Access to information under FOIA/EIRs and the Data Protection Act

This day long course has two half day parts (which can be delivered as separate half days): Part 1 relates to FOI/EIR requests and Part 2 relates to Subject Access Requests under the Data Protection Act.

Part 1 - FOI content: All procedural requirements associated with a request (e.g. formalities, timescales, duty to advise and assist; requirements of Codes of Practice; how the information is communicated. Comparison with EIRs, Procedural exemptions: the appropriate limit and the Fees Regulations, and repeat or vexatious requests). Guidance of Information Commissioner and Ministry of Justice.

Part 2 – DP content: All procedural requirements associated with a request for dealing with a Subject Access request to personal data (e.g. timescales, law and procedures relating to the rights of data subjects).

The application of a Subject Access exemption is considered in Course 2 (“Refusing requests for information or personal data”).

We can also deliver Part 1 of this course in the context of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 and the Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004.