Act Now Launches New UAE DP Officer Certificate 

Act Now Training is pleased to announce the launch of the new UAE Data Protection Officer Certificate.  

Data Protection law in the Middle East has seen some rapid developments recently. The UAE recently enacted a federal law to comprehensively regulate the processing of personal data in all seven emirates. This will sit alongside current data protection laws regulating businesses in the various financial districts such as the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Data Protection Law No. 5 of 2020 and the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Data Protection Regulations 2021. In addition there are several sector specific laws in the UAE which address personal privacy and data security. Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar also now have comprehensive data protection laws.   

These laws require a fundamental assessment of the way Middle East businesses handle personal data from collection through to storage, disclosure and destruction. With enhanced rights for individuals and substantial fines for non-compliance no business can afford to ignore the new requirements. 

Act Now’s UAE Data Protection Officer Certificate has been developed following extensive discussions with our clients and partners in the UAE and builds on our experience of delivering training and consultancy in the region. The course focuses on the essential knowledge required by DPOs to successfully navigate the UAE data protection landscape. The course will also help DPOs to develop the skills required to do their job better.
These include interpreting the data protection principles in a practical context, drafting privacy notices, undertaking DPIAs and reporting data breaches. 

The course teaching style is based on four practical and engaging workshops covering theory alongside hands-on application using case studies that equip delegates with knowledge and skills that can be used immediately. Delegates will also have personal tutor support throughout the course and access to a comprehensive revised online resource lab. 

Ibrahim Hasan, director of Act Now Training, said: 

“I am really pleased to be launching this new UAE DPO certificate course. This is an exciting time for data protection law in the Middle East. Act Now is committed to contributing to the development of the DPO function in the region.” 

If you would like to discuss your suitability for this course, please get in touch. It can also be delivered as an in house option.

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.  

Information Commissioner Congratulates Act Now DP Practitioner Certificate Candidates

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Act Now Training’s Data Protection Practitioner Certificate continues to go from strength to strength. In Autumn 2015, a total of 16 delegates from the local government, health, education and private sectors passed the course with flying colours. 9 delegates achieved a merit and 3 achieved a distinction.

The Information Commissioner, Christopher Graham, said:

“Congratulations to all the successful candidates. It was worth all the slog, as I am sure you will find in your future careers. And it’s good to know that there is another cohort of qualified professionals looking after our data in the increasingly competitive digital world. All organisations need to take data protection and data security seriously or risk losing their reputation – not to mention customers. The new EU data protection framework brings these issues into even sharper focus – which makes your expertise even more essential.”

Over the years this course has produced many satisfied customers:

This was an excellent course specifically designed for the day to day practical use of DP. It demystified the subject in a way which I could understand. Tim Turner is an excellent tutor with a good sound knowledge and ability to put it across. HC, West Yorkshire Police

Tim broke the course down into manageable chunks and gave useful, practical examples that illustrated his points. This course has given me not only the knowledge but also the confidence to improve at my job and make my organisation better too! Thanks Tim! DH, Cheshire West and Chester Council

This course was designed to be more learner friendly in the way it is examined. It shows your practical knowledge in the assessment along with your ability to use the legislation in your project. A worthwhile course for the modern day data protection officer. DJ, Northumberland CC

Since commencing in my role I was expected to develop a knowledge of and interpret the DPA. This course has embedded my understanding of the act and given me the confidence to challenge existing and new practices to ensure compliance.  SD, NYFRS

I would thoroughly recommend the course, which has a sensible, practical focus and deals with the application of an otherwise abstract and complex piece of legislation to real life situations.
AG, Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman

The Data Protection Practitioner Certificate is our own qualification for those who work with Data Protection and privacy issues on a day-to-day basis. The course, designed in consultation with a panel of experts from the UK and Europe, takes place over four days (one day per week) and involves lectures, assessments and exercises. This is followed by a written assessment. Candidates are then required to complete a practical project (in their own time) to achieve the certificate.

The emphasis of the course is on practical skills which a Data protection Officer needs to do their job and raise DP standards in their organisation. The course syllabus has been recently revised to include more themes covered by the new European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) expected to come into force in 2018.

Candidates also now have the option to take our specially designed GDPR webinars after completion and up to 12 months in the future as part of their course. This has been included for our Certificate candidates free of charge (normally £49+Vat each) allowing them to customise their learning with the greatest flexibility and ensure their preparations for GDPR are assisted with the most up to date information.

To learn more please visit our website or get in touch.

 

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