Tag: Certificate

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.  

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. 

AI Governance Practitioner Certificate: Final Course for 2025 

Act Now is pleased to report that the next AI Governance Practitioner Certificate course, starting in September, is fully booked. There are still a few places available on the next course, starting in October, which is the final one in 2025. 

The AI Governance Practitioner Certificate is designed to equip Information Governance professionals with the essential knowledge and skills to navigate AI deployment within their organisations. As we detailed in our previous blog “What is the role of IG Professionals in AI Governance?”, IG professionals should be aware of how this technology works so that they can help to ensure that there is responsible deployment from an IG perspective, just as would be the case with any new technology.   

So far thirty delegates, from a variety of backgrounds, have successfully completed the course, giving great feedback. Delegates have complimented us on the scope of the syllabus and the delivery style. Cora Suckley, Information Governance Service Manager, Digital Health and Care Wales said: 

“The AI Governance Practitioner Certificate exceeded my expectations. The content was comprehensive and well-structured, successfully bridging the gap between technical AI concepts and essential governance frameworks. The course delved into responsible AI principles, risk management, compliance, policy and ethical considerations, equipping me with practical tools to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape. 

The instructor was excellent and made the sessions interactive, highly engaging and applicable, providing real-world examples. This course provides a solid foundation for implementing AI governance in a meaningful and effective way.” 

The final course for 2025 starts in October. Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.  

AI Governance Practitioner Certificate: First Cohort Successfully Completes Course 

Act Now is pleased to report that the first cohort of its new AI Governance Practitioner Certificate has successfully completed the course. 

This course is designed to equip Information Governance professionals with the essential knowledge and skills to navigate AI deployment within their organisations. As we detailed in our previous blog “What is the role of IG Professionals in AI Governance?”, IG professionals should be aware of how this technology works so that they can help to ensure that there is responsible deployment from an IG perspective, just as would be the case with any new technology.   

The first course ran over a four week period in May and June. It consisted of ten delegates from the health sector in Wales. They all successfully completed the course assessment in July. 

The course was extremely well received by the delegates who complimented us on the scope of the syllabus and the delivery style: 

“I took a huge amount from the course which will help shape the development of processes for us internally in the coming months.” Dave Parsons , WASPI Code Manager (Wales Accord on the Sharing of Personal Information)  

“This was a superb course with a lot of information delivered at a carefully managed rate that encouraged discussion and reflection.  Literacy in AI and its application is vital – without it we cannot comprehend the ever changing level of IG threat and risk.” MA, Digital Health and Care Wales

“The training was very good. The instructor was also very knowledgeable about the subject.” HP, Digital Health and Care Wales

Cora Suckley, Information Governance Service Manager, Digital Health and Care Wales said: 

“The AI Governance Practitioner Certificate exceeded my expectations. The content was comprehensive and well-structured, successfully bridging the gap between technical AI concepts and essential governance frameworks. The course delved into responsible AI principles, risk management, compliance, policy and ethical considerations, equipping me with practical tools to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape. 

The instructor was excellent and made the sessions interactive, highly engaging and applicable, providing real-world examples. This course provides a solid foundation for implementing AI governance in a meaningful and effective way.” 

Two more cohorts are currently completing the course. The next course starts in September and has a few places left.  

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: Dates Published 

Act Now is pleased to publish the 2025 cohort dates for our new AI Governance Practitioner Certificate.  

This course is designed to equip Information Governance professionals with the essential knowledge and skills to navigate AI deployment within their organisations. As we detailed in our previous blog “What is the role of IG Professionals in AI Governance?”, AI implementation is already here. IG professionals should be aware of how this technology works so that they can help to ensure that there is responsible deployment from an IG perspective, just as would be the case with any new technology.  

The course is run over four days and the details of the upcoming cohorts and dates are below. The first cohort in May is already fully booked. 

May: 28th May, 29th May, 18th June, 19th June (Fully Booked) 

June: 27th June, 4th July, 11th July,18th July  

July: 29th July, 5th August,12th August,19th August 

September: 18th September, 25th September, 2nd October, 9th October 

October: 29th October, 5th November, 12th November, 19th November 

We are currently offering a £100 discount for the month of May (for any cohort) on the published price of this course. Please quote the code “Art100” when booking.  

Act Now Launches AI Governance Practitioner Certificate for the Middle East 

The Middle East has emerged as a dynamic force in the global AI landscape, making substantial strides in AI deployment and initiatives. Examples include: 

  • In the UAE, the Advanced Technology Research Council has developed the Falcon series of large language models, which have been integrated into sectors like healthcare and adopted internationally.   
  • Saudi Arabia, under its Vision 2030, has invested $40 billion into AI development, focusing on smart cities and energy.  
  • Qatar is expanding its AI infrastructure with Ooredoo, a leading telecom company, investing QR2 billion to enhance its data centres.  

The Middle East’s commitment to AI innovation has seen a parallel focus on governance frameworks. The UAE AI Charter, introduced in 2024, outlines 12 guiding principles emphasising transparency, inclusivity and accountability in AI development.​ In Saudia Arabia, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority has issued AI Ethics Principles and Generative AI Guidelines whilst the KSA government recently launched a consultation on the Global AI Hub Law. 

As AI technologies become increasingly integrated into societal frameworks, the role of governance professionals becomes paramount. Understanding AI governance is essential for several reasons: 

  • Ethical Oversight: AI systems must be developed and deployed ethically to prevent biases and ensure fairness. Governance professionals are instrumental in establishing frameworks that uphold ethical standards.​ 
  • Regulatory Compliance: With nations implementing AI-related regulations and guidelines, professionals must navigate these legal landscapes to ensure compliance and mitigate risks.​ 
  • Public Trust: Transparent and accountable AI practices foster public trust, which is crucial for the widespread adoption of AI technologies.​ 
  • Strategic Leadership: Professionals equipped with AI governance knowledge can lead initiatives that align technological advancements with societal values and objectives.​ 

Building the AI Skillset  

For compliance professionals in the Middle East, this is an opportune moment to acquire expertise in AI governance, ensuring that AI technologies are developed and deployed responsibly, ethically, and in alignment with the region’s strategic goals. There is also a professional development opportunity; compliance professionals can position themselves as forward-thinking leaders who can bridge the gap between law, ethics, and technology. 

With these objectives in mind, Act Now is pleased to launch our new AI Governance Practitioner Certificate (MENA). This course is designed to equip you with the essential knowledge and skills to navigate this transformative technology within the organisations 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. 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 the UAE and KSA PDPL, 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 new course builds on the success of our UAE and KSA Data Protection Officer certificates. It will run in July and September and we are also able to deliver it on an
in-house customised basis. Please get in touch to learn more.  

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.