DPIA process.
• Practical case studies on performing DPIAs.
• Reviewing DPIAs in light of changing technologies.

Module 8: Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC)

• GRC in the context of data protection and FOI.
• Integrating GRC practices into business operations.
• Developing a GRC framework specific to information governance.

Module 9: Advanced Records Management

• Developing and maintaining a records inventory.
• Legal hold and retention policy complexities.
• Automating records management using technology.
• Evaluating and selecting records management software solutions.

Module 10: Cross-Jurisdictional Data Protection Challenges

• Global data protection and privacy law variations.
• Addressing conflicts between differing jurisdictions.
• Strategies for managing cross-border data flows.
• Extraterritorial effects of GDPR on non-EU entities.
• Ensuring compliance with the EU-US Privacy Shield Framework.
• Handling potential Brexit implications for data protection.
• Case studies of multinational data protection compliances.
• Sector-specific challenges in international data protection.
• Cooperation mechanisms under the GDPR.
• Developing a global privacy program.

Module 11: Handling Sensitive Data and Special Categories

• Definitions and types of sensitive data under GDPR.
• Lawful processing of special categories of personal data.
• Implementing additional security measures for sensitive data.
• Consent management for processing sensitive data.
• Scenarios involving health data, biometrics, and criminal records.

Module 12: Rights of the Data Subject

• Overview of individual rights under GDPR.
• Mechanisms for responding to data subject rights requests.
• Balancing FOI and data protection in subject access requests.
• The right to be forgotten and its limitations.
• Data portability and the challenges it presents.

Module 13: Emerging Technologies and Data Protection

• Impacts of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
• Big data analytics and privacy concerns.
• Blockchain technology and its data protection considerations.
• Internet of Things (IoT) governance challenges.
• Ensuring compliance in cloud computing environments.

Module 14: Data Sharing and Data Governance

• Legal frameworks for data sharing agreements.
• Developing a data sharing policy.
• Governance of shared data sets.
• Building partnerships and consortia with confidence in data sharing.
• Data sharing in public-private partnerships.

Module 15: Data Protection in Employment Practices

• Employee privacy rights and employer obligations.
• Monitoring employees whilst respecting data protection laws.
• Handling employee data breaches.
• Data protection considerations in remote or flexible working policies.
• Impacts of workplace surveillance on privacy rights.

Module 16: Sector-Specific Data Protection Considerations

• Compliance in health care, finance, education, and other sectors.
• Discussing the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) sectoral codes of conduct.
• Navigating regulations like HIPAA, PSD2, and FERPA.
• Customising data protection practices to sectoral needs.

Module 17: Building and Sustaining a Data Protection Culture

• Training and awareness programmes.
• The importance of leadership buy-in.
• Engaging with stakeholders to foster data protection principles.
• Metrics and KPIs for measuring culture change.
• Success stories and motivators for a strong compliance culture.