Category: Training

FOI Practitioner Certificate: Final Two Courses for 2025 

There are only two FOI Practitioner Certificate courses left till Christmas!  

This foundation course is designed for those wishing to acquire detailed knowledge of the FOI and develop the practical skills to enable them to become a more effective FOI Officer.  The syllabus has been developed by FOI experts after analysing all the skills, knowledge and competencies required for the FOI Officer role. By the end of the course, you will be able to practically handle FOI requests, apply the exemptions and draft Refusal Notices. You will also be able to differentiate between FOI requests and requests under the Environmental Information Regulations. 

The course takes place over four days followed by an assessment. Our teaching style is based on practical and engaging workshops covering the theory alongside hands-on application using real life case studies and exercises. Personal tutor support throughout the course, detailed course materials and a comprehensive online resource lab, ensure the best opportunity for success. 

The FOI Learning Pathway  

The updated FOI Practitioner Certificate is part of our learning pathway for FOI Officers. Once completed they can move on to the Intermediate FOI Certificate. This strengthens the foundations established by the FOI Practitioner Certificate. Topics include interpreting information requests, navigating data repositories for relevant information, handling vexatious requests and applying the exemptions. Time will also be spent discussing the historical development and transformative impact of FOI on transparency, accountability and citizen empowerment. International comparisons with the FOI Act will broaden delegates’ perspectives, while critically evaluating its impact and effectiveness will assist them to appreciate the importance of transparency and accountability. By the end of the course, delegates will gain skills in, amongst other things, effectively interpreting information requests, assessing their scope, retrieving relevant information, overcoming challenges in organisational compliance, applying exemptions and crafting clear Refusal Notices.   
 
If you would like a chat to discuss your suitability for any of our certificate courses, please get in touch. 

Advanced Certificate in GDPR Practice: Final Course for 2025 

Our final course leading to the Advanced Certificate in GDPR Practice starts on 9th October.  

Since its launch in 2020, this innovative course has attracted DPOs from across the public and private sectors. Feedback has been consistently positive with many participants commenting on how the course has given them the confidence and skills to be able to dissect complex data protection scenarios and give clear and practical compliance advice. Further advances in technology, especially in AI, has led us to revise the syllabus to ensure participants are engaging with the most up to date data protection issues and ICO/Tribunal decisions to inform their day to day work.  

New Assessment Format 

Based on extensive feedback from delegates over our suite of certificate programmes, we learned that delegates would prefer not to have to write extensive reports and would prefer to have the opportunity to showcase their critical thinking and communication skills. 

The new assessment consists of two parts. The first part requires participants to submit a personal development plan about how their learning from the course will inform and improve their practice as a data protection practitioner. The second part requires them to draft an executive summary setting out the issues and recommendations in relation to the fictional case study discussed in Masterclass 4. This summary will then be presented by participants in an oral examination, known as a Viva.  

Watch Alex, one of our recent delegates, give his verdict on the course. 

There are just three places left on the course starting on 9th October 2025.  

Health Sector Data Protection Expert Joins the Act Now Team 

Act Now is delighted to welcome Raz Edwards, a leading expert in health sector information governance, to our team of associates. 

Raz brings over 17 years of experience as a Data Protection Officer, including more than a decade within the NHS. She currently serves as a DPO at a large NHS trust supporting acute, community, and primary care services, as well as research. Before joining the NHS, she spent six years as a Data Protection Officer in local government. 

She is the current Chair of the National Strategic Information Governance Network (SIGN), which brings together 24 regional networks across England and Wales, and also chairs the West Midlands SIGN. Her expertise has been further recognised through her appointment as a member of the Upper Tribunal (Administrative Appeals Chamber, Information Rights Jurisdiction) and the First-tier Tribunal (General Regulatory Chamber, Information Rights Jurisdiction). 

Raz holds master’s degrees in computer science, law, and leadership and is a certified data ethics professional. At Act Now, Raz will be developing new courses in her specialist areas, serving on our curriculum and exam board, and supporting the delivery of training ranging from one-day workshops to advanced practitioner certificate courses. 

Raz joins is the second expert from the Midlands to join our team this year. Dr. Malkiat Thiarai joined us in August.

Information and Records Management Practitioner Certificate: Final Course for 2025

Act Now Training is pleased to report that the next Information and Records Management Practitioner Certificate course, starting in September, is fully booked. An additional course (November) has been added which will be the final course of 2025. 

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.  

The IRM Certificate has now been completed by four cohorts since its launch last year. It meets the need of information management professionals to equip themselves with practical skills to navigate the full information and records lifecycle. The principal trainer, Scott Sammons, 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.  

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 submit a practical assessment within 30 days. Personal tutor support is provided, throughout the course, together with comprehensive training materials. 

This course is also available to be delivered on an in house basis, online or at your premises. Please get in touch for a quote. 

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. 

New AI Governance Practitioner Certificate

Artificial intelligence (AI) has seen huge advances in the last two years. A few years ago it was just a subject of geeky tech discussions; now it is playing a role in every aspect of our lives. Last month, the Prime Minister set out the Government’s plans to ‘unleash AI’ across the UK with the aim of boosting growth and delivering services more efficiently. 

For data protection professionals, the significance of understanding AI cannot be overstated. AI systems are data-hungry beasts; from predictive algorithms in healthcare to recommendation engines in e-commerce, these technologies process vast amounts of personal and non-personal data to deliver insights and functionality. However, the power of AI also brings challenges related to privacy, security, and ethical considerations. Key GDPR principles such as data minimisation, accountability, and transparency align closely with the ethical use of AI. However, the complexity of AI—with its opaque decision-making processes and reliance on intricate datasets—can pose unique challenges to compliance. 

By developing a deeper understanding of AI, data protection professionals can play a leading role in addressing the legal and ethical dilemmas posed by emerging AI technologies as well as position themselves as forward-thinking leaders who can bridge the gap between law, ethics, and technology. 

Building the AI Skillset 

Act Now is pleased to launch our new AI Governance Practitioner Certificate. 

This course is designed to equip data protection professionals with the essential knowledge and skills to navigate this transformative technology while upholding the highest standards of data protection and information governance.  

In just six modules, this immersive course will empower you to understand AI’s potential, address its challenges, and harness its power responsibly for public benefit. The course is tailored specifically for those working in information governance and data protection, offering practical insights and actionable strategies to integrate AI in the workplace and for the public benefit. From real-world case studies to the latest regulatory updates, you’ll gain a deep understanding of how to manage AI ethically, securely, and in compliance with emerging laws.   

By completing the course, you will gain the skills to: 

  1. Explain foundational AI concepts, including its technologies, applications, and key milestones in its evolution. 
  1. Identify real-world examples of AI risks and demonstrate an understanding of their legal and ethical dimensions. 
  1. Interpret the role of key legal and regulatory frameworks, such as GDPR and the EU AI Act, in governing AI systems. 
  1. Evaluate organisational strategies for ensuring transparency, accountability, and fairness in AI development. 
  1. Propose ethical and compliance-focused solutions to mitigate AI risks while balancing innovation and regulatory adherence. 
  1. Apply course concepts to analyse case studies and participate in informed discussions about AI’s role in society and industry. 

This course will also assist your organisation to comply with the EU AI Act’s AI Literacy obligation which came into force on 2nd February 2025. This requires providers and deployers of AI systems to ensure that they have a workforce that has the skills and understanding regarding how to develop and use AI, its opportunities and risks. 

Register Your Interest 

We are registering interest in this course which, subject to demand, will run in July, October and November. Register your interest now (no obligation). 

New Information and Records Management Practitioner Certificate 

Act Now Training is delighted to announce the launch of the Information and Records Management Practitioner Certificate.  

Effective information and records management is vital for all organisations. It ensures compliance with legal requirements, enhances decision-making, mitigates risks, preserves institutional memory, supports accountability and facilitates efficiency.  

This new certificate programme meets the need of information management professionals to equip themselves with practical skills to navigate the full information and records lifecycle. The course is one of the outcomes of our work to develop a comprehensive IG skills and competency framework.  

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 will be teaching the first course starting in November. 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, I 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. 

Special Introductory Price 

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 first course starts in October with a special introductory price. Places are limited, so please book now  to avoid disappointment.  

New Information and Records Management Practitioner Certificate 

Act Now Training is delighted to announce the launch of the Information and Records Management Practitioner Certificate.  

Effective information and records management is vital for all organisations. It ensures compliance with legal requirements, enhances decision-making, mitigates risks, preserves institutional memory, supports accountability and facilitates efficiency.  

This new certificate programme meets the need of information management professionals to equip themselves with practical skills to navigate the full information and records lifecycle. The course is one of the outcomes of our work to develop a comprehensive IG skills and competency framework.  

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 will be teaching the first course starting in November. 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, I 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. 

Special Introductory Price 

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 first course starts in October with a special introductory price. Places are limited, so please book now  to avoid disappointment.  

Advanced Certificate in GDPR Practice: Revised Syllabus and Assessment Format 

Act Now is pleased to announce a revised syllabus and assessment format for the Advanced Certificate in GDPR Practice. 

Since its launch in 2020, this innovative course has attracted DPOs from across the public and private sectors. Feedback has been consistently positive with many participants commenting on how the course has given them the confidence and skills to be able to dissect complex data protection scenarios and give clear and practical compliance advice. 

Our Commitment 

Act Now Training is committed to promoting the recognition of Information Governance as a profession. We believe that anyone in the profession can gain a solid foundation in interpreting and applying the law as part of their skillset. We are committed to not only teaching with a non-complex jargon free philosophy, but also ensuring our delegates are supported in building these skills for themselves and their organisations. 

Our winning the IRMS Supplier of Year award (3 times in 4 years), as well as our involvement in the success of the DP and IG Apprenticeship, demonstrates our dedication to nurturing new entrants into the IG profession through quality training.  

Our Course Development Journey  

As part of our ongoing development as a leading provider of education and training in the Information Governance field, we have continued to develop the way in which we deliver and assess our courses. Having collaborated with leading global educational experts, as well as specialists in progressive pedagogy and curriculum design, we have redesigned and enhanced all our GDPR certificate courses including the Practitioner Certificate and Intermediate Certificate.  

We have gone back to basics to analyse all the skills and competencies required by a DPO. These have then been baked into our courses, taking care to ensure that the case studies and exercises give delegates the best opportunity to practice and showcase these skills. We believe that these refinements will enhance the delegate experience and help us to be at the forefront of innovation and experiential learning.  

Our assessment design has been revamped across all of our certificate courses. We are particularly proud of our unique new assessment format which takes account of advances in technology and ensures our assessments are robust, rigorous and appropriate to the skills and knowledge assessment that we are seeking. 

Revised Syllabus 

Act Now consistently updates its courses to ensure it is always current and at the cutting edge of IG issues. In 2019 we launched an AI and Machine Learning course as well as a course on Data Ethics. At the time these were novel concepts in the IG world.  

Last year, we updated the Advanced Certificate and now we have done a full refresh. Further advances in technology, especially in AI, has led us to revise the syllabus to ensure participants are engaging with the most up to date data protection issues and ICO/Tribunal decisions to inform their day to day work.  

In each masterclass participants will first analyse recent Tribunal decisions and/or ICO enforcement action to further their understanding of the complexities and nuances of the UK GDPR. This will be followed by working through a multi-faceted case study in which they will consider and apply a number of aspects of the UK GDPR simultaneously. By not simply covering single issues in a linear fashion, this course will provide a holistic view of GDPR implementation. Participants will be challenged to think laterally allowing them to achieve a much higher level of knowledge depth and understanding. 

New Assessment Format 

Based on extensive feedback from delegates over our suite of certificate programmes, we learned that delegates would prefer not to have to write extensive reports and would prefer to have the opportunity to showcase their critical thinking and communication skills. 

The new assessment consists of two parts. The first part requires participants to submit a personal development plan about how their learning from the course will inform and improve their practice as a data protection practitioner. The second part requires them to draft an executive summary setting out the issues and recommendations in relation to the fictional case study discussed in Masterclass 4. This summary will then be presented by participants in an oral examination, known as a Viva.  

We have conducted extensive research with previous delegates believe that the changes made to the Advanced Certificate in GDPR Practice will substantially improve our provision. Our goal has been to adapt and elevate all our programmes to meet the growing needs of IG officers, whilst ensuring that as an organisation we are meeting global educational standards including those within the DfE, Ofqual, and Ofsted here in the UK.  

We have a special introductory price of £2,795 plus VAT for this four- day course. In 2025 the price will be £2995 plus vat. There are just three places left on the course starting on 25th September 2024.  


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New FOI Intermediate Certificate

Act Now Training is delighted to launch the FOI Intermediate Certificate . This new course empowers delegates to further enhance their skills as FOI practitioners, by building upon the foundations established by the FOI Practitioner Certificate, delving deep into the intricacies of FOI and gaining the confidence to navigate its complexities effectively.

Background

Over the past three years, Act Now Training has worked diligently alongside industry experts and education professionals to develop a comprehensive skills and competency framework for FOI Officers. The Intermediate Certificate emerged from the need to further develop FOI Officers who have already completed our FOI Practitioner Certificate and wish to enhance their expertise. The course emphasises skills as well as knowledge, covering challenging topics to provide a deeper understanding of the FOI fundamentals.

Course Content

The Intermediate Certificate strengthens the foundations established by the FOI Practitioner Certificate. Topics include interpreting information requests, navigating data repositories for relevant information, handling vexatious requests and applying the exemptions. Time will also be spent discussing the historical development and transformative impact of FOI on transparency, accountability and citizen empowerment. International comparisons with the FOI Act will broaden delegates’ perspectives, while critically evaluating its impact and effectiveness will assist them to appreciate the importance of transparency and accountability. By the end of the course, delegates will gain skills in, amongst other things, effectively interpreting information requests, assessing their scope, retrieving relevant information, overcoming challenges in organisational compliance, applying exemptions and crafting clear Refusal Notices.

Format

The course is structured over three days, one day per fortnight, 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, alongside access to a comprehensive online resource lab to maximise success.

Our Commitment

Act Now Training is committed to promoting the recognition of Information Governance as a profession. We believe that anyone in the profession can gain a solid foundation in interpreting and applying the law as part of their skillset. We are committed to not only teaching with a non complex jargon free philosophy, but also ensuring our delegates are supported in building these skills for themselves and their organisations.

Our involvement with NADPO and the IRMS over the past two decades demonstrates our dedication to nurturing new entrants into the IG profession through quality training. Our partnership with Damar, on the DP and IG Apprenticeship, has led to the recruitment of over 100 apprentices and laid the foundations for prosperous IG careers.  Course Director, Ibrahim Hasan, commented:  

“After carefully considering feedback from our delegates and consulting with FOI experts, we are thrilled to introduce the FOI Intermediate Certificate. This newly designed course offers an excellent opportunity for individuals with a strong foundation and practical experience in FOI to further elevate their expertise and refine their skills.”

Special Discount

The first course starts in November and is currently eligible for a special introductory discount. In addition, if you have completed our FOI Practitioner Certificate in the last 24 months, we are offering a further £150 discount off the Introductory price. Limited places are available, book now so book now to avoid disappointment.