Home > News > December 2004 > 08-Dec-2004

BCS launch Freedom of Information Act qualification

The British Computer Society has responded to concerns that public bodies are not prepared for the forthcoming Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) by launching a new qualification, targeted at those responsible for enforcing the Act.

The Certificate in Freedom of Information, from the Society's Information Systems Examination Board (ISEB), was created following demand by IT practitioners looking to ensure their organisations are compliant with the forthcoming legislation.

1 January 2005 is the deadline for all public bodies, including central and local government, schools, the NHS and the Police, to be able to supply information requested by the public within 20 working days, regardless of how or where they store their data.

The public sector has had four years to ensure compliance of the Act and to ensure adequate IT systems are in place to store and recall data. According to the BCS, it is feared many will not be ready for the January deadline and there are concerns that 20 days is not long enough to obtain historical information at a customer's request, especially if the correct IT requirements have not be considered.

The ISEB Certificate in Freedom of Information is hoping to tackle this problem by showing candidates how they can enforce the Act to ensure their organisation remains consistently compliant. The qualification's six modules can be taken over five days and include the origins and background of the Act; responsibilities and obligations and enforcing the legislation. The certificate also incorporates both UK Acts: the FOIA and FOIA Scotland.

Mason's Solicitors are the first training provider to offer the qualification which is being aimed at data protection/freedom of information officers, information security, personnel or human resources staff and the course is being made available throughout the country to assist anyone wishing to learn about the Act and its implications.

David Clarke, chief executive of the BCS believes such a qualification is vital to those wishing to stay on top of the forthcoming legislation, "With the date for compliance looming and with the threat of fines and possible prison sentences being imposed, the need for certified IT professionals responsible for enforcing the Act, has never been greater. Possession of ISEB's Certificate in Freedom of Information can provide the assurance that the reputation and credibility of a public sector body is maintained and enhanced through relevant information and records management policies and procedures."

External link

Further information on the qualification can be found at www.iseb.org.uk/foia

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