NORFOLK PTS

This two hour course will make you aware of the key points of the Freedom of Information Act, including the Council’s obligations, deciding whether a request is valid, how to apply exemptions if they are usable and how to deal with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) should they become involved.

This course is primarily aimed at clerks, it will also benefit interested councillors, especially those on a relevant committee.

Completion of the course will entitle attendees, upon request, to a complimentary Access to Information Policy (AIP) templated document that can be adapted by councils for subsequent approval and adoption.

The tutor, Phil Brown, is has been an independent data protection specialist since 2017, providing consultancy services to a wide variety of small businesses across Norfolk and the UK. Typically, his services focus on the proper implementation of the GDPR by organisations and even to assist them write policies and procedures, as well as liaising with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) on their behalf when necessary. Phil also provides advice and guidance to Parish and Town Councils through on-site and virtual training and assisting them on how to respond to Freedom of Information (FOI) requests and data subject access requests (DSAR). In this latter role, Phil is particularly well placed to understand the challenges facing councils, having been a parish councillor himself in Hindolveston, North Norfolk.

Training the whole council

This course can be delivered and tailored specially for your council, which can be a cost-effective approach if you have a number of councillors and staff who require this training. You choose where and when you want our tutor to deliver.