Category: IRMS

Act Now Nominated for IRMS Supplier of the Year Award 

Act Now Training is pleased to announce that it has been nominated for the 2026 Information and Records Management Society (IRMS) awards. 

Each year the IRMS recognises excellence in the field of information management with their prestigious industry awards. These highly sought-after awards are presented at a glittering ceremony at the annual Conference following the Gala Dinner.  

Act Now has been nominated for the Supplier of the Year award which it previously won in 2021, 2022 and 2024. 

Voting is open to IRMS members until Wednesday 18th March 2026. 

If you are an IRMS member, you can login to your account and vote for Act Now here. 

Thank you for your support!

Listen to the Guardians of Data Podcast for the latest news and views on developments in GDPR, AI, cyber security and FOI. 

Information and Records Management Practitioner Certificate: Special Discount at IRMS25 

Effective information and records management is vital for all organisations. It ensures compliance with legal requirements, mitigates risks, preserves institutional memory and facilitates efficiency. It is even more vital in an age of AI as the foundation of any AI system, especially Generative AI, is data. AI algorithms rely on vast amounts of data to learn, make predictions, and generate insights. Therefore, the accuracy, completeness, and reliability of this data are paramount.  

Act Now Training is pleased to report on the success of the Information and Records Management Practitioner Certificate which has been completed by three cohorts since its launch last year. This certificate programme meets the need of information management professionals to equip themselves with practical skills to navigate the full information and records lifecycle. It is one of the outcomes of our work to develop a comprehensive IG skills and competency framework and thereby give delegates a curriculum so they can develop themselves and their careers in a structured way. This also ensures organisations have all the relevant skills within their teams to meet the gaps and needs of the organisation. 

Course Content and Format 

Our comprehensive course syllabus has been designed by leading records management specialists. By the end of the course, delegates will gain skills in, amongst other things, legal frameworks and terminology to data auditing, retention schedules, and digital preservation.  

Scott Sammons is the principal trainer on this course. Scott is a recognised expert on records management. He was previously the Chair of the Information and Records Management Society (2016-2020) and now leads the IRMS work on accreditation. Scott said: 

“Records management is essential good business practice as well as a key component of compliance with IG legislation such as GDPR and FOI. Using practical hands-on teaching methods, we aim to inspire delegates to implement records management best practice in their workplace.” 

The course is structured over four days, approximately one day per month, and can be undertaken online or in the classroom. Each day includes engaging discussions, exercises and case studies. Upon completion, delegates must submit a practical assessment within 30 days. Personal tutor support is provided, throughout the course, together with comprehensive training materials. 

Discount at the IRMS Conference 2025  

Whether you are a records manager, Freedom of Information Officer or Data Protection Officer this practitioner level certificate will teach you the theory of records management alongside practical hands-on application. The next course starts in July. Come and visit us at the IRMS Conference for a special discount voucher. Places are limited, so please book now  to avoid disappointment. 

Visit Us at the IRMS Conference 2025  

We are excited to announce that Act Now Training will be exhibiting at the IRMS Conference (“The Peaky Path to Progress”) in Birmingham next week. 

If you are attending the conference, we invite you to stop by our exhibitor stand. Here is what awaits you (in addition to the visual delight of our special Peaky Blinders themed stand!): 

Training Course Vouchers – For IRMS Delegates Only! 
We are offering exclusive conference-only discounts on our most popular training courses. Whether you’re looking to upskill in AI, data ethics, records management or FOI compliance, we’ve got a course tailored for your goals. 

Exclusive Bags 

Last year’s bags were a must have for any fashion-conscious information governance professional. This year our bags have been designed with a Peaky Blinders theme. Our way of saying thank you for being part of the IRMS community. 

Expert Advice on Training Pathways 

Not sure which training track is right for you or your team? Want to develop your expertise in AI Governance? Our friendly team will be on hand to chat about your goals and help you map out the best learning path; whether you’re just starting or aiming for advanced certification. 

Let’s Talk Learning 

This year’s conference theme is all about connection, innovation, and the future of information governance – and we are here to help you be at the forefront. Come and chat with us about how our training can support your professional development, boost your team’s capability, and help your organisation stay compliant and competitive. 

We can’t wait to meet you at #IRMS25!

Act Now Training Wins the IRMS Supplier of the Year Award 2024 

Act Now Training is proud to announce that it has won the Information and Records Management Society (IRMS) Supplier of the year award for 2024. The aim of the award is “to recognise suppliers in the IG/IM/RM world that go above and beyond normal expectations of customer service.”  

The awards ceremony took place on Monday night at the IRMS Conference in Brighton where Ibrahim Hasan was also on a panel discussing the privacy implications of Generative AI and ChatGPT. This is third time in four years that Act Now Training has won this award. 

Ibrahim Hasan said: 

“This award will inspire us to continue to deliver practical training that meets the needs of the IG profession. It also recognises the hard work of our colleagues who are focussed on fantastic customer service as well as our associates who always go the extra mile for our delegates. We would like to thank the IRMS for another great conference and the members for voting for us.” 

It has been another fantastic 12 months for Act Now Training. We launched two new certificate courses aimed at helping IG professionals develop their knowledge and skills. The  FOI Intermediate Certificate empowers FOI practitioners, by building upon the foundations established by the FOI Practitioner Certificate, delving deep into the intricacies of FOI and gaining the skills and confidence to navigate its complexities effectively. The Intermediate Certificate in GDPR Practice.  is designed to teach DPOs important DPO skills, as well as advanced knowledge, by covering more challenging topics to gain a deeper awareness of the fundamentals of data protection practice.    

We continue to encourage new entrants to the IG profession. Our development and delivery of the training materials underpinning the Data Protection and Information Governance Practitioner Level 4 Apprenticeship has helped over 100 apprentices in 2023 to join the profession; and numbers predicted to grow even further in 2024/25.   

And we are spreading the IG message beyond these shores! In November 2023, Ibrahim Hasan addressed the UAE’s first ever privacy and data protection law conference; which brought together data protection and security compliance professionals from across the world to discuss the latest developments in the Middle East data protection framework.    

In December, Act Now announced the launch of the UAE’s first Data Protection Executive training programme. This practical course focusses on developing a data protection framework and ensuring compliance with the UAE Data Protection Law’s strict requirements. This is particularly relevant given the recent advancements in Data Protection law in the Middle East, including the UAE’s first comprehensive national data protection law, Federal Decree Law No. 45/2021.  This is a real first for the IG profession. Middlesex University is the biggest international university in Dubai and this certificate is the first executive DP programme in the Middle East.   

Act Now’s programme of online workshops has been expanded to help the profession understand the hot IG topics of the day including:  

  • The EU AI Act 
  • The new DP Bill  
  • Data flow mapping
  • International transfers  
  • Working with Children’s data  
  • Cybersecurity for DPOs  
  • Accountability and DP Audits 

We have more great new courses coming up. Watch this space! 

Act Now Nominated for IRMS Supplier of the Year Award 

Act Now Training is pleased to announce that it has been nominated once again for the 2024 Information and Records Management Society (IRMS) awards. 

Each year the IRMS recognises excellence in the field of information management with their prestigious Industry Awards. These highly sought-after awards are presented at a glittering ceremony at the annual Conference following the Gala Dinner.  

Act Now has been nominated for the Supplier of the Year award which it won in 2021 and 2022. 

Voting is open to IRMS members until Friday 15th March 2024. 

You can vote for Act Now here: https://irms.org.uk/news/666165/Vote-now-for-the-IRMS-Awards-2024.htm  

Thank you for your support! 

2023 IRMS Awards: Act Now nominated in all three categories

Act Now Training is pleased to announce that it has been nominated for the 2022 Information and Records Management Society (IRMS) awards in all three categories. 

Each year the IRMS recognises excellence in the field of information management with their prestigious Industry Awards. These highly sought-after awards are presented at a glittering ceremony at the annual Conference following the Gala Dinner. In 2021 and 2022 Act Now won the Supplier of the Year award. We are hoping to make it three in a row!

For 2023 Act Now has been nominated for the following awards: 

  • Team of the Year
  • Innovation of the Year
  • Supplier of the Year

The first two nominations acknowledge our work with Damar Limited to deliver the new Data Protection and Information Governance Practitioner Level 4 Apprenticeship. Act Now Training has teamed up Damar to produce materials and expert training to help ensure apprentices develop their skills and knowledge for a successful career information governance.

Voting is open to IRMS members until Friday 24th March 2023.

The voting page is here: https://irms.org.uk/surveys/?id=2023Awards

Vote now for your favourite training company!

Act Now Training Wins IRMS Supplier of the Year Award 2022-23

Act Now Training is proud to announce that it has won the Information and Records Management Society (IRMS) Supplier of the year award for 2022-23. This is the second consecutive year we have won this award.

The awards ceremony took place on Monday night at the IRMS Conference in Glasgow. Act Now was also nominated for two others awards including Innovation of the Year for our Advanced Certificate in GDPR Practice.

Ibrahim Hasan said:

“I would like to thank the IRMS for a great event and the members for voting for us. It feels really special to be recognised by fellow IG practitioners. We are proud to deliver great courses that meet the needs of IRMS members. This award also recognises the hard work of our colleagues who are focussed on fantastic customer service as well as our experienced associates who deliver great practical content and go the extra mile for our delegates. Congratulations to all the other IRMS awards winners.”

It has been another fantastic year for Act Now. We have launched some great new courses and products. We have exciting new courses planned for 2023. Watch this space!

BTW – Act Now also won the best elevator pitch prize at the conference vendor showcase. Click here to watch Ibrahim’s pitch.

2022 IRMS Conference: Looking Forward to Glasgow!

The Act Now Training team is really looking forward to attending the 2022 IRMS Conference in Glasgow on Sunday. 

The conference brings together IG professionals and industry suppliers, where they can share best practice and contemplate innovative ways of working. The programme will include a wide range of thought-provoking keynotes, real-life case studies and interactive discussions, reflecting on the events of the previous year with a focus on learning lessons and highlighting the positive developments and innovations that have emerged in the field of information governance.  Our director Ibrahim Hasan will be speaking on a panel discussing “Training for the Future” and our associates, Lynn Wyeth and Scott Sammons, are also leading some interesting workshops.

Each year the IRMS recognises excellence in the field of information management with their prestigious Industry Awards. These highly sought-after awards are presented at a glittering ceremony at the annual Conference following the Gala Dinner. In 2021 Act Now won the Supplier of the Year award.  

For 2022 Act Now has been nominated for the following awards:

  • Team of the Year
  • Supplier of the Year
  • Innovation of the Year

If you are attending the conference, be sure to come to our exhibitor stand in the Information Market to say hello. 

2022 IRMS Awards

Act Now Training is pleased to announce that it has been nominated for the 2022 Information and Records Management Society (IRMS) awards in all three categories. 

Each year the IRMS recognises excellence in the field of information management with their prestigious Industry Awards. These highly sought-after awards are presented at a glittering ceremony at the annual Conference following the Gala Dinner. In 2021 Act Now won the Supplier of the Year award. 

For 2022 Act Now has been nominated for the following awards. 

  • Team of the Year
  • Supplier of the Year
  • Innovation of the Year

All IRMS members are eligible to vote in the IRMS awards. The deadline is Monday 18th April 2022. Vote now for your favourite training company.