Tag: RM

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. 

Our 23rd Birthday! Celebrate with Us and Save on Training  

This month marks 23 years of Act Now Training. We delivered our first course in 2003 (on the Data Protection Act 1998!) at the National Railway Museum in York. Fast forward to today, and we deliver over 300 training days a year on AI, GDPR, records management, surveillance law and cyber security; supporting delegates across multiple jurisdictions including the Middle East.  

Our success comes from more than just longevity; we are trusted by clients across every sector, giving us a unique insight into the real-world challenges of information governance. That’s why our education-first approach focuses on practical skills, measurable impact, and lasting value for your organisation. 

Anniversary Offer: To celebrate, we are giving you a £50 discount on any one-day workshop, if you book by 30th September 2025. Choose from our most popular sessions like GDPR and FOI A to Z, or explore new topics like AI and Information Governance and the Risk Managment in IG. 

Simply quote “23rd Anniversary” on your booking form to claim your discount.

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. 

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!

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.  

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!